At Sunset Properties, our guests ask us about all kinds of thing. We get questions like “where is the library?” or “how late is the pool open?” or “how long does it take to get to Owa?” or “where can I find a great Bushwhacker?”
We love giving our guests our best answers. This blog will address the Bushwacker question. First of all, for those who don’t know what a Bushwhacker is, I’ll tell you. A Bushwacker is a cocktail invented in 1975 in the US Virgin Islands. Most bushwackers contain one or more of the following: rum, vodka, Irish Cream, Amaretto, Kahlua, cream of coconut and ice. Most bartenders won’t give up their exact secret mix and that’s what makes each one so special. Often topped with whipped cream, a cherry and a drizzle of chocolate, a Bushwacker is as much a perfect beach cocktail as a Hurricane is. So now that you know what a Bushwacker is, here are our picks for the
5 Best Bushwackers in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan:
* Lulu’s
Everything at Lulu’s is good, so it’s no surprise Lulu’s World Famous Bushwackers made our top five list. Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s is located at the intra-coastal waterway in Gulf Shores just off Gulf Shores Parkway. With so many great menu items to choose from and so much fun to be had, you might not think to order a Bushwacker at Lulu’s. Take our word for it: you want to try theirs. With a perfect mix of vanilla ice cream, coffee liqueur, and Margaritaville Coconut rum, you cannot go wrong with this drink. While you’re at Lulu’s, check out the great live music, the rope playground for the kiddies and their great gift shop! Lulu’s also offers a menu especially for folks with shellfish allergies. Go to Lulu’s to have a Bushwacker, but stay for the experience!
* Pink Pony Pub
A staple in Gulf Shores since 1956, The Pink Pony Pub has survived both Hurricanes Frederic and Ivan. It sits proudly (and pinkly) just off the Public Beach in Gulf Shores. It isn’t a fancy bar, and it’s ok to enjoy your food and drinks on the deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico barefooted and in your swimsuit, if you like. There is usually a local band playing in the corner or karaoke about to start. But we were talking about Bushwackers. So to get back on topic: Bushwackers at the Pink Pony are ohhh so yummy! Sit that icy cold goodness next to The Pony Burger (a favorite since 1956) and some steamy hot fries, and you have a meal fit for a Beach Bum King! So while you’re vacationing in Gulf Shores, go on by the Pink Pony. Kick off your flip flops and find a spot on the deck to enjoy one of the best Bushwackers on our island.
* Tacky Jacks
With three locations around our island, it’s hard to miss Tacky Jacks. But the first location, on Safe Harbor Drive in Orange Beach, found humble beginnings as a grill and tavern in 1979. The first Tacky Jacks welcomed patrons by car or by boat, just like they do now. A great place to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Tacky Jacks is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy. Now, about their Bushwackers, they are truly somethin’ else! Try their Smoked Tuna Dip alongside your Bushwacker. The two are a perfect pairing. If you’re feeling like you’d like a little extra special kick in your drink and they ask you if you want a “floater”… say “yes”. An extra shot of dark rum on top of the frosty cocktail will certainly bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget to get a t-shirt before you leave. Tacky Jacks’ shirts have become almost as famous as their namesake.
* Anchor Bar and Grill
Located at Hudson Marina in Orange Beach, Anchor Bar and Grill serves up some of the best seafood and burgers anywhere. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Terry Cove while you enjoy your Blonde Bushwacker. Dine inside or outside and bring your whole family. Come for the Bushwacker, but stay for the view and fabulous food . Make sure to check their social media accounts while you are in town to see what their Bushwacker special of the week is! Once you experience the laid back goodness found at Anchor Bar, you’ll come back again and again.
* Flora-Bama
If you Google “bushwacker” a picture of a Flora-Bama Bushwacker will pop up. Yes! They really are that good and that famous. Everyone knows the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar is famous for fresh oysters and cold beer. The live entertainment is unmatched, as is their community involvement. Since 1964, this famous roadhouse has held its place on the Alabama/Florida state line. When it comes to planning great events, the Flora-Bama staff is unmatched. When it comes to making great drinks, the bartenders at the Flora-Bama are outdone by no one. They don’t call themselves “home of the world famous Bushwacker” for nothing! If you’ve never been to the Flora-Bama, go just to try their Bushwacker. You’ll find yourself having so much fun, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to go!
So, in this blog, we have listed our favorite spots for Bushwackers. You’ll notice we didn’t number them. It wouldn’t be right to list one as number 1 or one as number 5, because we think they are all equally great! They are all a little different, but perfect just the way they are. If you’re thinking of taking a Bushwacker Tour around our island, we suggest getting a cab or having a designated driver. Each one of these adult cocktails contain a little more liquor than most folks are used to having in one drink. So enjoy our suggestions, but please drink responsibly. If you find yourself out and having too much fun to stop with just one Bushwacker, follow this link to find one of our fine taxi services to take you back to your vacation home.
We hope you enjoy your stay with Sunset Properties and we look forward to answering any other questions you might have for us!
251.543.1370