While everyone might be familiar with the mudslide cocktail, there's a nuttier version: the frozen bushwacker. While the name may throw you for a spin, it's said that this frozen coffee, cream, and coconut-flavored cocktail was invented in the mid-1970s in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and was named after a dog that hung out at a bar. Since its inception, the creamy milkshake-like drink has found a home in Florida bars, and we're all for it.
How to Make a Frozen Bushwacker
Without a doubt, this drink can pass as a dessert on its own. Feel free to add some of your favorite toppings of your choice. We recommend whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and nutmeg garnish.
Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed ice
- 1½ ounces dark rum
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 1½ ounces Irish cream
- 1½ ounces coffee liqueur
- 1½ ounces amaretto
- 1½ ounces cream of coconut
- Chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the ice, rum, vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, amaretto, and cream of coconut.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour into a Collins or hurricane glass.
Pensacola, Florida, holds an annual bushwacker festival in honor of this drink.
Creamy & Sweeter Bushwacker Alternative
Want a creamier bushwacker? Substitute ice for ice cream and these other ingredients:
- Omit crushed ice and use 2 scoops of vanilla or coconut ice cream and 1 ounce of banana liqueur.
- Add more flavor by replacing regular vodka with caramel-flavored vodka.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use Kahlúa as your coffee liqueur and 1 ounce freshly brewed espresso.
- Replace the amaretto with Frangelico for a pronounced hazelnut flavor.
Garnishes
The sky's the limit when it comes to garnishing this drink. Stick to your favorite sundae toppings or keep it simple with these suggestions:
- Replace chocolate syrup with caramel syrup.
- Dip the rim of the glass in caramel or chocolate syrup and then in coconut flakes or coconut sugar.
- Top with whipped cream and grated orange zest, a maraschino cherry, or crushed espresso beans.
- Dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Go the extra mile and turn this cocktail into a true dessert experience with crushed cookies or small chocolate-covered strawberries.
A Sweet and Creamy Summertime Sipper
Whether your craving leans towards a delectable dessert or a chocolate-infused cocktail, the Bushwacker is the perfect treat to sip under the hot summer sun. With its velvety, sweet, and coconut-infused creaminess, you'll feel right by the coast of Florida. Cheers to your new favorite cocktail with a name and taste to remember.
