How To Make a Classic Bushwacker Cocktail
Ah, the Bushwacker. If you’ve ever been to Gulf Shores (or any self-respecting beach town in the Southeast), you’ve probably encountered this frozen, chocolatey concoction that will have you questioning whether you’re drinking a cocktail or a dessert. Spoiler alert: it’s both.

This deliciously dangerous adult beverage is like a milkshake that decided to have a little too much fun. But don’t be fooled by its sweet and creamy demeanor—this thing packs a punch. One sip, and you’ll understand why Southerners swear by it for keeping cool on those sweltering beach days. And thanks to Cocktails, Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan, you can now whip one up at home.
How to Make a Bushwacker
Belinda’s recipe serves 4, but I’ve scaled the recipe down to a single serving—because as delicious as it is, sometimes you don’t need a whole blender full! The original, full recipe is in the recipe card below.
Reminder: You must be 21 or older to enjoy this boozy treat. Drink responsibly—just because it’s sweet and creamy doesn’t mean it’s a milkshake. Sip, don’t chug!
Ingredients for One Serving:
- 1 ounce creme of coconut
- ½ ounce Kahlua
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce creme de cacao
- ½ ounce dark rum
- ¼ ounce chocolate sauce or syrup
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup ice
- Whipped cream, freshly grated nutmeg, and a maraschino cherry for garnish (optional but highly recommended)
Directions:
- Toss the ice into a blender, followed by the creme of coconut, Kahlua, Irish cream, creme de cacao, dark rum, and chocolate sauce. Blend until the ice is finely chopped.
- Add the vanilla ice cream and blend again until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a hurricane glass (or whatever fancy glass you feel like using—no judgment here).
- Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cherry on top if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- Sip, savor, and pretend you’re lounging on a white sandy beach.



Classic Bushwacker
Ingredients
- 4 ounces creme of coconut
- 2 ouces Kahlua
- 2 ounces Irish cream liqueur
- 2 ounces creme de cacao
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce chocolate sauce or syrup
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Place 3 cups of ice in a blender. Add the creme of coconut, Kahlua, Irish creme, creme de cacao, rum, and chocolate sauce. Cover and process until the ice is finely chopped.
- Add the ice cream and process until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and garnish as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
More About the Book: Cocktails, Southern Style
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a well-mixed drink and a little Southern charm, then Cocktails, Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan needs to be on your shelf. This isn’t just a cocktail book—it’s a full-on celebration of Southern hospitality, packed with about 90 recipes for everything from classic cocktails to bold new flavor combos.

Whether you’re toasting a celebration, brunching like a pro, or just need an afternoon sipper for your porch-sitting session, this book has you covered. Categories include:
- Celebration Cocktails – Perfect for when you need a reason to clink glasses.
- Brunch Favorites – Because mimosas aren’t the only way to start your day.
- Afternoon Porch Sippers – Slow sippin’ classics for those lazy Southern afternoons.
- Five O’Clock Somewhere – Classic drinks with modern updates.
- Spritzes, Smashes, and Fizzes – Bubbly, vibrant, and just plain fun.
- Shandies and Beer Cocktails – Because sometimes beer deserves an upgrade.
- Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages – So everyone can join in the fun.
And what’s a Southern drink without a little something to munch on? The book even includes a bonus chapter with snacks like Mini Hot Browns, Pimento Cheese and Tomato Sliders, Sausage Roll Poppers, and Crab Hush Puppies—because, let’s face it, you’re gonna need some sustenance.
Belinda Smith-Sullivan, the mastermind behind this boozy brilliance, isn’t just a mixologist—she’s a chef, food writer, spice entrepreneur, and even a pilot (because why not be awesome at everything?). With a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales and features in South Carolina Living, she knows her way around a kitchen and a cocktail shaker.
So grab yourself a copy of (Amazon affiliate link>) Cocktails, Southern Style, make yourself a Bushwacker (or three) and raise a glass to the fine art of Southern sipping. Cheers, y’all!
This is an absolutely delicious drink – don’t forget, though, that it is an adult beverage!