Pensacola Beach—known for sugar white sand, clear blue water—and Bushwackers!!! Indeed, the tales run rampant of tourists from afar who have journeyed to our beach, lured only by the (almost) world renowned Sandshaker Bushwacker. 

The Bushwacker has been the signature drink of the Sandshaker (a.k.a. “Shaker” and “Home of the Original Bushwacker”) for over 30 years.  The Shaker began selling Bushwackers in 1975 and since that time, this rich, creamy, chocolately concoction continues to be the top selling drink at the Shaker.    

Here’s some historical facts about how the Bushwacker originated on Pensacola Beach… 

It all started back in 1975 when the Shaker’s previous owner visited Sapphire Beach Village, St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and tasted a drink they called “Bushwacker.” The drink was so tasty that the owner decided to try it out on the customers back home at the Shaker.  After much experimentation with various ingredients, the Shaker came up with its own recipe for the Bushwacker. 

The Bushwacker was an immediate hit at the Shaker.  Originally the drinks were individually made in a blender, but they sold so well that the Shaker bartenders had trouble keeping up with the orders.  After going through a lot of blenders (not to mention a number of bartenders), in 1980 a frozen drink machine was installed that made big batches.

One of the main ingredients in the Shaker’s Bushwacker is “Kahlua” (a top quality coffee liqueur).  In addition, today as it was back in 1975, there is no “pre-mixing”… all Bushwacker batches at the Shaker are made by hand.  The rum is added to the frozen drink last… you can choose “80 proof” or “high-test 151”… or you can drink it without any rum at all! 

Banana and Strawberry Bushwackers are also popular and are made by adding fresh fruit to the regular recipe.  There is really no end to the variations the Shaker bartenders can come up with to add their “special touch” to the Original Bushwacker!!