‘Bama celebrates Bushwhacker 50th anniversary May 31

‘Bama celebrates Bushwhacker 50th anniversary May 31

The Bushwacker is turning 50 and the Flora-Bama krewe is throwing a treasure hunt themed celebration on Saturday, May 31 from noon ‘til 5 p.m. to honor the world-famous frozen cocktail that has been fueling unforgettable memories, good times and vacation romances for decades.
The ‘Bama staff will be hiding 10 special golden Bushwhackers around the Ole River Grill & Yacht Club properties, five in the week leading up to the event, and five on the big day. Follow the ‘Bama on social media for clues and bring it to the Flora-Bama on May 31 for 100 entries into a raffle that includes a trip to the birthplace of the concoction, St. Thomas (airfare and lodging included), free bushwackers for a year, and a $500 Flora-Bama gift card. Expect live music, fun surprises, and $5 Bushwackers at all three Flora-Bama restaurants all day. More info: florabama.com.
Linda Taylor Murphy discovered the bushwacker while visiting the Virgin Islands back in 1975 and, upon returning to Pensacola Beach, put it on the menu at her bar, the Sandshaker.
Flora-Bama co-owner Pat McClellan brought his own tweaked version of the drink with him from Seville Quarter when he joined the late, great Joe Gilchrist at the Flora-Bama in 1979.
In the decades since, the Wacker has become not only the ‘Bama’s signature drink, but a popular choice at nearly every restaurant, bistro, grub pub and dive bar on the Gulf Coast.