Top 5 Places to Try the Best Bushwacker Drink in Alabama

The Bushwacker Trail along Alabama’s coast is an adventure for cocktail lovers, offering a range of unique takes on the region's signature drink. Inspired by the Appalachian Trail in spirit, if not in distance, this "trail" involves sampling Bushwacker cocktails at various bars and restaurants. It may not require hiking boots, but it does call for a sense of adventure – and a tolerance for rum, coconut, and chocolate flavors!

The Bushwacker, often described as an adult milkshake, has been a staple on the Alabama coast for nearly 50 years. With its rich blend of coconut, rum, and chocolate, it’s a sweet treat with a punch. As the 50th anniversary of the Bushwacker approaches in 2025, we’re taking a look at some of the best places to enjoy this beloved cocktail. Here are five top spots to try:

5. Avenue Pub
Address: 4575 S Wilson Blvd, Orange Beach
The Blonde Bushwacker at Avenue Pub ($11) is a creamy concoction with vanilla vodka, Frangelico, and ice cream. Served in a plain plastic cup, it may not impress with its presentation, but its sweet, vanilla-forward flavor and stunning view of Perdido Pass make it a favorite for many. Be warned – it’s very sweet, so consider adding an extra topper to balance it out.

4. The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar
Address: 123 W. 1st Ave., Gulf Shores
Avoid festival crowds and step into the cool comfort of The Steamer for a Bushwacker ($9.99) that’s worth the trip. This version features a soft-serve swirl and a strong coffee flavor, combined with Kahlua, alcohol, and coconut. It’s incredibly cold – so cold, in fact, that it forms frost on the cup! You might need a spoon to enjoy this icy delight.

3. GT’s On the Bay
Address: 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach
GT’s Bushwacker ($11) is highly regarded, even earning a spot in a 2021 survey by Mobile Bay Magazine. Served in a real glass, this Bushwacker balances chocolate and alcohol flavors perfectly, with a cherry surprise hidden within. The ambiance of the bright, airy restaurant adds to the experience.

2. Bahama Bob’s Beach Side Cafe
Address: 601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
A favorite of Southern Living, Bahama Bob’s reopened in 2023 and serves up a Bushwacker ($10) that doesn’t skimp on flavor. While it comes in a simple Styrofoam cup, the bartender prepares it with an old-fashioned milkshake mixer, achieving a well-balanced mix of rum, chocolate, and coconut.

1. Papa Rocco’s
Address: 101 W. 6th Ave., Gulf Shores
Despite its humorous tagline, “home of warm beer and lousy pizza,” Papa Rocco’s takes its Bushwacker seriously. Here, the drink is made from scratch with a skillful blend of ingredients, creating a creamy texture and a perfectly balanced flavor without an overpowering alcohol taste. This is the place to enjoy a truly handcrafted Bushwacker.

Explore the Bushwacker Trail and discover your favorite version of this iconic Alabama drink! Whether you prefer a classic or a creative twist, each stop offers a unique taste of what makes the Bushwacker so special.