Bushwacker

Bushwacker Cocktail Ingredients

Here is an overview of the Bushwacker ingredients and other ways you can use them once they are in your bar. For all the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Dark Rum: With rich notes of caramel and molasses, dark rum works best in this recipe. Light rum will not give the same flavor and is better in tropical cocktails. Whatever brand you buy, just make sure that it is one that you love.
• Coffee Liqueur: Kahlua is the most common coffee liqueur and a great option for this drink. Tia Maria is another brand of coffee liqueur. You will love it in my Espresso Martini.
• Dark Creme de Cacao: This chocolate liqueur is sweet and a star ingredient in many dessert cocktails, like the Grasshopper.  It is available in both dark and white varieties and either would work in this drink recipe.
• Cream of Coconut: This is coconut milk that is sweetened. I like to use Coco Lopez.
• Milk: Any fat content will work in this recipe. Since only two ounces of milk are needed, it won’t affect the thickness of the cocktail.
• Ice: Essential for creating a frozen drink, start with one cup and add more if needed.

Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Cream

A key part of this recipe is to buy cream of coconut and NOT coconut cream. They are not the same and will result in different-tasting cocktails. Cream of coconut is coconut milk that has been sweetened. It comes in a handy squeeze bottle and is quite sweet, perfect for making cocktails like this Bushwacker drink and the Pina Colada.

Coconut cream, on the other hand, is unsweetened. It usually comes in a can and is very thick.

Skipping the Ice

I love frozen cocktails, but I don’t always love the ice pieces in the final recipe. While this adds an extra step and additional time, I have a great solution for you.

Instead of using ice, combine the rum, Kailua, dark creme de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk. Pour the combination into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. It won’t freeze entirely because of the alcohol, but that is totally fine. The next day, empty the ice cube tray into the blender and blend until smooth.

Variations

Here are a few simple ways to mix up the Bushwacker cocktail:

• Switch up the alcohol. Use Irish cream, vodka, or amaretto in addition to or instead of dark rum.
• Add in ice cream. Use a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream instead of milk for a creamier drink.
• Make it dairy-free. Swap in almond, soy, or coconut milk.