One of the most famous drinks in Alabama turns 50 this year—here’s how to celebrate.

Originally created in the US Virgin Islands in 1975, the creamy frozen cocktail known as the “Bushwacker” is marking it’s 50th anniversary in 2025. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the Alabama Bushwacker is having a party all year long! After being created in the caribbean, the Bushwacker made its way to Florida before finally landing in Alabama along the gulf coast. Celebrate this momentous occasion by visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach any time in 2025 to try a Bushwacker for yourself!

History of the Bushwacker

According to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, the credit for creating the Bushwacker goes to the manager and bartender of Ship Store, Sapphire Pub in the Virgin Islands. While attempting to create a tropical twist on a White Russian, this bartender stumbled upon a concoction that two of his regulars ended up loving. The bartender named the drink the “Bushwack” after the patrons’ beloved Afgan hound, and the rest, as they say is history.

How the Bushwacker Came to Alabama’s Gulf Coast

When the drink made its way to Florida, it ended up at The Sandshaker in Pensacola. It was there that Flora-Bama owner Pat McClellan first tried the drink and was determined to perfect and serve it at his bar that sits right on the state line. In addition to the Flora-Bama, visitors to the area will find the Alabama Bushwacker at other Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants and bars such as Lulu’s, Original Oyster House, Cobalt, Tacky Jack’s, and the Pink Pony Pub.

Alabama Bushwacker Trail

The folks at Alabama’s Beaches have created an “Bushwacker Trail” for visitors to follow so every variety of the delicious beverage can be tried. Several of the coffee houses in the area offer their version of the famous drink in coffee form, and there are also non-alcoholic varieties for non-drinkers and kids alike. The most famous place to get an Alabama Bushwacker is the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar.

How Do You Make a Bushwacker?

While everyone likes to put their own personal twist on the recipe, most mixologists use similar base ingredients in the bushwacker: rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, cream of coconut, and ice cream or a combination of milk and ice. Once blended, the decadent cocktail is traditionally crowned with whipped cream or chocolate syrup (or both!).

Where to Enjoy a Bushwacker Mocktail

For those who cannot or do not wish to imbibe, there are plenty of alcohol-free options to try. The “secret menu” at The Yard Milkshake Bar offers a “Virgin Bushwacker” made with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and topped with a cherry. At High Tide Daquiris and Mimosas, you can order a Bushwacker Flight (with or without alcohol) that includes the classic, strawberry, banana, and peanut butter flavors.

12 Months of Bushwackers

To keep the party going, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have created tweleve months of themes for restaurants and bars to follow. January was obviously mocktails for those participating in “dry” January (i.e. abstaining from alcohol), February is Mardi Gras, March is St. Patrick’s Day, and so on. I’m looking forward to Key Lime in September and Coffee and Candles in October, myself!

Safely Enjoy the Gulf Coast’s Iconic Drink

Between the “trail” and all the restaurant offerings, you may be wondering how to safely enjoy the Alabama Bushwacker on your next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The Surfside Shuttle offers a private, four-hour tour of the most popular Alabama Bushwacker spots around town. At sea, a company named Island Time Private Boat Charters offers two, three, or four hour tours focused on the Bushwacker.

Plan Your Trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Ready to head down to Alabama’s gulf coast? I’ve got just the advice you need to plan your getaway, including where to stay in the area, all the best Gulf Shores and Orange Beach restaurants, and what else there is to do on your vacation. Of course, you can always check out the Alabama Beaches website for the latest information too!