The Bushwacker: An indulgent milkshake disguised as a cocktail
The Bushwacker is a creamy, rum-based cocktail often described as an adult milkshake, which is a fitting description given its high-calorie profile. Originating in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the drink’s deliciousness comes from a blend of dark rum, coffee liqueur, cream of coconut, and sometimes ice cream. The combination of multiple spirits and high-sugar mixers is what contributes to its high caloric content.
The variability in bushwacker recipes means the calorie count is not a single, fixed number. A more modest, standard recipe might contain around 270 to 400 calories, but decadent versions made with extra creamy ingredients can push the count over 500 calories per serving. Understanding which ingredients are the primary culprits for the calorie load is key for those who want to enjoy the drink while being mindful of their nutritional intake.
Core ingredients that impact the calorie count
- Cream of Coconut: This is a heavily sweetened and thick coconut milk product that adds significant sugar and fat, and thus, calories. It is one of the most caloric ingredients in the drink.
- Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlua): Packed with sugar and containing alcohol, coffee liqueur is another major contributor of calories. The type of liqueur can affect the total.
- Rum: As a distilled spirit, rum contains calories from alcohol, which provides 7 calories per gram. Using dark rum or flavored coconut rum can slightly alter the calorie count, but the alcohol itself is a consistent source.
- Ice Cream or Milk: Many recipes swap milk for high-fat, high-sugar vanilla ice cream to create a thicker, dessert-like consistency, which drastically increases the calorie content.
- Crème de Cacao: This is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that adds more sugar and alcohol to the mix.
How bushwacker calories compare to other cocktails
The bushwacker’s calorie content can be surprising when compared to other popular cocktails. Its creamy, dessert-like nature sets it apart from simpler, less caloric options. The table below illustrates the stark difference between a standard bushwacker and a few other well-known drinks.
| Cocktail | Typical Calorie Range | Key Caloric Ingredients | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bushwacker | 270–560+ | Cream of coconut, liqueurs, ice cream | Highly variable based on recipe. |
| Piña Colada | 245–300 | Cream of coconut, pineapple juice | Generally lower than a bushwacker, but still high in sugar. |
| Margarita | 200–500 | Tequila, Triple Sec, sugar syrup | Very variable depending on size and mix; some versions are high in sugar. |
| Whiskey Sour | 155–180 | Whiskey, lemon juice, sugar | Much lower in sugar and fat compared to creamy drinks. |
| Vodka Martini | 120–200 | Vodka, vermouth | One of the lowest calorie cocktails due to minimal sugar. |
Tips for creating a lower-calorie bushwacker
For those who love the taste of a bushwacker but not the calorie count, there are several modifications that can significantly reduce its nutritional impact.
- Swap full-fat ingredients: Replace cream of coconut with a lighter, lower-sugar coconut milk or a smaller quantity of the cream. Use unsweetened almond or soy milk instead of whole milk or ice cream.
- Reduce or omit liqueurs: While coffee liqueur and crème de cacao are core flavors, reducing the amount or using an unsweetened coffee extract can cut sugar and calories. Using less rum also helps.
- Opt for a simple recipe: The original bushwacker recipe is rumored to have been a simpler mix. Reverting to a more classic formulation with milk rather than ice cream can be a good start.
- Control portion sizes: A smaller glass or sharing a larger one can easily cut the calories per serving. Using a smaller serving size is one of the most direct ways to reduce intake.
Conclusion
The bushwacker is a delicious and potent frozen cocktail, but its creamy, sweet flavor comes at a high caloric cost. A typical bushwacker can range anywhere from a relatively modest 270 calories to well over 500, depending on the specific recipe and ingredients, especially the inclusion of rich cream of coconut, multiple liqueurs, and vanilla ice cream. For those who enjoy the drink but are conscious of their calorie intake, making simple swaps like using lighter milk alternatives or controlling portion sizes can make a significant difference without completely sacrificing the experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main ingredients in a bushwacker?
A classic bushwacker includes dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark crème de cacao, cream of coconut, and milk or half-and-half, all blended with ice.
Is a bushwacker more caloric than a margarita?
Yes, a typical bushwacker is generally more caloric than a standard margarita because it contains high-fat, high-sugar ingredients like cream of coconut and various liqueurs, in addition to the alcohol.
What is the healthiest way to make a bushwacker?
To reduce calories, use unsweetened almond or coconut milk instead of cream of coconut and milk, and use a small amount of coffee extract instead of high-sugar liqueurs.
Why does the calorie count vary so much?
The calorie count is heavily dependent on the specific ingredients and proportions used. Some variations include vanilla ice cream, which dramatically increases the calorie and fat content compared to a recipe using only milk.
Does adding ice cream change the calorie count significantly?
Yes, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of milk can easily add over 100-200 calories to a bushwacker due to the additional fat and sugar.
Can I make a bushwacker without alcohol to reduce calories?
Yes, you can make a mocktail bushwacker by replacing the rum and liqueurs with coffee, rum extract, and non-alcoholic chocolate and coffee syrups. This will significantly lower the calorie count while preserving some of the flavor.
Where was the bushwacker originally created?
The bushwacker was created in 1975 at the Ship's Store Pub on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
