Trailblazer

Delightful Indulgence: The Bushwacker Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce dark rum
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce créme de cacao
• 2 ounces Coco Lopez coconut cream
• 2 ounces whole milk
• 1 maraschino cherry (for decoration)
• 1 ounce dark chocolate (for decoration)

Crafting the Perfect Bushwacker

To whip up this luscious concoction, start by gathering all your ingredients, then toss them into a blender alongside some crushed ice. Blend everything together on high speed for approximately 20-25 seconds until everything is beautifully mixed.

Next, pour the chilled mixture into a tall glass—something like a pint or hurricane glass works perfectly. For that final touch, adorn your drink with a sprinkle of crumbled dark chocolate and if you’re feeling fancy, top it off with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!

A Taste of Paradise: The History of the Bushwacker

Have you ever imagined a chocolate milkshake elevated to new heights? Look no further than the Bushwacker, a delightful blend of flavors introduced in 1975 in the Virgin Islands by Angie Conigliaro and Tom Brokamp at the Ship’s Store & Sapphire Pub on St. Thomas. This scrumptious drink made its grand entrance into the U.S. thanks to Linda Taylor Murphy, a bartender from Pensacola, Florida, who fell in love with it during a trip to the islands. Her establishment, the Sandshaker Lounge, became the go-to spot for this delightful beverage, even hosting the popular annual Bushwacker Fest in Pensacola.

The cocktail was affectionately named after a beloved dog named Bushwack, who belonged to some loyal patrons of the pub. While there are numerous variations of this creamy delight, our favorite combination features aged rum, Kahlua coffee liqueur, Coco Lopez, whole milk, and créme de cacao. For a delightful balance, we recommend opting for sweeter options like Kahlua paired with Coco Lopez coconut cream, steering clear of overly sugary alternatives.

Though the classic Bushwacker is beloved, creative bartenders often spin their own versions. Some might opt for Bailey’s Irish cream, amaretto, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a splash of Cointreau for a citrus twist. For garnishes, the possibilities are endless—think whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, or grated nutmeg. In our recipe, we go for the rich texture of crumbled dark chocolate topped with a maraschino cherry. Want an even stronger kick? Consider floating a bit of overproof rum on top by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon positioned just above the rim of your glass.