Bushwacker Recipe & How to Make a Cream of Coconut

Sharing our classic Bushwacker recipe, a frozen cocktail (that’s a mix between a chocolate milkshake and piña colada) and tips on how to make your own homemade cream of coconut.

The Bushwacker is a grown-up “milkshake” that is sweet, creamy, and very addictive!

It is the decadent version of the classic childhood chocolate milkshake with hints of coffee and coconut and a rum base.

And because the Bushwacker is made using a blender, making it for a crowd is a breeze. 

Topped up with whipped cream and a cherry and garnished with chocolate syrup and grated chocolate, you can easily be convinced that you are having a regular “innocent” milkshake!

The Bushwacker is similar to a Mudslide cocktail (so it definitely pairs well with our Boozy Mudslide Icebox Cake).

And it’s kinda the chocolate version of a Piña Colada so if you love those cocktails, you need to try the Bushwacker!

History of the Bushwacker

The cocktail was invented in the 1970’s at Virgin Islands resort named The Ship’s Store & Sapphire Pub on St. Thomas by bartender, Angie Conigliaro.

The original Bushwacker consists of rum, Baileys, coconut cream (which is not the same as coconut milk) and dark creme de cacao.

Nowadays, many recipes include coffee liqueurs and surprising additions like Amaretto or Triple sec.

Some have very little alcohol while others include a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Our version is a well-balanced chocolate and coffee boozy milkshake that’s not too sweet and not too high in alcohol content. 

In the mood for more coffee cocktails? Try the Carajillo, Espresso Martini with Baileys, and Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail.

What’s in our Bushwacker Cocktail?

Rum — Golden or dark rum of your choice

Kahlua Coffee liqueur — Or any other coffee liquor

Crème de cacao liqueur — A sweet alcoholic liqueur chocolate bean flavored liqueur also used in a Brandy Alexander

Whole milk 

Cream of coconut — Which is not to be confused with coconut milk. You can use store bought options like “Coco Lopez”or make it yourself at home. It’s incredibly easy and cheap to make!

Ice

Whipped cream — For garnish 

Maraschino cherry — For garnish 

Chocolate syrup — For garnish 

Dark chocolate gratings — For garnish 

Useful Equipment to Make a Bushwacker

Blender — Because this cocktail is made using a blender, it’s convenient and quick to make makes, especially for a large crowd.

Jigger — To measure each liquid

Hurricane glass — Also known as Piña colada glass 

Saucepan — If you’re opting to make the cream of coconut at home

Measuring cups — For the homemade version of cream of coconut

Fine grater

Straw

How to Make a Homemade Cream of Coconut?

This is a very quick, easy, and cheap ingredient to make at home. It’s used in many cocktails (like the piña colada) and for baking.

Ingredients

1 can of coconut milk

1 cup of granulated white sugar 

Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1 — In a saucepan, add the coconut milk, the granulated white sugar, and a pinch of salt. 

2 — Heat on medium while mixing it and let it cook for 5 minutes. Once it becomes almost transparent, it’s done!

Allow to cool and store in a crystal container in the fridge for up to a week. 

How to Make a Bushwacker

1 — Add all the ingredients (ice, rum, Kahlua, crème de cacao, cream of coconut, and whole milk) to the blender. 

3 — Blend and mix well until you get a creamy and thick consistency.

4 — Swirl some chocolate syrup inside your glass.

5 — Pour the cocktail into the glass. 

6 — Top up with some whipped cream, freshly grated dark chocolate, and a maraschino cherry. Add a straw and enjoy!

Notes and Tips

The Bushwacker is best consumed right after being made since it has finely blended ice that can melt easily if it sits. 

If you love our Bushwacker recipe, then you’ll surely love these other recipes below — 

• Dark Chocolate Espresso Milkshake Shots are extremely rich and chocolatey.
• This Baileys Tiramisu Crepe Cake takes tiramisu to a whole new level with a kick of alcohol.
• The Boozy Mudslide Icebox Cake is a combination of cake, ice cream, espresso, and Irish cream liquor.
• Baileys Ice Cream with Whiskey Caramel for a late-night adult dessert.

Don’t forget to share your Bushwacker with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them.

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!