Bushwacker


A decadent frozen chocolate-coconut milkshake fortified with rum.


Base spirit
Rum
Style
Dessert
Glassware
Hurricane glass

The Bushwacker is a rich, frozen dessert cocktail often described as a 'Piña Colada made with chocolate.' It blends dark rum, Kahlúa, dark crème de cacao, and coconut cream into a heavy, milkshake-like consistency. Unlike the fruit-forward Colada, this is pure confectionery indulgence, popularized in the Florida Panhandle. It is heavy, sweet, and potent, masking a significant amount of alcohol behind dairy and chocolate flavors.


A frozen Bushwacker in a hurricane glass drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 oz dark rum
  • 1 oz Kahlúa
  • 1 oz dark crème de cacao
  • 2 oz cream of coconut
  • 1 oz milk or half-and-half

Did you know?

Though invented in St. Thomas, the drink became the signature beverage of Pensacola Beach, Florida, which hosts an annual festival dedicated to it.

Source:Pensacola historical archives; PunchDrink

Bartender's Note

Use plenty of ice to ensure it is thick enough to stand a straw up in; it should not be watery.

How to make the Bushwacker

  1. 1Add all ingredients and 1 cup of ice to a blender
  2. 2Blend on high until smooth and thick
  3. 3Pour into a hurricane glass (optionally drizzled with chocolate)
  4. 4Garnish with a cherry or chocolate shavings

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