Frozen Bushwacker Drink: The Ultimate Dessert Cocktail

You'll go coconuts for this sweet and creamy bushwacker cocktail that brings a taste of the tropics straight to your glass.

Updated January 25, 2024
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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

  1. In a blender, combine the ice, rum, vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, amaretto, and cream of coconut.
  2. Blend on high until smooth.
  3. Pour into a Collins or hurricane glass. 
Fast Fact

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. 

Related: 9 Coffee Cocktails to Wake You Up & Chill You Out 

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. 

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Frozen Bushwacker Drink: The Ultimate Dessert Cocktail