If you've spent any time along our beautiful Gulf Coast, you know there's one frosty concoction that reigns supreme when temperatures soar: the legendary Bushwacker. Part milkshake, part boozy delight, this blended cocktail has become the unofficial drink of coastal Alabama and the Florida panhandle. So grab your designated driver (trust me, you'll need one) and discover some of the best Bushwacker spots along our coast!
What Exactly Is A Bushwacker?
For those who haven’t experienced one yet, a Bushwacker is a heavenly frozen cocktail typically made with rum, coffee liqueur, cream of coconut, and milk or ice cream, blended to perfection. Think of it as an adult chocolate milkshake that packs a sneaky punch. The drink originated in the Virgin Islands but found its spiritual home along our Gulf Coast, where each establishment has put their own delicious spin on the recipe.
The Great Bushwacker Debate
Nothing sparks a friendly argument among Gulf Coast locals quite like asking, "Who makes the best Bushwacker?" Everyone has their favorite, and they'll defend it passionately! Some swear by the thicker, ice-cream-heavy versions, while others prefer a perfectly balanced rum-to-cream ratio. Some seek out the strongest concoctions they can find and others debate whether or not chocolate-heavy versions are better. One thing’s for certain: the Bushwacker rivalry is real and the locals take their frozen cocktail allegiances seriously.
Bushwacker Tiramisu
Beyond The Glass
The Bushwacker experience has escaped the confines of glassware! Creative chefs along the coast have transformed this beloved cocktail into mouthwatering desserts that capture all those familiar flavors. CoastAL Orange Beach has created a Bushwacker Tiramisu that layers the drink's signature taste profile into something you eat with a fork instead of sipping through a straw. Not to be outdone, OSO at Bear Point offers a Bushwacker Cheesecake that might just change your life—imagine that creamy, boozy goodness in rich cheesecake form. These inventive treats prove that Bushwacker love knows no bounds!
The Art of the “Floater”
"Would you like a floater with that?" If you're Bushwacker-savvy, you know the answer is always "yes." These extra shots of liquor add both potency and flavor complexity. It's basically a Bushwacker power-up! Just proceed with caution—a floater can turn your already potent Bushwacker into a deceptively delicious knockout punch that sneaks up on you faster than an afternoon thunderstorm!
Coast 360 Favorites
Here's our roundup of can't-miss Bushwacker experiences along the coast:
Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar - Reece’s Bushwacker with peanut butter whiskey
Pirates Cove - Classic Bushwacker alongside a juicy hamburger
The Crab Trap - Bushwacker paired with Hot Crab & Shrimp Dip
Desoto’s Seafood Kitchen - Bushwacker topped with 151 rum
Pink Pony Pub - Sunset views and a perfect Bushwacker
Zeke’s Restaurant - Bushwacker and boatwatching
Moe’s Original BBQ - Bushwacker complementing their smoked wings
Cobalt the Restaurant - Bushwacker with sunshine and bay views
Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s - Bushwacker featuring a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack
Sip Responsibly Y’all
Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting our sugar-white beaches for the weekend, the Bushwacker experience is a must-try Gulf Coast tradition. Just remember what we locals have learned the hard way—they may taste like innocent milkshakes, but they'll have you dancing on tables if you're not careful!