Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe
Making a Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe at home is one of my favorite ways to bring the beach vibe to my kitchen.
A few summers ago, I had a fantastic time with friends on a little island trip. We swam all day, tried to catch fish, and rode around on a boat. It was amazing fun!
One of the best parts was trying the super tasty frozen drink called a Bushwacker. It was creamy and cold, like a milkshake, but for grown-ups! Everyone loved it.
When I got home, I really wanted to make it myself. After trying a few ways, I found the perfect method using my Ninja Slushi machine. Now, it turns out perfectly creamy and icy every single time!
This Bushwacker Recipe is my go-to drink for hot days by the pool or even as a sweet treat after dinner. It feels like a mini vacation in a glass.
I love making it for friends, and they always ask for the recipe. That’s why I’m sharing my easy and best Ninja Slushie Bushwacker with you today!
It’s the perfect drink for relaxing afternoons, weekend cookouts, or anytime you want something special and cold.
Why Is the Drink Called a Bushwacker?
The Bushwacker drink got its name in the 1970s at a bar in Pensacola, Florida. A bartender mixed up a creamy, boozy cocktail with rum, coffee liqueur, and chocolate flavors.
They named it after a fun, carefree vibe—like someone “bushwhacking” through a jungle of flavors. It became a hit in beach towns, especially in the South.
Now, it’s a classic frozen drink loved for its rich, dessert-like taste. My Ninja Slushie version keeps that tropical spirit alive!
Why You’ll LOVE This Bushwacker Recipe
I promise you’ll love this Bushwacker drink because it tastes just like the ones you get at fancy beach bars.
First, it’s super easy to make at home, even if you don’t make drinks often. You only need a few simple things and a Ninja Slushie machine.
Each sip is cool and creamy with a rich chocolate and coconut flavor. The touch of coffee gives it a kick, but not too much. It’s sweet, but not too sweet.You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make.
Just mix everything together, pour it in the machine, and wait. Plus, you can control how strong you want to make it, which is great for different tastes.
Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Ingredients
- Dark Rum (1/2 cup): I like Gosling’s Black Seal rum because it has a rich, sweet flavor like molasses. It gives the drink a warm, boozy kick. Any Caribbean dark rum, like Cruzan or Myers’s, works too. If you don’t have dark rum, try spiced rum for a different twist. Keep it cold for the best taste.
- Kahlua (1/2 cup): This coffee liqueur adds a deep, roasted coffee flavor with a hint of sweetness. It mixes so well with the chocolate and coconut. No Kahlua? Use another coffee liqueur or even a splash of strong brewed coffee with a bit of sugar.
- Crème de Cacao (1/2 cup): This brings a smooth, dark chocolate taste. It’s not too sweet and balances the creamy parts. I use clear crème de cacao for a nice look, but dark works too. If you don’t have it, try chocolate syrup with a tiny bit of vodka.
- Cream of Coconut (1/2 cup): This thick, sweet stuff gives the tropical coconut vibe. It’s not the same as coconut milk—it’s way thicker and sweeter. Stir it well before using to make it smooth. If you’re out, mix coconut milk with some sugar, but it won’t be as rich.
- 2% Milk (2 cups): Milk makes the slushie creamy and smooth. I use 2% because it’s rich but not too heavy. Whole milk is great for extra creaminess, or use skim for a lighter drink. Plant-based milk like almond or oat milk works if you’re dairy-free.
- Water (1 cup): Cold water thins the mix so the Ninja Slushi can freeze it right. It keeps the texture just right. No need to swap this—just use cold tap or filtered water.
- Chocolate Syrup (for garnish): A drizzle inside the glass adds a fun chocolatey touch. Any store-bought syrup works, or you can skip it if you don’t want extra sweetness.
- Whipped Cream (for topping): A big dollop on top makes it feel like a dessert. I use canned whipped cream for ease, but homemade is awesome too. Skip it or use a dairy-free version if you prefer.
- Maraschino Cherry (for topping): A cherry on top adds a pop of color and a sweet bite. No cherries? Try a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a slice of fruit.
Recommended Equipment
- Ninja Slushi Machine: Freezes drinks into slush in minutes.
- Large Measuring Cup: For mixing without spills.
- Spoon or Whisk: To blend the cream of coconut smoothly.
- Tall Glasses: Keep them cold for the best sip.
- Ninja Blender (if no Slushi): Blend with 3 cups of ice until slushy.
How To Make Ninja Slushie Bushwacker
Step 1 | Chill the Glass
Place a cocktail glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. A cold glass keeps the slushie icy longer and enhances refreshment. This simple step significantly improves how long the drink stays cold.
Step 2 | Mix the Ingredients
In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine 1/2 cup dark rum, 1/2 cup Kahlua, 1/2 cup crème de cacao, 1/2 cup cream of coconut, 2 cups 2% milk, and 1 cup cold water. Stir with a spoon or whisk until the cream of coconut is fully incorporated. The cream of coconut is thick, so stir until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3 | Set Up the Ninja Slushie
Ensure the Ninja Slushie is clean and placed on a flat surface. Slide the condensation catch into position under the evaporator. Position the auger over the evaporator and rotate until it clicks. Slide the vessel over the auger, then lock it by pushing the bail handle back. Confirm that all components click securely into place.
Step 4 | Pour the Mixture
Open the lid on top of the Ninja Slushie. Carefully pour the mixture into the vessel, stopping at the max fill line (approximately 64 ounces). Avoid overfilling to ensure proper machine operation. Close the lid tightly to seal.
Step 5 | Choose the Setting
Plug in the machine and press the power button. Select the “Spiked Slush” setting since the mix contains alcohol. Set the freeze level to 3 for optimal texture. The machine will process the mix for 20–30 minutes and beep when complete.
Step 6 | Check the Texture
After the beep, check the texture. If the slushie is too thick, press the down arrow to thin it. If too runny, press the up arrow for more chill. Freeze level 3 typically provides a balanced texture, but adjustments can be made as preferred.
Step 7 | Add a Chocolate Swirl
Remove the chilled glass and drizzle chocolate syrup inside for added flavor and visual appeal. Tilt the glass and swirl syrup along the inner sides to enhance presentation and chocolate richness.
Step 8 | Dispense the Slushie
Position the glass under the spout on the drip tray. Gently pull the handle to dispense the slushie. Fill slowly to prevent spills and stop when the glass is full.
Step 9 | Top It Off
Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and finish with a maraschino cherry. The whipped cream will melt slightly into the drink, increasing creaminess. The cherry provides a pop of color and a sweet final touch.
Step 10 | Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while cold and creamy for best texture and flavor.
Bushwacker Slushie Success Tips
- Chill Everything: Keep your rum, Kahlua, and milk cold before mixing to speed up the freezing process.
- Stir Well: Make sure the cream of coconut is fully blended to avoid grainy texture.
- Taste Before Freezing: Adjust the sweetness or strength by adding more milk or rum to suit your taste.
- Clean the Machine: Rinse the Ninja Slushi parts right after use to keep it ready for next time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh milk and liqueurs make the flavor pop.
What To Serve with This Ninja Slushie Bushwacker
This drink goes great with light snacks or sweet treats. I like to serve it with salty nuts, crispy chips, or fresh fruit like pineapple or mango. The sweet drink and salty sides balance each other out.
If you want to enjoy it like a dessert, try pairing it with a slice of chocolate cake, brownies, or even cookies.
Since the drink has coffee and chocolate in it, it matches really well with most sweets. You can also enjoy it on its own.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare parts of this Ninja Bushwacker Recipe ahead of time to make serving easier. Mix all the liquid ingredients together and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before making the slushie.
This actually helps the flavors blend together better, making your drink taste even more amazing.
Keep your cream of coconut at room temperature and stir it well before mixing with the other ingredients.
Cold cream of coconut gets really thick and hard to blend. If you forget and it’s too cold, just let it sit out for 30 minutes before using.
You can also pre-chill your glasses and have all your garnishes ready. Set up your whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and cherries on a small tray so everything is ready when the slushie finishes.
What to Do with Leftover Bushwacker Slushie
If you have leftover slushie, don’t let it go to waste! Pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
The mix might separate, so stir it well before using. You can re-freeze it in the Ninja Slushi for about 10-15 minutes to get the slushie texture back.
For longer storage, pour the mix into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a week. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before re-freezing in the Slushi machine.
Don’t refreeze more than once – it can make the texture grainy.
If the drink smells sour or looks clumpy, toss it. That means it’s gone bad, usually after a few days in the fridge or if not stored properly.
Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this Bushwacker recipe without a Ninja Slushi machine?
Yes, you can make this drink without the special machine. Use a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Ninja blender with 3 cups of crushed ice. Blend all ingredients with the ice until you get a slushie texture. It won’t be exactly the same as the Ninja Slushi version, but it will still taste great. The texture might be a little different – more like a thick milkshake than a smooth slushie.
2. How strong is this Bushwacker drink?
This recipe makes a fairly strong cocktail because it uses three different types of alcohol. Each serving has about 1.5 ounces of alcohol total, which is like having a strong mixed drink.
3. Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, but you’ll need to make it in batches because the Ninja Slushi has a maximum capacity. This recipe makes about 4 servings, so for 8 people, make two batches. Don’t try to double everything in one batch because it won’t fit and won’t freeze properly. Make the first batch, serve it, then start the second batch. You can prep both mixtures ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to freeze them.
4. Why is my slushie too watery?
If your slushie is too watery, try increasing the freeze level on your machine. Press the up arrow to make it colder and thicker. Also make sure you’re using cold ingredients – warm ingredients take longer to freeze and might not get thick enough. Don’t skip the water in the recipe though, because the machine needs it to work properly. If it’s still too thin, run it for a few more minutes.
Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe
Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe is a frozen cocktail blended with dark rum, Kahlua, chocolate, and coconut for a rich, creamy, boozy summer treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dark Rum (e.g., Gosling’s Black Seal)
- 1/2 cup Kahlua (or other coffee liqueur)
- 1/2 cup Crème de Cacao (clear or dark)
- 1/2 cup Cream of Coconut (e.g., Coco López)
- 2 cups 2% Milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 cup Cold Water
- Chocolate Syrup (for garnish)
- Whipped Cream (for topping)
- Maraschino Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 | Chill the Glass
Place a cocktail glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. A cold glass keeps the slushie icy longer and enhances refreshment. This simple step significantly improves how long the drink stays cold.
Step 2 | Mix the Ingredients
In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine 1/2 cup dark rum, 1/2 cup Kahlua, 1/2 cup crème de cacao, 1/2 cup cream of coconut, 2 cups 2% milk, and 1 cup cold water. Stir with a spoon or whisk until the cream of coconut is fully incorporated. The cream of coconut is thick, so stir until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3 | Set Up the Ninja Slushie
Ensure the Ninja Slushie is clean and placed on a flat surface. Slide the condensation catch into position under the evaporator. Position the auger over the evaporator and rotate until it clicks. Slide the vessel over the auger, then lock it by pushing the bail handle back. Confirm that all components click securely into place.
Step 4 | Pour the Mixture
Open the lid on top of the Ninja Slushie. Carefully pour the mixture into the vessel, stopping at the max fill line (approximately 64 ounces). Avoid overfilling to ensure proper machine operation. Close the lid tightly to seal.
Step 5 | Choose the Setting
Plug in the machine and press the power button. Select the "Spiked Slush" setting since the mix contains alcohol. Set the freeze level to 3 for optimal texture. The machine will process the mix for 20–30 minutes and beep when complete.
Step 6 | Check the Texture
After the beep, check the texture. If the slushie is too thick, press the down arrow to thin it. If too runny, press the up arrow for more chill. Freeze level 3 typically provides a balanced texture, but adjustments can be made as preferred.
Step 7 | Add a Chocolate Swirl
Remove the chilled glass and drizzle chocolate syrup inside for added flavor and visual appeal. Tilt the glass and swirl syrup along the inner sides to enhance presentation and chocolate richness.
Step 8 | Dispense the Slushie
Position the glass under the spout on the drip tray. Gently pull the handle to dispense the slushie. Fill slowly to prevent spills and stop when the glass is full.
Step 9 | Top It Off
Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and finish with a maraschino cherry. The whipped cream will melt slightly into the drink, increasing creaminess. The cherry provides a pop of color and a sweet final touch.
Step 10 | Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while cold and creamy for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: Per 1 serving (approx. 1/5th of the total mix)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 460Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gSugar Alcohols: 15% ABVgProtein: 4g
This Ninja Slushie Bushwacker Recipe has become my favorite frozen cocktail to make at home. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a drink that’s fun to make and perfect to share.
It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at parties. Give this recipe a try and let me know how yours turns out!
