Do you know some of the classic Bushwacker cocktails? If not, don’t worry; this article will provide you with a detailed list of tasty recipes to try out.
A. What is a Bushwacker Cocktail?
Bushwacker drink has been popular since its invention in 1975 in the U.S. Virgin Islands by the Bartender Angie Conigliaro and the Bar Manager Tom Brokamp at the Ship’s Store Sapphire Pub, St. Thomas. The name ‘Bushwack’ is dedicated to the dog accompanying them during the discovery.
The original Bushwacker is a tropical take on the White Russian drink and has ingredients like Kahlua coffee liqueur, Vodka, crème de cacao, whole milk, triple sec, and coco Lopez.
Its popularity spread from bars and restaurants in Florida and Nashville to all over the US. The other ingredients added during this journey were dark rum, Baileys Irish Cream, amaretto, and coconut cream.
Let us look at the different Bushwacker cocktail ingredients used in recipes.
Classic made of chocolate milkshake and pina colada that is perfect for sipping on a poolside or as part of a dessert has the following:
1. Creme de cacao
One of the oldest liqueurs, Creme de cacao, is a flavored chocolate liqueur with a taste of vanilla, available in both dark and white varieties.
As its name indicates, the white variety tastes like milk chocolate, and the dark variety has a darker tone.
The original Bushwacker drink had the dark creme de cacao ingredient; white is more commonly used. The ingredient adds to a Bushwacker’s color and flavor regardless of the variety.
This special liqueur is a popular choice for famous drinks like Chocolate Martini, Brandy Alexander, and Grasshopper. It is also a popular choice in ice cream and other desserts.
Were you wondering about the price? It costs around 10 to 20 dollars.
Note: It is an alcoholic ingredient; to substitute it with a non-alcoholic choice, go for 3 tbsp of water and 3/4 tsp of chocolate extract.
1.1. Cream of coconut
One of the sweet ingredients – a Cream of coconut, made of coconut cream and added sugar, is quite popular.
It should not be confused with coconut cream, which is unsweetened, thick, and has a strong coconut flavor. But, this can still be used as a substitute for cream of coconut – with an ounce of coconut cream and simple syrup.
Cream of coconut adds a delicious tint of coconut to the Bushwacker, but you can also swap it with ice cream and milk.
If someone doesn’t like the flavor, replace a pina colada bottle with cream of coconut, although this might alter the fruity taste of a Bushwacker drink.
This ingredient can also be used in other cocktails and tropical drinks like the Piña Colada, Coconut Margarita, Coconut Rum, and Blue Hawaiian.
1.2. Coffee Liqueur
Kahlua coffee liqueur is the most popular brand in Mexico. It is made of rum, coffee, and sugar. Dark brown, the taste is quite sweet.
Apart from being one of the ingredients, it is also the main ingredient in other cocktails like White Russian, Mind Eraser, and an Espresso Martini.
1.3. Amaretto
A sweet and nutty liqueur, Amaretto has an almond taste and is made out of apricot pits and almonds. The flavor profile is both sweet and bitter.
It is a popular ingredient in many cocktails; however, one needs other ingredients like bourbon or citrus to balance it out.
This and Irish cream are a good combination found in many drinks.
1.4. Vanilla Ice-Cream
One of the typical desserts, Vanilla ice cream, is loved by all, with its essential ingredients like milk, sugar, and cream.
The aromatic and natural vanilla flavor makes several drinks like milkshakes, coffee, and smoothies.
Since a mix gives out an alcoholic flavor, the vanilla ice cream brand would enhance its taste.
Note: To opt for a dairy-free option, you can replace it with coconut or almond milk.
1.5. Whipped Cream
A sweet and fluffy ingredient used to top cakes and beverages – whipped cream is a heavily beaten cream that tastes sweet and sometimes like vanilla.
This rich and foamy dairy product adds flavor to many food items, from cakes to sandwiches.
Whipped cream acts as a garnish; other choices are toasted coconut flakes and chocolate candy. This makes the drink more appealing.
1.6. Chocolate Syrup
A delicious topping to frappes, milkshakes, ice creams, and desserts – chocolate syrup made of cocoa powder, corn syrup, sugar, water, and other flavorings.
A store-bought chocolate syrup (Hershey’s is a popular brand) can add flavor and texture to any drink, pancakes, and waffles. Making it home would provide additional health benefits like less corn syrup consumption.
Tip: You can store chocolate syrups in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Homemade syrups should be stored in colored bottles to lessen the effect of direct light.
1.7. Vodka
A versatile liquor, Vodka is popular, as it tastes well with the combination of coconut rum or triple sec.
This distilled alcoholic beverage is used in many variations, such as white or neutral vodka, flavored aromatic vodkas that serve medicinal purposes, and colorful vodkas.
2. Best Bushwacker recipes
2.1 Bushwacker milkshake
Made with all the classic dark rum, creme de cacao, and cream of coconut – this sweet and creamy mix acts as a boozy milkshake made in a hurricane glass. You can also add freshly grated nutmeg as a topping.
2.2 Bushwacker Cocktail
This frozen cocktail recipe, like coffee liqueur, creme de cacao, dark rum, and cream of coconut, is blissful. With whipped cream, cherry, and nutmeg, you have a frozen treat.
2.3 Caribbean Bushwacker drink
This Bushwacker mix works perfectly for a hot summer day or as a dessert drink. Add ice cubes and the rest of the classic ingredients – you get four mouth-watering servings of this drink.
3. Tips to make Bushwacker
1) Bushwacker drinks can be prepared in advance – prepare them and keep them in the freezer; when ready to serve – let them thaw for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Use a blender to make them creamier, and enjoy.
2) Worried about the number of servings? There are no issues; the serving size can be adjusted according to the recipe. For instance, if a prep time of 10 minutes gives you eight servings, you can make more or less accordingly.
4. Other Frozen Drinks
Didn’t you find your satisfactory taste in the above list? Don’t worry; we have other delicious choices for you.
4.1 Triple Layer Pina Colada
Cold Pina Coladas are best for hot summer days, and this three-layered version – with pineapple, strawberry, and peach – will provide a refreshing fruity flavor.
4.2 Toasted Frozen Coconut Mojito
Made with fresh lime juice, white rum, mint syrup, and coconut milk – this frozen mojito is a freshening tropical drink that is a must-try.
4.3 Wine Slushy
No one said summer couldn’t include a wine slushy instead of a cocktail – just pick your favorite wine and take ice cubes to make an easy and delicious wine slushy recipe.
4.4 Frozen Brazilian Lemonade
A famous Brazilian Beverage is – frozen limeade (since, in Brazil, limes and lemons have the same term).
This tangy and sweet mix, made with limes, sugar, ice cubes, and sweetened condensed milk, works perfectly for hot summers.
4.5 Vodka Lemonade Slush
Mixing lemonade with vodka would give you the best poolside frozen drink this summer – made with simple ingredients like vodka, water, lemon, and lemonade concentrate – you just have to mix it up, freeze, and then serve.
4.6 Lava Flow Frozen Drink
The name of this frozen drink resembles its color: a mix of coconut, white rum, pineapple juice, frozen strawberries, and crushed ice.
Unlike the molten lava, this cocktail is a cool-down on hot summer days.
4.7 Peach Lemonade Slush
Were you looking for a last-minute barbecue drink? Worry not; this Peach Lemonade drink can quickly be whipped up with only three ingredients: Peaches, Frozen lemonade concentrate, and water.
Adding a little bit of bourbon would make it a fantastic alcoholic choice.
4.8 Frozen Pineapple Moscow Mule
With classic ingredients like vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice – this Moscow mule would have the added ingredient pineapple – giving it an excellent citrus taste.
