Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe

The Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe is one of those beach favorites that always brings a smile.

The first time I tried it was during a sunny weekend trip to the Florida coast. The sound of waves, warm air, and that creamy frozen drink in my hand made the day feel extra special.

The mix of rum, chocolate, and coffee flavor felt like a smooth, cold milkshake made just for adults.

This drink started in Pensacola, a cheerful beach town known for its easygoing spirit and love for good times. Locals have enjoyed it for years, and it’s now a classic treat at bars and backyard gatherings.

What makes it stand out is how simple it is to make right at home. With only a few ingredients and a blender, anyone can mix up a cool, creamy drink that tastes like a little bit of vacation in every sip.

Today, I’ll show you how to make your own Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe from scratch.

What Is a Bushwacker?

A Bushwacker is a frozen cocktail that mixes rum, creamy liqueurs, and a touch of chocolate flavor. It tastes like a milkshake but has a tropical twist from the rum and coconut. The drink was first created in the 1970s and quickly became a beach-bar classic.

It’s known for its smooth, cold texture and rich flavor. You don’t taste the alcohol too much because it blends so well with ice cream and cream liqueurs. Many people describe it as a dessert drink — cold, creamy, and perfect for hot weather or as a fun party drink any time of the year.

The Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe version adds a local beach vibe to the mix, keeping it simple yet flavorful. It’s all about easy ingredients, a blender, and a few minutes of blending magic.

Why You’ll Love This Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe

There are many reasons to enjoy this recipe.

First, it’s simple. You don’t need fancy tools or bartending skills. Just blend and sip.
Second, it tastes amazing — creamy, sweet, and smooth with a nice hint of coffee and rum.

This drink is also great for sharing with friends. It fits any setting — backyard cookouts, summer pool days, or just a relaxing evening at home.

You can even make a kid-friendly version by skipping the alcohol and keeping all the creamy flavor.

Plus, it looks fun to serve. The soft brown color, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle make it look like a treat from a beach café.

Once you try this Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe, it might become your go-to frozen drink for every warm day.

Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Ingredients

• Dark Rum (1 ounce): This gives the drink its main kick. It has a deep, molasses-like flavor. You can use a light rum instead for a milder taste.
• Coffee Liqueur (1 ounce): This adds a wonderful coffee flavor. It makes the drink taste rich. If you do not have any, a strong cold brew coffee mixed with a little sugar will work.
• Cream of Coconut (1 ounce): This makes the drink sweet and gives it a tropical coconut taste. It is very thick and syrupy. You can use coconut milk from a can, but the drink will be less sweet and creamy.
• Crème de Cacao (1 ounce): This is a chocolate-flavored liqueur. It makes the Bushwacker taste like a chocolate shake. A simple chocolate syrup is a good substitute.
• Whole Milk (2 ounces): Milk helps blend all the flavors together and makes the drink smooth. Any kind of milk you have will do, but whole milk makes it extra creamy.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (1 cup): This is the secret to the thick, milkshake-like texture. It adds creaminess and a hint of vanilla flavor.
• Ice Cubes (2 cups): The ice is what makes the drink frozen and slushy.
• Chocolate Syrup and Whipped Cream for garnish: These are for decorating your glass. They make the drink look pretty and add a little more chocolatey goodness.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Blender: To mix everything smoothly.
2. Measuring Cup: For accurate liquid amounts.
3. Jigger or Small Cup: To measure the liquors.
4. Tall Glasses: For serving the drink.
5. Spoons: For stirring and adding garnishes.

How To Make a Pensacola Bushwacker Drink

Step 1 | Prepare Your Glasses

First, take your tall glasses and squeeze a little chocolate syrup inside. Swirl the glass around so the syrup coats the inner sides.This looks great and adds flavor with every sip. Place the glasses to the side.

Step 2 | Combine the Ingredients

Next, plug in your blender. Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, cream of coconut, and crème de cacao into the blender pitcher.

Then, pour in the whole milk. Add the scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. Finally, dump in the two cups of ice cubes.

Step 3 | Blend Until Smooth

Now, put the lid on your blender tightly. Start blending on a low speed for a few seconds. Then, switch to a high speed.

Let it run until the mixture is completely smooth and has a thick, slushy consistency. You should not see any chunks of ice.

Step 4 | Pour and Garnish

Then, turn off the blender. Take your prepared glasses. Carefully pour the blended mixture into them. Leave a little space at the top.

Finish by adding a big swirl of whipped cream on top of each drink. Drizzle a little more chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for a final touch. Your drink is ready!

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

• Chill Your Glasses: For an even frostier drink, put your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you make the Bushwackers.
• Adjust the Thickness: If your drink is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it is too thin, add another scoop of ice cream or a few more ice cubes and blend again.
• Make it Alcohol-Free: You can make a tasty version without alcohol. Use non-alcoholic coffee syrup and chocolate syrup. The rest of the steps are the same.
• Use High-Quality Ice Cream: Since ice cream is a main ingredient, using a brand you love will make the whole drink taste better.

How to Serve This Pensacola Bushwacker Drink

This drink is best served right away while it is still frozen and frothy. A tall, chilled glass is the classic way to present it.

You can add a fun paper straw or a long spoon for sipping. These Bushwackers are rich, so they are a dessert all by themselves.

They are fantastic for summer barbecues, pool parties, or as a sweet ending to a dinner with friends.

For a real beach vibe, serve them with a small umbrella on the side. The combination of the cold glass and the creamy treat is always a hit.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This drink is meant to be enjoyed immediately. If you have any leftover, you can keep it in the freezer. Put it in a container with a lid.

It will become very hard. When you want to drink it again, let it thaw for a few minutes and then re-blend it. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still taste good.

For a party, you can measure all the liquid ingredients ahead of time and keep them mixed in a pitcher in the fridge. When guests arrive, just add the ice cream and ice to the blender with your pre-mixed liquids.

Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe FAQs

1. My blender is not very powerful. Can I still make this?

Absolutely! The key is to help your blender out. You can use crushed ice instead of whole cubes because it is easier to blend.

Also, let the ice cream sit on the counter for five minutes to soften before you add it. Start blending on the lowest speed and slowly move to a higher one. This prevents the motor from straining.

2. How can I make this drink stronger or weaker?

It is easy to adjust the strength. For a stronger drink, add half an ounce more of each liquor. For a weaker version, use half the amount of rum and liqueurs.

The drink will still be creamy and delicious. Remember, you should always taste it as you go to make sure it is perfect for you.

3. Is this similar to a Mudslide?

They are like cousins! Both are creamy, frozen cocktails. A Mudslide typically uses just vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream.

The Pensacola Bushwacker has rum, coconut, and chocolate liqueur, which gives it a distinct tropical flavor profile. The Bushwacker is often considered thicker and more dessert-like.

4. Can I make a big batch for a party?

You can, but you will need to blend in batches. Most home blenders cannot handle a huge recipe all at once.

I suggest making one batch at a time and pouring it into a large pitcher. Keep the pitcher in the freezer, and give it a good stir before serving. This way, everyone can enjoy a fresh, frozen drink.

5. What is the best ice cream to use?

A high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the best choice. It has little specks of real vanilla that add great flavor.

A standard vanilla ice cream works perfectly fine too. Avoid using a strongly flavored ice cream, as it can overpower the other ingredients in the drink.

This Pensacola Bushwacker Drink Recipe brings a taste of the coast right to your home. Its creamy, dreamy texture and perfect mix of flavors make it a favorite for good reason.

It is simple to prepare and always brings a smile. This delicious Pensacola Bushwacker is your ticket to a sweet escape any day of the week.