Aurelia Blue · Cockpit Bar · Cockpit Bar Desserts
Bushwacker
A frozen St. Thomas original that drinks like a chocolate-coconut dessert.
The Original Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 ml vodka
- 30 ml coffee liqueur
- 30 ml dark crème de cacao
- 60 ml cream of coconut
- 60 ml milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup ice
- Fresh nutmeg
Method
Blend all liquid ingredients with ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and finish with freshly grated nutmeg.
The Story Behind Bushwacker
The Bushwacker was created in 1975 at the Ship’s Store and Sapphire Pub in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The original is associated with bartender Angie Conigliaro and manager Tom Brokamp. Its name reportedly came from a visiting dog called Bushwack. The drink later developed a second strong identity in Pensacola, Florida, where local versions often use rum and fiercely guarded house formulas.
Historical and recipe reference: Bushwacker history.
Technique That Makes the Difference
The texture should be thick enough to feel indulgent but still drinkable. Too much ice makes it watery; too much cream of coconut turns it sticky. Fresh nutmeg is important because it lifts the heavy coffee-and-chocolate profile.
Common Variations
- Replace vodka with dark or aged rum, common in many island versions.
- Add Irish cream for an even richer drink.
- Blend in a small banana, though this moves it away from the original.
The Aurelia Blue Version
A Bushwacker is best treated as dessert, not as a casual thirst-quencher. Aboard Aurelia Blue, a smaller portion makes more sense after dinner and keeps the balance between pleasure and practicality.
The Cockpit Moment
Made for a warm evening after a day ashore — preferably when nobody needs to move very quickly afterwards.
Continue Through the Cockpit Bar
Enjoy Responsibly Aboard
Alcohol belongs to relaxed hours at anchor, never to active sailing duties or safety-critical work. Where practical, an alcohol-free version is included.
