Smooth, boozy and blissfully cold, the bushwacker is the Gulf Coast’s unofficial toast to sunshine, one creamy sip at a time.
Born in the 1970s on a sundrenched Caribbean island, the bushwacker quickly made its way to America’s Gulf shores, where beachgoers embraced it as the ultimate frozen indulgence. Part milkshake, part cocktail, it’s traditionally blended with rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao and creamy coconut, whirled with ice until silky smooth.
Each bartender along the coast adds a personal spin—some with chocolate drizzle, others with a dash of nutmeg or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but every version captures the same spirit of vacation in a glass. The bushwacker’s cool, velvety mix became a coastal icon as visitors sought refuge from the summer sun, sipping it under umbrellas and watching waves roll in. Its blend of island roots and Southern hospitality reflects the laidback lifestyle that defines our beaches. Whether you’re cooling off after a day on the sand or chasing that sunset glow, the bushwacker delivers a sweet, spirited taste of the coast—no passport required.