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.

Bushwacker topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

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.

Liqueur being poured into a blender with ice.

Homemade bushwacker cocktail topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Cherry on top of whipped cream in a glass.

Classic Bushwacker

The Bushwacker is a frozen, chocolatey cocktail that’s a favorite along the Gulf Coast. Made with a rich blend of creme of coconut, coffee liqueur, dark rum, and vanilla ice cream, this boozy milkshake is dangerously delicious. Top it with whipped cream and a cherry for the ultimate treat.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 593kcal

Author: Lynda – Southern Kissed

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

Recipe reprinted with permission from Cocktails, Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Gibbs Smith March 2025.

Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary depending on the brands used and exact measurements. The calculation for this recipe does not include the whipped topping.

Nutrition

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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!