To tell the tale of the beloved beach beverage, the Bushwacker, is to spin the lyrics of a sea shanty of sorts.

Fifty years ago, a seaside bartender named Angie was pouring and stirring new concoctions.

Behind the counter of the Ship’s Store & Sapphire Pub on the island of St. Thomas, she stirred and poured and declared some as toxins. We’re going to assume, anyway.

Then finally, perfection.

A tropical White Russian – frothy, cool and absolutely worthy of mention. Soon after, a pair of tourists arrived with their dog, Bushwack. The tourists fell in love with the drink. Angie fell in love with their dog.

And a tradition was born.

So, our rhyming isn’t great. But our dedication to the magic that is the Bushwacker is. Since Angie poured that first cool version of it, the drink has migrated from the Virgin Islands to the beaches of Florida and Alabama.

This year, it turns 50 and the best way to celebrate might just be to have yourself one, or a few!

The restaurants and bars of Alabama’s coast can serve you with the frozen delight made from the original recipe or a version they’ve perfected in the decades since it was introduced.

BUSHWACKER PARTY DETAILS: Win FREE Bushwackers for a year or maybe a $500 Gift Card

Angie’s Bushwacker recipe called for vodka, Kahulua, dark Crème de Cacao, Coco Lopez (cream of coconut), a splash of Triple sec and milk – all whirled in a blender with ice and topped with grated fresh nutmeg.

The Flora-Bama took that thought and expanded on it, crafting a delicious, cool, beachside tradition that is similar yet unique.

That recipe is a secret. Don’t ask us what’s in it, they won’t tell us either!

Flora-Bama is hosting a full day of Bushwacker fun on May 31 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary. There are prizes, including a trip to St. Thomas for your own Bushwacker pilgrimage, a year’s worth of Bushwackers and more.

Live music and flights of flavored Bushwackers are on the menu that day and include the Lovewacker, King Cake Wacker and Pumpkinwacker.

Speaking of Bushwacker variations, stop into these local favorites for their own version of this time-tested cocktail:

Cobalt at Caribe Resort serves the Bushwacker with chocolate syrup and a cherry on top.

Pink Pony Pub creates their Bushwacker from Malibu rum, Irish crème, dark Crème de Cocoa and vanilla crème.

Yoho Rum & Taco’s Boat Bar at The Wharf has a scrumptious chocolate version.

Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar has become famous for their salted caramel Bushwacker, made with Blue Chair Bay Vanilla Rum and other ingredients they too will not reveal.

Honestly, Bushwacker recipes are more coveted and secret than any pirate treasure map.

Can’t get enough Bushwacker? That delicious cocktail taste isn’t just for happy hour.

Southern Shores Coffee in Gulf Shores can help you start your day with a Bushwacker-flavored cup of Joe.

Coast AL serves Bushwacker flavored tiramisu all day long and OSO at Bear Point Harbor will tickle your tastebuds with a Bushwacker dessert crafted from espresso and coconut cheesecake topped with vanilla rum sauce.

Enjoy a weekend at the beach, enjoying a half century of deliciousness. Maybe even sing a little sea shanty while you do. Yo ho, yo ho, a Bushwacker please for me!