Bushwackers Recipe

ByDave Simpson

I take great pleasure in treating myself to a Bushwacker, a cocktail so rich and creamy that it feels more like a tropical dessert. This recipe combines 2 oz of coconut cream with the bold flavor of 2 oz of coffee liqueur, giving it a velvety depth that’s quite unlike anything else.

The 1 oz of dark rum and 1 oz of crème de cacao are perfectly balanced by the 4 oz of half and half. Blended with 2 cups of crushed ice, it’s a refreshing drink.

For an optional twist, you might use coconut rum in place of the dark rum. I like to finish it off with grated nutmeg and whipped cream for a delightful garnish.

Ingredients photo for Bushwackers Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Bushwackers Recipe

Coconut Cream: This ingredient brings both sweetness and creaminess, as well as richness in carbohydrates.

Kahlúa: This coffee liqueur provides a rich and indulgent flavor of coffee that is sweet and tempting.

Dark Rum: Infuses depth and warmth, brings richness in a high-alcohol format.

Crème de Cacao: Provides sweet chocolate flavor, heightening the dessert-like quality.

Half and half: Delivers creaminess; a good source of fat and calcium.

Ice that has been crushed: Heaps of tiny ice crystals that nearly fill the glass.

These crystals take up more space than pieces of regular ice, but they also provide a mix of refreshing chill and thick texture—qualities that just about any drink would prefer to have.

Coconut rum: Provides the taste of coconut in an optional, flavor-enhancing component.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 2 oz cream of coconut

  • 2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

  • 1 oz dark rum

  • 1 oz crème de cacao

  • 4 oz half and half

  • 2 cups crushed ice

  • 1 oz coconut rum (optional)

  • Grated nutmeg, for garnish (optional)

  • Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. In a blender, blend the cream of coconut, coffee liqueur, dark rum, crème de cacao, half and half, and coconut rum (if using).

2. The ice that has been crushed should be placed into the blender.

3. Mix at high speed until the blend is smooth and creamy.

4. Sample the blend; make any necessary adjustments to the sweetness or thickness by incorporating additional cream of coconut or by modifying the amount of ice used.

5. Chilling the serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes is a way to prepare them that some people may prefer.

6. Divide the blended Bushwacker mixture evenly between the glasses that have been chilled.

7. If you prefer an extra touch of creaminess, top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream.

8. Sprinkle a pinch of grated nutmeg over the whipped cream. This will give a nice aromatic element to the garnish.

9. You can optionally add a straw to each glass for easy sipping.

10. Bushwackers are ridiculously rich and creamy, which is only part of the reason why they are delicious. The other part—and the part responsible for making them taste so good—is that they contain a good amount of rum. Here’s how to make ’em.

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Measuring cups
3. Ice crusher (if ice is not pre-crushed)
4. Chilled serving glasses
5. Spoon (for stirring)
6. Grater (for nutmeg garnish)
7. Straw (optional)

FAQ

  • What can I use if I don’t have cream of coconut?You can replace it with sweetened condensed milk mixed with a little bit of coconut extract to replicate the flavor and texture.

  • Can I make this drink without alcohol? Yes, you can replace the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives: use coffee syrup in place of coffee liqueur, non-alcoholic rum flavoring, and chocolate syrup for crème de cacao.

  • Is there a way to make this drink dairy-free?Sure, you can substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the half-and-half, and make sure that any liqueurs you use are also dairy-free.

  • How can I make my Bushwacker thicker?Use less half and half or cream of coconut, or a bit more crushed ice, when blending.

  • What are some variations of this recipe?A splash of flavored syrups—like vanilla or caramel—can be added for more pizazz. For a tropical twist, toss in a banana.

Substitutions and Variations

1 oz coconut cream can be substituted for cream of coconut in a recipe. Coconut cream is less sweet than cream of coconut and will give a creamier texture to the final dish.
You can substitute 2 oz of coffee liqueur with 2 oz of DIY coffee syrup and a splash of vodka for a no-liqueur alternative.
1 oz spiced rum can be used instead of dark rum, which gives a different flavor profile.
A non-alcoholic option can be made by using 1 oz of melted chocolate syrup and a hint of vanilla extract to replace the ounce of crème de cacao called for in the recipe.
4 oz half and half can be substituted with 4 oz almond milk for a dairy-free version.