If you’re dreaming of a creamy, boozy treat that transports you straight to beachside bliss, the Flora-Bama Bushwacker is exactly what you need. This iconic cocktail combines rich layers of rum, Kahlúa, amaretto, and dark crème de cacao with luscious vanilla ice cream, creating a thick, indulgent drink that’s smooth and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or just craving a dessert with a kick, the Flora-Bama Bushwacker perfectly balances bold flavors and creamy texture for a drink you’ll want to make again and again.

Flora-Bama Bushwacker Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients are the heart and soul of your Flora-Bama Bushwacker. Each one contributes its own unique flair—whether it’s the depth of the rums, the chocolatey touch from the crème de cacao, or the silky smoothness of vanilla ice cream—ensuring you get a perfect balance in every sip.

Light rum: Adds a subtle, sweet base that keeps the drink lively without overpowering.

Spiced rum: Brings warm, aromatic spices that enrich the drink’s complexity.
Kahlúa: Infuses a coffee-vanilla essence that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.

Amaretto: Gives a nutty sweetness that rounds out the flavors elegantly.
Dark Crème de Cacao: Offers rich, chocolate notes for a decadent twist.

Vanilla ice cream: Creates the signature creamy, frosty texture that makes this cocktail a treat.
Milk: Used as needed to adjust thickness and keep everything silky smooth.
Ice: Essential to chill the drink while blending it into a perfect, slushy consistency.

How to Make Flora-Bama Bushwacker

Step 1: Prepare Your Blender and Ice

Start by filling your blender halfway with ice—this is what gives the Flora-Bama Bushwacker its perfectly frozen texture. Make sure the ice is fresh and solid for the smoothest result.

Step 2: Add Your Liquors and Ice Cream

Pour in the light rum, spiced rum, Kahlúa, amaretto, and dark Crème de Cacao right over the ice, followed by three generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. These combined create the distinctive creamy, boozy base you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Blend everything on a high setting until the mixture reaches a silky and smooth consistency. If the drink feels too thick to blend or sip, add milk in small increments until you hit your preferred texture—whether that’s thick milkshake-like or more of a cocktail slush.

Step 4: Pour and Enjoy

Divide the luscious mixture into two glasses, making sure to scoop every creamy drop. Top with a bright cherry if you like, then sit back, relax, and savor the amazing flavor of your very own Flora-Bama Bushwacker.

How to Serve Flora-Bama Bushwacker

Garnishes

While the classic Bushwacker is fabulous on its own, simple garnishes can take it over the top. A maraschino cherry or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top gives a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor. For a tropical vibe, try a small slice of pineapple or a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

Side Dishes

This dessert cocktail shines alongside light, complementary bites. Think coconut shrimp, crispy plantain chips, or a fresh fruit platter—each will contrast its creamy richness and keep your taste buds dancing. For a cozy night in, pair it with a warm brownie or chocolate cookies for a true indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Flora-Bama Bushwacker a showstopper by serving it in chilled hurricane glasses or frosted mugs. Rim the glasses with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings to add texture and flair, perfect for impressing guests or elevating your own enjoyment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Bushwacker left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the texture may change as the ice cream melts, so give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

The Flora-Bama Bushwacker is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in ice cube trays for future blended drinks. Just pop the cubes into your blender with a little milk or ice cream to recreate the creamy consistency.

Reheating

This is one drink you never want to heat up—its creamy, frozen charm doesn’t translate to warmth. Instead, blend leftovers with fresh ice and milk for a quick remake of the original texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I make the Flora-Bama Bushwacker without alcohol?

Absolutely! To enjoy the creamy goodness without the rum and liqueurs, simply replace the alcohol with extra milk, chocolate syrup, or coffee for flavor. It still makes a rich, delicious treat.

What type of ice cream is best for this recipe?

Classic vanilla ice cream works best because it balances the complex flavors of the liqueurs without overpowering them. A high-quality, creamy vanilla will give the smoothest texture.

Can I use coconut milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, coconut milk is a great alternative that adds a subtle tropical twist and maintains creaminess while keeping the drink dairy-free.

How strong is the Flora-Bama Bushwacker?

This cocktail is definitely boozy due to the combination of rums and liqueurs, but its creamy nature softens the impact, making it easy to sip and enjoy gradually.

Is the Flora-Bama Bushwacker a traditional cocktail?

While it’s more of a frozen dessert drink than a classic cocktail, the Flora-Bama Bushwacker has become a beloved signature at the Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama border, inspired by tropical, beachy flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Flora-Bama Bushwacker is so much more than just a drink; it’s an experience wrapped in creamy, boozy bliss that brings a bit of sunshine to any occasion. Once you try making one yourself, you’ll see why this cocktail captures hearts and palates alike. Do yourself a favor and whip one up—it might quickly become your new favorite indulgence to share with friends and savor on warm evenings.

Flora-Bama Bushwacker Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

The Flora-Bama Bushwacker is a creamy, boozy frozen cocktail blending a variety of rums, coffee liqueur, and chocolate flavors with vanilla ice cream for a rich and indulgent tropical treat, perfect for summer parties or a fun, beach-inspired drink at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquor

1 Tbsp light rum

1 Tbsp spiced rum
1 Tbsp Kahlúa
1 Tbsp amaretto

2 Tbsp dark Crème de Cacao

Dairy & Dairy Alternatives

3 scoops vanilla ice cream (about 1 cup)
Milk, as needed (about 1/4 cup)

Other

Ice (enough to fill blender halfway, approximately 1.5 cups)
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the blender: Fill the blender halfway with ice, approximately 1.5 cups, to create the thick, frozen base needed for the Bushwacker.

Add liquors: Pour in 1 tablespoon each of light rum, spiced rum, Kahlúa, and amaretto, followed by 2 tablespoons of dark Crème de Cacao for rich chocolate notes.
Add ice cream: Place 3 scoops (about 1 cup) of vanilla ice cream into the blender on top of the liquor and ice to provide creaminess and sweetness.
Blend the mixture: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick for your blender or preferred consistency, add milk gradually, about 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, and blend again until the desired smoothness is reached.

Serve: Pour the blended cocktail evenly into two cups or glasses.
Garnish and enjoy: Top each drink with a maraschino cherry for a classic touch and serve immediately while cold.

Notes

Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred drink thickness.

Use full-fat ice cream for a richer texture, or a lower-fat alternative to reduce calories.
Chill glasses beforehand for an extra cold presentation.
Add a splash of coffee or chocolate syrup for intensified flavor.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the liquors with coffee or chocolate extracts and omit the rum.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Category: Cocktail
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American (Southern/Beach)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink (1/2 recipe)
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 24 g

Sodium: 60 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g

Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g

Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Bushwacker cocktail, Flora-Bama drink, frozen rum cocktail, vanilla ice cream cocktail, tropical frozen drink