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Bushwacker

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posted: 06/14/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

The Bushwacker is a delicious and easy frozen cocktail you will fall in love with. The mix of coconut, coffee liqueur, and rum is perfection!

glass of bushwhacker, topped with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings

Sometimes I like to combine dessert time and cocktail hour. If you are like me, you are going to love this Bushwacker. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this boozy milkshake is the perfect cocktail dessert combo.

Bushwacker Cocktail Ingredients

Here is an overview of the Bushwacker ingredients and other ways you can use them once they are in your bar. For all the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Dark Rum: With rich notes of caramel and molasses, dark rum works best in this recipe. Light rum will not give the same flavor and is better in tropical cocktails. Whatever brand you buy, just make sure that it is one that you love.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua is the most common coffee liqueur and a great option for this drink. Tia Maria is another brand of coffee liqueur. You will love it in my Espresso Martini.
  • Dark Creme de Cacao: This chocolate liqueur is sweet and a star ingredient in many dessert cocktails, like the Grasshopper.  It is available in both dark and white varieties and either would work in this drink recipe.
  • Cream of Coconut: This is coconut milk that is sweetened. I like to use Coco Lopez.
  • Milk: Any fat content will work in this recipe. Since only two ounces of milk are needed, it won’t affect the thickness of the cocktail.
  • Ice: Essential for creating a frozen drink, start with one cup and add more if needed.

Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Cream

A key part of this recipe is to buy cream of coconut and NOT coconut cream. They are not the same and will result in different-tasting cocktails. Cream of coconut is coconut milk that has been sweetened. It comes in a handy squeeze bottle and is quite sweet, perfect for making cocktails like this Bushwacker drink and the Pina Colada.

Coconut cream, on the other hand, is unsweetened. It usually comes in a can and is very thick.

Side view of a blender of Bushwacker cocktail being poured into glasses

How to Make a Bushwacker

Here is a brief overview of how this Bushwacker drink recipe comes together. For the full recipe including all ingredients and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Combine all ingredients. Add them right into the blender.
  2. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish with whipped cream, and enjoy.
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Skipping the Ice

I love frozen cocktails, but I don’t always love the ice pieces in the final recipe. While this adds an extra step and additional time, I have a great solution for you.

Instead of using ice, combine the rum, Kailua, dark creme de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk. Pour the combination into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. It won’t freeze entirely because of the alcohol, but that is totally fine. The next day, empty the ice cube tray into the blender and blend until smooth.

Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream comes together with only two ingredients and it is perfect for topping all of your homemade desserts and pies.
Photo of a jar of Homemade Whipped Cream with strawberries

How to Serve

Serve these Bushwackers right after blending while they are frozen and fresh. Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a maraschino cherry on top make the perfect garnish and make the cocktail taste even more like an adult milkshake.

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Variations

Here are a few simple ways to mix up the Bushwacker cocktail:

  • Switch up the alcohol. Use Irish cream, vodka, or amaretto in addition to or instead of dark rum.
  • Add in ice cream. Use a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream instead of milk for a creamier drink.
  • Make it dairy-free. Swap in almond, soy, or coconut milk.
Side view of Bushwacker cocktails

Other Dessert Cocktails

From fruity to chocolate, these indulgent dessert drinks will make the perfect treat.

If you make this Bushwacker recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

Side view of Bushwacker cocktails
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Bushwacker

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
The Bushwacker is a delicious and easy frozen cocktail you will fall in love with. The mix of coconut, coffee liqueur, and rum is perfection!

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce dark rum
  • 1 ounce Kahlua  coffee liqueur
  • 1 ounce dark creme de cacao  white could also be used
  • 2 ounces cream of coconut
  • 2 ounces milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • whip cream optional
  • cherries optional
  • shaved chocolate optional

Instructions

  • Pour the dark rum, Kahlua, dark creme de cacao, cream of coconut, milk, and ice into a blender. (Read here on how to make this without ice.)
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pour into a glass. Garnish with whipped cream, cherries, and shaved chocolate.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Side view of Bushwacker cocktails

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Bushwacker

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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