flora bama yacht club bushwacker

THE LEGENDARY

One of the world's top beach bars, The Flora-Bama Lounge is located uniquely on the Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida line. This honky tonk has long been a landmark in the community since 1964. The Flora-Bama has millions of "Bamily" members that visit us from around the world who know that the reputation, love and the legend is because of them.  

The Flora-Bama has five stages for live music and features bands of country, rock, dance and beach music. You can relax in any of the areas and select the entertainment of your choice. If you need a little away time the Flora-Bama has several beach-front bars where you can sip on a famous Bushwacker and enjoy the beautiful sunsets on the water. To learn more about the Legend Of The Flora-Bama Click HERE .

Live Music 365

The legendary Flora-Bama is famous for it's year-long LIVE MUSIC on five different stages. Whether you want country, rock, ballads or beach music you can find it at the Flora-Bama.

#FLORA-BAMA RADIO

#live every day, #national on iheart.

Now you can have the Flora-Bama music with you everyday, no matter where you are located! Listen to our new radio station in iHeart Radio 365/24/7. You can heart it in your car, truck, boat, phone or stream it on your TV. Flora-Bama Radio also has special segments by "Big Earl" and other performers during the week.

Legendary Events

Events at the Flora-Bama make national news and are always a memorable party! Whether its the Mullet Toss, a beach concert, Polar Bear Dip or Bulls on the Beach we have events all year long.

Flora-Bama Restaurants

Good Times & Good Eats are always on the menu at Flora-Bama. Check our three locations. There is something for everyone at the Flora-Bama! 

The Oyster Bar

Located inside the main Flora-Bama and serves sandwiches and other items as well.

Ole River Grill

Casual dining with a deck on the water. TVs for sports, great beer and burgers.

The Yacht Club

Located on the water, this legendary restaurant serves all your seafood favorites.

Kenny Chesney & Flora-Bama

We always have a great time when Kenny Chesney stops by the Flora-Bama. Listen to Kenny tell you why the Worlds Best Beach Bar is so close to his heart.  WATCH FULL VIDEO

EVEN MORE FLORA-BAMA FUN

Rent a jet ski or boat at the Flora-Bama marina. Located just across the street, the marina offers pontton boat rentals, jet ski rentals and even a custom charter. Visit our website  to book now.

Liquor & Lotto in one spot! Flora-Bama Liquor and Lotto is just across the street and offers a great selection in beer, wine, liquor and other adult beverages. Pick up a lottery ticket when you visit!

The Coastal Cruiser is the perfect boat for your group of family and friends. The vessel can carry up to 20 passengers and comes with a licensed Captain who knows the local waters.

Join Our Team

Flora-bama is always seeking great new members.

17401 Perdido Key Dr.

Perdido Key, FL. 32507

[email protected]

(251) 980-5118.

Good Times and Good Music since 1964.

Other pages, working hours.

All Rights Reserved | Flora-Bama

• Anniston/Gadsden

Why the bushwacker is the hottest drink on the beach

• Published: Jul. 05, 2020, 8:00 a.m.

If you haven't had a bushwacker at the Flora-Bama, have you really even been to the beach? (Photo courtesy Flora-Bama Lounge and Package)

• Michelle Matthews | [email protected]

Sometime in the 1980s, Pat McClellan, one of the owners of the storied Flora-Bama Lounge and Package , drank a refreshing drink imported from the Caribbean called a “bushwacker” at a bar on Pensacola Beach.

That taste of an “adult milkshake” – it’s definitely for adults only because of its alcohol content – changed the Flora-Bama forever. McClellan added them to the menu at the Flora-Bama, which straddles the Alabama-Florida state line. The bushwacker has since become the signature cocktail at the beachside honkytonk and its across-the-street restaurants, the Flora-Bama Yacht Club and the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill.

“It’s our number-one selling drink,” says Jenifer Parnell, Flora-Bama’s marketing and public relations director. “People just love it.”

She estimates that Flora-Bama properties sell “hundreds of thousands” of bushwackers throughout the year, but especially in the summertime when the frozen concoction is just the thing for chilling on the beach as you listen to live music with the Gulf waves crashing nearby.

The Flora-Bama doesn’t share its recipe (although many versions can be found floating around the Internet). But a basic bushwacker might contain two types of rum (light and dark) and three liqueurs: Kahlua, Amaretto and Crème de Cacao. At the Flora-Bama, these ingredients are combined with milk in frozen drink machines so they’re always ready and always consistent.

Bushwackers can be customized, too, by adding toppers like Skrewball whiskey, which is peanut butter-flavored, or banana rum. Some aficianados like to add a floater of 151-proof rum. Bushwackers are always served with a thick straw and topped with a maraschino cherry.

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At the Flora-Bama, a 12-ounce bushwacker in a clear plastic costs $7.75. But this summer, you can get a 16-ounce drink served in a souvenir cup for $12.50. If you bring your cup back for a refill, you’ll save a dollar on the next one.

But be careful. The bushwacker is known to be as dangerous as it is tasty. “It definitely lets you know you’re having a good time,” says Parnell.

If you can’t make it to the beach, check out Flora-Bama’s online gift shop , which offers a Bushwacker-scented homemade candle from Bon Secour Candle Co. for $15 and a set of Bushwacker Mardi Gras beads for $6.

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15 things to know about the Flora-Bama: Music, food, church and more

Flora-Bama is many things: a beach bar, honky-tonk, restaurant, songwriter venue, concert destination, marina, package store, bingo parlor and even a church. 

It started 55 years ago as a lowly state-line dive and liquor store that was hoping to take advantage of thirsty customers from Florida and Alabama. 

Here are 15 interesting tidbits about this iconic coastal landmark :    

How Flora-Bama started

In 1962, the state of Florida gave the state of Alabama two miles of beachfront land in exchange for the construction of the Perdido Pass Bridge. In 1964, the enterprising Tampary family opened the Flora-Bama as a small bar and package store on the new state line, hoping to capitalize on the fact that Escambia County, Florida, was "wet" and Baldwin County, Alabama, was "dry" for alcohol sales. 

Joseph Gilchrist purchased it in 1978 and added daily live music and songwriters. Pat McClellan became a partner in 1986, and they began to create events like the Interstate Mullet Toss and the Frank Brown Songwriter's Festival. There are now four partners with John McInnis and Cameron Price joining in 2009. 

Flora-Bama offers live music between 11 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., but hours vary at the five stages. Performers include locals, songwriters and up-and-comers. Big names who have played Flora-Bama include Jimmy Buffett, Billy Currington and John Rich. There was a free Kenny Chesney concert on the Flora-Bama beach in 2014 that drew 40,000 people and 400 boats.  Coming up is a beach concert featuring Justin Moore and Easton Corbin on Sept. 1.

FLORA-BAMA: Why the iconic Gulf Coast beach bar is worth putting on your bucket list

Multiple venues

Flora-Bama consists of multiple venues on a sprawling piece of property on both sides of Perdido Key Drive just inside Florida at the Florida-Alabama state line.

During the day, all ages are welcome at the main Flora-Bama bar and restaurant complex on the Gulf side, but after 6 p.m., it is restricted to guests 18 and older; and there is a $5 cover charge. The Yacht Club and Ole River Grill across the street are family-friendly all the time and never have a cover charge. Kids meals in all of the restaurants are about $6.

Church services

Sunday church services are at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Tent bar and are live streamed in overflow areas, including the Bra bar. The services, led by Pastor Dan Stone, draw 500-700 people each. The church, whose theme is "it's okay to not be okay" is part of Central Christian out of Las Vegas. 

And yes, you may enjoy an adult beverage during the service.

Domestic draft beers are $3.75. At the Oyster Bar and Grill, the Bama burger with fries is $12; a dozen oysters is $13; a fried shrimp basket is $11; and a half pound of peel and eat shrimp is $12. The food is served "grab and go," so you can eat anywhere you want. Menu prices vary at the Yacht Club and Old River Grill. The most expensive item I saw on any of the menus was a hand cut certified Angus ribeye for $28.

Best-selling booze

Flora-Bama uses a system that pumps the liquors from a central location to each bar through lines like the casinos in Las Vegas. Its best-selling drink is the Bushwacker, a $7.50 "adult frozen milkshake" which contains five types of liquor. The best-selling vodka is Nashville's own Pickers Vodka, which goes into 250,000 Flora-Bama drinks a year.   

There is lively bingo from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are usually 100 players of all ages, and prizes include gift cards, toys, and other items from local merchants. 

Songwriter festival

The Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival, named for an early Flora-Bama night watchman, features more than 250 award-winning performers, singing songs and telling the stories behind them. The 35th annual festival is Nov. 7-17. 

Oddball events include the annual Interstate Mullet Toss in April, where competitors throw dead mullet across the Alabama-Florida state line; the Polar Bear Plunge typically attracts about 5,000 people who get the new year started by running into the frigid Gulf; Santa landing on the beach via helicopter at Christmastime; the Easter Bunny making a similar grand entrance and hiding eggs on the beach; a Fishing Rodeo; and an annual Chili Cook-off. Coming up is the Miss Flora-Bama Bikini Contest Finale on Aug. 31. 

Getting there

Flora-Bama offers shuttle service from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola for as little as $5 per person each way. 

Hurricane destruction

When Hurricane Ivan hit in 2004, the main Flora-Bama building was severely damaged. It was one of the first coastal businesses to reopen, operating for years out of tents and trailers on the original site. It was rebuilt on two levels in 2010.

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club opened in 2013 and the Ole River Grill in 2015 on the Intracoastal Waterway across the street from the main Flora-Bama. Patrons can pull their boats up on the sand or into slips to enjoy food, drink and music. 

Dog-friendly

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club and Ole River Grill are pet friendly, so you can take your dog on a leash.

Longtime staff

The Flora-Bama employs as many as 500 workers during the Memorial Day and Labor Day high season. At other times of year, it might be 250 people. More than half of the management team has been there for 20 years or more. Management refers to its security workers as "customer service" employees.  

Environmentally responsible 

Flora-Bama strives to be environmentally responsible. It has a 9,000 gallon cistern that collects rain water that is used to flush the complex's more than 50 toilets. It also recycles thousands of beer cans (using the proceeds to pay for employee outings), uses biodegradable straws and plates and participates in an oyster shell recycling program.

Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, and at Tennessean.com/mscheap, and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”

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• Food and Drink

The Quest for the Perfect Bushwacker

One local man takes on the daunting, yet tasty, task of finding the best bushwacker on the Gulf Coast. Here, he shares his journey (and top picks!).

Having grown up on the Gulf Coast and now residing here as an adult, I have enjoyed many bushwackers – they are the ultimate cool-down drink. This delicious, frozen, milkshake-like beverage originated in Sapphire Beach Village in the Virgin Islands. But it wasn’t until Linda Murphy, the owner of the Sandshaker Lounge in Pensacola brought the recipe back from a vacation in 1975, that the bushwacker was introduced to the mainland. It has since become a drink icon along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida.

Almost every bar and restaurant along the coast touts their bushwacker as the best, and each establishment likes to add something to their cocktail to make it a little different from the rest. The best thing about a bushwacker (and the most dangerous thing) is that sweet, chocolatey notes completely mask the taste of alcohol.

Based on my personal experience, bushwackers fall into one of two categories: ice based or ice cream based. The ones that are ice cream based tend to taste better and have a smoother texture. Ice-based bushwackers tend to be slushier and less smooth. But either type is extremely refreshing and delightfully cooling on a hot, humid summer’s day in the South.

My mission was to find the best bushwacker on the Gulf Coast. My assistant and DD (my wife Kathy) and I scoured the countryside searching for the perfect bushwacker. This task caused me to suffer many hardships and several bouts of brain freeze, but I refused to give up. I continued my journey until I had sampled no less than 23 of the finest bushwackers money could buy. Four months and 25 pounds later, I discovered the almost perfect bushwacker.

Bushwacker Ingredients

The following are essential ingredients that should be found in every bushwacker:

Rum: light, dark or spiced Coconut flavoring: cream of coconut, Coco Lopez Chocolate flavoring: Crème de cacao, chocolate syrup Coffee liqueur: Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua Milk product: Milk, Half & Half, Ice Cream Ice

There are a number of other ingredients that have been found in bushwackers but are not required:

• Vodka • Whiskey • Amaretto • Nutmeg • Caramel syrup • Whipped cream • Cherries • Ice cream mix

The latest trend along the Gulf Coast is to add Skrewball Whiskey to give the bushwacker a taste of peanut butter. Skrewball has an incredible peanut butter flavor. In fact, it is one of the few hard liquors I can drink “straight.” However, adding whiskey to a bushwacker is not a good idea. It’s like putting out a fire with gasoline. If you want a peanut butter taste to your bushwacker, I recommend adding a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the blender.

But if you insist on trying a bushwacker with Skrewball, please be sure and say these two words to your bartender or server: “no floater” or “no topper.” The floater or topper is an ounce of over-proof rum poured on top of your bushwacker. This 151-proof alcohol (75% alcohol by volume) is not mixed into your drink but floats on the top. This makes your bushwacker incredibly strong and, unlike your normal bushwacker, the taste of alcohol is not as well disguised. It seems that sadistic bartenders and servers enjoy watching the end results of this deadly drink on unsuspecting, lightweight tourists.

The floater or topper not only increases the alcohol content of your drink, but it also increases the price. A topper will usually add $3 to $5 to the price of your bushwacker.  Now, we are talking about a frozen drink running you $11 to $13. Let me add one final warning on the subject of floaters: Watch your friends. I have known “friends” to fetch bushwackers with added floaters, and then stir the extra alcohol into the drink and fail to mention this to the consumer. Sometimes, this prank leads to a semi-comatose vacationer who loses a whole day of their vacation.

Bushwacker Scoring System

In order to reduce the subjectivity of my judgment of the best bushwacker on the Gulf Coast, I developed an objective scoring system. I scored each bushwacker on five different metrics. The metrics were composed of Taste, Smoothness, Evidence of Alcohol (ETOH), Melt and Flavor.             

Taste was probably the least objective of the five measurements. Bushwackers that I considered bland received a low score for this category. 

As mentioned earlier, bushwackers with an ice cream base seemed to be smoother. The method used in blending the bushwacker can also affect smoothness. Blender quality is key. Personally, of the blenders I have experience with, I would rate the Vitamix as making the smoothest bushwacker. Ninja makes a nice bushwacker but not as smooth as the Vitamix. Also, the Margaritaville blender makes an acceptably smooth bushwacker. Naturally, I gave a low score on Smoothness to bushwackers that were slushy. 

Bushwackers should not taste like alcohol. If any alcohol was detected, the bushwacker received a low score for Evidence of Alcohol. 

The speed at which a bushwacker melts is a very important characteristic for this frozen drink. Consistency might be a word used to replace melt. A good bushwacker melts at a slow pace. You should get a mouthful of bushwacker with each sip. Some bushwackers melt too quickly. This may cause you to drink at a faster pace than you need to. Other bushwackers are too frozen and you need a spoon to eat it. Bushwackers are adult drinks and were not designed to be a frozen dessert.

A good bushwacker should have the perfect combination of coconut and chocolate flavor, and obtaining this perfect combination is more difficult than it seems. Bushwackers that scored low in this area either tasted too much like coconut or too much like chocolate.

Each area received a score between 1 and 10. The scores were added up for each area and then doubled so that the total score could be based on a 100-point scale.  It seems that people are able to relate to this scoring system better than a 50-point scoring scale. An illustration is in order here. Suppose a bushwacker scored a 7 on Taste, 8 on Smoothness, 9 on Alcohol, 5 on Melt, and 8 on Flavor. If we add these scores together, we have a score of 37. Doubling this score gives us a final score of 74.

The Results

This is a good place to offer a full disclosure statement. I can honestly state that I have no relatives working or owning any of the bars or restaurants that I visited. However, I do know one of the bar owners. We attended the same high school. This relationship failed to have an influence on my ratings for her establishment since it received an average score. Furthermore, I can honestly state that I have no personal or financial interest in any of the bars/restaurants visited.

Before I begin to share the results, I want to proclaim that I have never consumed a bad bushwacker.  There are no bad bushwackers.  It’s just that some are better than others. Then there are those that are really special, and those are the ones we will focus on. I assure you that you can patronize any of the places listed in this survey and thoroughly enjoy their bushwacker.  

My sojourn began on January 21, 2021 and concluded on June 3, 2021. Anonymity was maintained throughout the endeavor. A whole bushwacker was consumed at each location. Sometimes, two were consumed. A score for the drink was calculated after each visit within 24 hours. There were a couple locations that I had originally planned on visiting that ended up not making the survey for various reasons. 

Upon surveying the scores, the bushwackers fell into three tiers. The top tier scores ranged from 86 to 98. The second-tier group included scores from 76 to 84. The third and bottom tier of bushwackers comprised scores from 56 to 66. The full list of all of the bars and restaurants are included at the end of this article, along with my own bushwacker recipe. Now, we will take a look at the five bushwackers that made up the top tier.

Phillip’s Top 5 Bushwackers

5) GT’s | Score: 86

GT’s, located down Canal Road in Orange Beach, is a newer restaurant offering great seafood. I sampled this bushwacker in late February, and, after drinking it, I noted that it was the best bushwacker that I had tasted up to that point. The combination of chocolate and coconut created a superb flavor. Great taste with very little evidence of ETOH. The melt was a little fast, so this area received the lowest score.

4) Crabs We Got ‘Em | Score: 86

I just couldn’t leave this bushwacker out of the top tier. It is probably one of the most unique of all the samples I tasted. It was so smooth it poured like thick cream. For some reason, it wasn’t as cold as most other bushwackers, so you can drink this at a fast pace without the risk of brain freeze. However, it is extremely filling—one is probably all you can manage. This drink was selling like hotcakes on Pensacola Beach. My only criticism of this bushwacker is that it was incredibly sweet.

3) OSO | Score: 88

OSO is a restaurant/bar located at Bear Point Marina in Orange Beach. Bear Point Marina has been in existence as long as I can remember and that’s a long time. OSO makes a mighty fine bushwacker, and I found it to be one of the smoothest. Its only fault was that the taste was slightly reminiscent of eggnog.

2) Big Daddy’s | Score: 90

Big Daddy’s Restaurant is located on the banks of Fish River in Marlow, AL. It’s off the beaten path but well worth the trip. You’ll find it halfway between Summerdale and Point Clear just off County Road 32. This bushwacker was more like ice cream than any of the rest. That seems a bit ironic since their recipe calls for ice cream mix rather than real ice cream. But all-in-all, a well-rounded bushwacker.

1) Pink Pony Pub | Score: 98

Where do I begin? I will start off by stating that this bushwacker never disappoints. It is always awesome. It received four scores of 10 out of the five possible. I gave it a nine on ETOH since it had just a minuscule taste of ETOH. If I wasn’t so picky, I could have given it a 10 in that area too, and it would have scored a perfect 100 instead of 98. This magnificent drink comes in a good sized styrofoam cup that allows the frozen mixture to melt at the perfect rate. Just the right combination of chocolate and coconut, and smooth as silk. You just can’t beat the bushwacker at the Pony.

Final Bushwacker Rankings

Phillip’s Bushwacker Recipe

Basic Ingredients: 4 oz Malibu coconut rum 4 oz Kahlua 2 oz Creme de Cocoa 4 oz half & half 4 tsp chocolate pudding powder mix 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream

Optional Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 2 oz spiced rum &/or 2 oz dark rum 2 oz Skrewball Whiskey or 2 tbsp peanut butter

Add all ingredients to a blender and fill the remaining blender space with crushed or cubed ice. Blend to desired smoothness. Yields 4 – 6 servings

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• Dec 21, 2022

Bushwackers Are Better @ Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Updated: Dec 30, 2022

The Flora-Bama is my all-time favorite place to grab a bushwacker. Usually I'll start at the Flora-Bama - order a bushwacker and head out to walk the beach. Watch for a blog post soon with a video and recommendations for Flora-Bama. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club is across the street and the best place for lunch or dinner. They have a huge outdoor deck and beach area so you can relax on the sand and listen to music from local and visiting musicians. Below is a quick video from our last visit.

The Yacht Club offers local Island Time Oysters and they participate in the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. The program recycles oyster shells from restaurants and gets them back into Alabama waters, enhancing oyster production among other benefits. Here's a video with more information on oysters and the Island Time Oysters served at all 3 Flora-Bama locations.

Our Recommendations...

Start at the Flora-Bama and enjoy some beach time. You can grab a drink and head outside to sit by the water or walk the beach.

Order a bushwacker from the Flora-Bama and add a floater. You'll want to do this before you eat and then spend time walking and working up an appetite for lunch or dinner at the Yacht Club.

Start off your meal with the grilled oysters at the Yacht Club. They're amazing. Then, we recommend the blackened triple tail and dirty rice - it won't disappoint!

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Keepin' It Local

Proud participants.

Slide title

LOCAL INGREDIENTS 

Vegan friendly, family friendly, house cocktails , flora-bama yacht club is proud to help you select vegetarian and vegan friendly meal options. our chefs carefully consider how we can please every appetite, including the most careful and food-conscious diners out there. please ask your server if there are any special requirements you need before ordering. , house drinks, and we have many more.

Although the recipe is secret we always say to consider it an adult milkshake :)

Patron tequilia shaken with our own margarita blend, sweet watermelon and served on the rocks.

Blue Chair Bay coconut rum, Blue Chair Bay banana rum, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and a splash of Sprite.

"Great food, great service, live music, very casual. Eat, drink, let the kids play in the water."

                         Buddy Foster

“The quality of food and the nature of the staff is “our kind of people!” Don’t stop anywhere else... come eat here! Delicious! Madison is amazing! Ask for her is you need anything!”

                          Jennifer Johnston

“Met a friend for lunch and loved it! The Mahi Reuben was excellent and we loved the open air dining and water views. Perfect spot for a laid back meal with excellent food.”

                           Juleigh Rickles

17350 Perdido Key Drive Perdido Key, FL. 32507

(850)  483-6272 [email protected].

Flora-Bama Yacht Club on Perdido Key, Florida

The Flora-Bama Yacht Club on Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.

Flora-Bama Yacht Club

While the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is technically in Florida, it is pretty darn close to the Alabama line. Considering there is a sign in the parking lot that is split between the two states, you can choose if you feel like being in Alabama or Florida.

Either way the time you spend at the Yacht Club will be fun with great food!

Relax on the open air deck or head down to a chair in the gorgeous white sand beach. This legendary restaurant is part of the Flora-Bama family of restaurants and experiences.

Indoor Seating

There is comfortable indoor seating available with multiple sizes of tables. The chairs are super comfortable!

There is a great indoor bar right when you enter the restaurant. They have all of the tropical cocktails you can dream of including the world-famous Bushwacker.

Outdoor Seating

The outdoor seating includes picnic tables on the wood deck and in the sand near the water.

Flora-Bama Yacht Club Menu

The menu is filled with fresh seasonal ingredients, seafood, burgers, and so much more.

Menu Highlights

Flora Bama Yacht Club serves Island Time Oysters which are locally grown in the Gulf Waters surrounding Dauphin Island, Alabama.

Each oyster is hand-shucked to guarantee quality and consistency!

Appetizer Highlights - Seared Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi, Cilantro Lime Hummus, Asian Ahi Tuna Nachos, Gulf Coast Blue Crab Claws, Smoked Tuna Dip, Oysters, Firecracker Calamari, Greek Shrimp Nachos, Firecracker Coconut Shrimp, and more!

World Famous Gumbo -  Traditional roux-based gumbo with house-made shrimp stock. Loaded with Conecuh sausage and Gulf shrimp.

Salads - Greek Salad, Raspberry Pecan Salad, Traditional Chicken Caesar Salad

The Raspberry Pecan Salad pictures above is one of the best salads I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast. I would drive to the Flora Bama Yacht Club just to get this salad it is that good.

Normally it has praline pecans on it but I had them removed.

Entree Highlights

Creole Rigatoni - Rigatoni pasta tossed in a creole gouda cream with crawfish tails, Conecuh sausage, and Gulf shrimp topped with a Parmesan panko crust.

Filet Mignon - 8 oz hand cut, certified Angus beef.  Served with buttered baby Yukon gold potatoes and steamed local vegetables.

Chicken Pontchartrain - Pan sautéed chicken served with creamy Cajun rice and seasonal vegetables topped with a crawfish Julie cream sauce.

Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers - Jerk style Gulf shrimp skewers with mango slaw and vanilla rum butter. Served with Cajun rice and seasonal vegetables.

Gulf Seafood Trio - A true taste of Gulf seafood including fried oysters, shrimp and fish.  The best way to sample what Gulf seafood is all about.

Mahi Mahi Reuben - Grilled marble rye with Mahi Mahi, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Thousand Island.

Build your own Bama Burger - Your choice of Swiss, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, pepperjack cheese, grilled onion, mushrooms, bacon, jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, red onions and pickles.

Grilled Mahi Taco - With house slaw, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and spicy mayo drizzle.

Kids Menu - We did not see a designated kids menu

Gluten-Free - They have oysters, salads, ribeye steak, filet mignon, fresh seafood, and more!

Vegan/Vegetarian - When I asked what the best options were for a vegetarian I was told the salads are the best idea. I have to tell you I would drive 15-20 minutes from our house to get to the Flora-Bama Yacht Club weekly to enjoy the raspberry pecan salad.

This is one of the best salads I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast.

Signature Cocktails - beer, Bushwacker, signature bloody Mary, frozen strawberry lemonade (So good), Watermelon Crawl, Frozen Mojito

Why you will love Flora-Bama Yacht Club

• Large Outdoor Deck
• Boat In Restaurant
• Epic Views of the water
• Friendly staff
• Award winning chefs

Things to know when planning a visit to Flora Bama Yacht Club

Address - 17350 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key, Florida, 32507

Phone - 850-483-6272

Hours - Sun - Thu 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Fri - Sat 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that hours have not changed.

Accessibility -There are accessible parking spaces near the main entrance to the restaurant. There is a ramp leading to the restrooms.

The parking lot is gravel and a bit uneven. If you are with someone with mobility restrictions you may want to drop them off at the front entrance and then park the car.

Plus Size Seating - There are chairs inside that do not have arms on them. The bar seats do not have arms but are at bar height.

The outdoor seating is picnic tables with attached benches.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant.

Parking   - There is a great parking area right outside of the restaurant.

If you are local and have friends in town the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is a great place to spend time! Our good friend Rob from 2 Travel Dads was in town and we had such a great lunch.

Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Flora-Bama Marina - jet ski rentals or a boat rental right next to the restaurant.

Flora Bama Ole River Grill - Located right next door is another great restaurant with a different menu!

Flora Bama World Famous Beach Bar - Right across the street is the famous Flora Bama Beach Bar! You can walk across the street from the Yacht Club after enjoying a great meal.

Lillian's Pizza - Epic thin crust or pan crust pizza!

Cobalt - the perfect place for lunch or dinner on the water! Their menu is filled with gulf seafood, sandwiches, and delicious options you will have a hard time choosing from.

The Gulf - The Gulf Orange Beach offers amazing food, epic views, and a casual atmosphere perfect for a beach trip!

Additional Gulf Coast Articles

Orange Beach Restaurants on the Beach - The best Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach and or with a Waterview!

Best Pizza in Orange Beach, AL - The best pizza delivery and dine in pizza restaurants in Orange Beach.

Gulf State Park Pier - Enjoy epic sunrise and sunset views, great fishing, and more.

Epic Orange Beach Coffee Shops   - The best coffee shops for relaxing, iced or blended coffees, and more.

Unique Things to do in Orange Beach – There are so many fun things to do while visiting the Gulf Coast.

Pensacola Lighthouse - Climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for epic views.

Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - This Pensacola Beach restaurant has great food and fantastic water views.

The Wharf in Orange Beach - Coming Soon

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including  Gulf Shores ,  Orange Beach ,  Fairhope ,  Fort Morgan ,  Foley , Mobile, Alabama and so many more!

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of  Alabama ,  Mississippi ,  Louisiana , Texas, and  Florida !

Check out our  Facebook  and  Instagram  and  Tik Tok  pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.

Eden Condominiums

Flora-bama yacht club, perdido key, fl.

Located on the line between Orange Beach and Perdido Key, the Flora-Bama Yacht Club is a "Must Visit Often" location on the coast. You can come by boat, car, paddleboard, float... as long as you get there. They are known for their original menu items and local seafood. There is something for almost everyone.

Their award winning Chefs and the friendly staff make every dining experience fun. They have a large outdoor deck and beach area. Relax on their sand and listen to the fantastic music from local and visiting musicians. Nothing like a dinner and Bushwacker at the FBYC.

Open Sunday - Thursday for lunch and dinner from 11am-9pm and on Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm.

Phone: 850-483-6272

17350 Perdido Key Dr Pensacola, FL 32507

The vacation destination, stay in touch.

Weekend Getaway

Cruising the gulf coast - from orange beach to pensacola and beyond, afloat in a southern paradise.

When the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway canal from Mobile Bay opens into Wolf Bay in Orange Beach, Alabama, it begins crisscrossing a series of estuaries tucked behind the finest white-sand beaches in the world. This stretch of beach between here and Panama City, Florida, boasts sugar-soft sands that once were the tops of the Appalachian Mountains. Now they welcome the warm waters of the Gulf Coast.Start your journey in Orange Beach, where so many excellent restaurants sit on the water that you'll want to stay longer to sample them all. Pull into Orange Beach Marina, which is located on a fully protected harbor and accommodates vessels up to 130 feet. For fine dining, be sure to head upstairs at the marina to Fisher's, or opt for their dock-side dining for something a bit more casual. If you're in the need of service or maintenance during your stay, Saunders Yachtworks is located next to the marina and can help with any fixes. Over at Perdido Pass, boaters tie up at the Cobalt dock to dine on fresh seafood while watching the water traffic travel in and out of the Gulf.

For shopping, don't miss Orange Beach's eclectic collection of retailers and boutiques all along the docks. San Roc Cay and The Wharf both offer locally owned clothing, home decor, and specialty shops. Meanwhile, the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach sits on the shore of Wolf Bay in a 1920s-era hotel, and includes an art gallery. There's also an on-site glass-blowing studio and a pottery studio. If you prefer some outdoors activity, glide like a seagull on the Hummingbird Ziplines at Gulf Adventure Center at the Gulf State Park's Lake Shelby. Or opt for some paddle boarding on the lake. It's ideal for beginners without having to deal with surf and tides.

When you do head to the east, leave time to dock or pull up on the sand at the state line's Flora-Bama Yacht Club. With your feet in the sand, sip a legendary Bushwacker and enjoy ruby red shrimp, a sweeter deep-water shrimp harvested offshore. Afterwards, wander across the street to experience the legendary roadhouse bar The Flora-Bama, with its three stages of live music.

Day 1: Orange Beach to Pensacola

Distance: 24 nautical miles

Slip behind the rows of marching condos on Perdido Key to motor out into Pensacola Bay to Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor, just footsteps away from downtown Pensacola. Be sure to stroll down Palafox Street's brick sidewalks and breathe in more than 450 years of history. The street is the heartbeat of downtown. Chic shops, galleries and trendy restaurants populate the wroughtironed buildings. Crepe myrtles wave in the gentle sea breezes.

Take in a minor league baseball game at the adjacent stadium featuring the home team the Blue Wahoos, a Double A team for the Cincinnati Reds. If they are not in town you may want to see who is performing at the historic Saenger Theatre. Pensacola hosts many traveling concerts as well as its own symphony, opera, and ballet.

Hungry? Head over to the Atlas Oyster House or its sister restaurant, The Fish House; they both sit on the bay, and both serve locally caught mahi-mahi, grouper and other Gulf fish. Or maybe you'd prefer to cook your own. Stop at Joe Patti's Seafood Market to pick up the freshest fish in town. When the sun goes down, join the party over at Seville Quarter with its dueling pianos. Afterwards, stop by Old Hickory Whiskey Bar for a late-night nip. In the morning, grab your coffee at the Fosko Coffee Barre.

Day 2: Pensacola to Destin and Sandestin

Distance: 47 nautical miles

Transit back out through the Bay and scoot in between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Gulf ICW will take you behind pristine Navarre Beach, Santa Rosa Island and Okaloosa Island before popping out into the wide Choctawhatchee Bay. You'll first come to Destin, settled as world's luckiest fishing village. These days it's a beach hub too. Families and fisher folk flock here for incredible beaches, boating and bountiful seafood. If you want to leave your boat docked, a water taxi can move you between destinations.

HarborWalk Village, tucked just under the bridge at East Pass and on Destin Harbor, has both a marina as well as a waterfront shopping and dining destination. It's the place to rent a paddle board, kayak or jet ski or to schedule a glass-bottom boat ride. Fireworks light up the night sky on weekends. There's a passel of Gulf-to-table restaurants with Brotula's Seafood House and Steamer especially notable. They will even cook your catch for you.A bit farther east is Baytowne Marina, located within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The marina staff provides concierge service, including arranging golf tee times, restaurant reservations, tram service and golf cart rentals. There are well over two dozen restaurants nearby, including casual dining, dinner cruises and fine dining, where you can enjoy a spectacular breakfast, lunch or dinner.

A favorite place to spend a day swimming and snorkeling is Crab Island. Depths around the island range from 2 to 10 feet depending on where you anchor. During the warmer seasons, a restaurant/snack barge sells hamburgers, steamed shrimp, boiled peanuts and ice cream.

Day 3: Destin to Panama City Beach

Distance: 56 nautical miles

Move your boat to the east end of Choctawhatchee Bay to enter the narrow canal to West Bay, the Grand Lagoon and North Bay at Panama City. Those feed into St. Andrews Bay just past Panama City Beach, where you can tuck into Bay Point Marina at the Lower Grand Lagoon near the Pass. You'll find a lovely resort setting with a challenging Jack Nicklaus- designed golf course and a full spa at Bay Point.The nearby Capt. Anderson's Marina, also on the same lagoon, offers one of the most popular seafood restaurants in town, alongside a full fishing fleet, dive boats and cruises to Shell Island another fun spit of sand amid the emerald waters of the Gulf that's good for an hour or a full day's fun.Across St. Andrews Bay at the City Marina you can walk to many shops and restaurants in downtown Panama City. Don't miss Ferrucci Ristorante for Italian seafood dishes or Millie's Café for po'boys and beignets. Those with a taste for impeccably curated antiques will love Main Street. Afterwards, try your hand at Corner Pocket, a smoke-free pool hall that also has the city's largest selection of craft brews on tap.The charming small town of St. Andrews sits on the same bay with a host of eateries, watering holes and galleries all within two blocks of the docks. Chef Ernie Hall dishes up Latin Caribbean fare on his boat Just the Cook.On your final morning, head over to Andy's Flour-Power Café Bakery for the finest breakfast in town. Most tourists haven't found it yet, so you'll be able to score a table and sip your way into another beautiful day on the Gulf ICW.

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Flora-Bama: The World's Most Iconic Beach Bar, Ala-Fla State Line

Growing up in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, all beaches along the Central Gulf of Mexico were fair game. The Jewels of the Mississippi Coast to the far reaches of Mexico Beach, Florida were considered our playground. We often found ourselves at Dauphin Island, Sand Island, Ft. Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Pensacola Beach. But there was a special affection for Orange Beach and the Perdido Key area.

The inland waterways of Cotton Bayou and Old River were designated ski areas, and many a summer job was found at the docks and marinas where fishing charters and recreational boats refueled, and purchased beer, ice, and bait while passing long, hot summer days either on or in the water. 

A lot has changed since we rode dune buggies up and down the unobstructed beaches, climbed through Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines playing hide and seek as kids, and occasionally jumped off the old Perdido Pass bridge unbeknownst to our parents. 

The one constant was the Flora-Bama Package Store. It sat as a small cinder block building on the Florida side of the Alabama-Florida state line when the age to purchase beer was 18. It was built and named by the Tampry Family who owned the land when the Perdido Pass Bridge was built.  It finds itself humbly world-famous in 2024 celebrating its 60 th Anniversary.

Fast forward past several hurricanes, condos rising, the development of Goat Island into the ultra-luxury Ono Island, and the Flora-Bama tales pile up like a huge dune with each grain of sand a story unto itself. When asked what his favorite beach bar was, the late Head Football Coach, Mike Leach, known as the “Pirate,” said, “The best beach bar in America is a place on the Alabama-Florida state line called the Flora-Bama."

The more a story is told, the more embellished it gets. Since we launched Scenic 98 Coastal two years ago, I’ve wanted to capture a few of the legendary tales and relish the memories. Whether it is truth or fiction, it doesn’t matter. A good story is a good story.  

Through our mutual friend, Kelli Dill, I caught up with John McInnis, who now owns the Flora-Bama with business partners, Cameron Price, and original owner Pat McClellan to hear the history. Cameron is a former Army Ranger, West Point, and MIT grad and Pat is a former Navy Officer who joined Joe Gilchrist in 1984 to run the Flora-Bama. 

John and his family have many ties to the Scenic 98 Coastal area, so it quickly became clear that their involvement along the coast contributed to the growth and prosperity of the area. He grew up on the western shore of Mobile Bay on Mon Louis Island where he tells me they had no mailbox, only a P.O. Box in Coden. John’s father and grandfather were in the bridge-building business and constructed bridges all over the southeast, specializing in Alabama.

After attending St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, John’s family moved to Montgomery where the construction business was headquartered when he was nine. John graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1996 and then the University of Alabama in 2000. While there, he earned his Business and Political Science degree and moved to Orange Beach in 2000, to work in the family’s business interests.

By the time John graduated from college, the family businesses had diversified into underground utilities, military base work, and the toll bridge and ferry boat business. The family company built the Dauphin Island to Ft. Morgan Ferry and then sold it to the State of Alabama a decade ago. They also built the Foley Beach Express toll bridge, which just recently was sold to the State of Alabama for $60 million , so the tolls will cease. 

They also entered the disaster clean-up and recovery business. After Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, they were hired to clean up the entire city of Orange Beach. After Hurricane Katrina, from 2006 to 2009, they had the largest FEMA-funded demolition project in U.S. history. For 3 years, John lived in New Orleans and oversaw the project with his father and partners. 

When the New Orleans project was completed, John moved back to Orange Beach where he met his wife, Shelley, who is from Birmingham. They now have three boys aged 17, 11, and 7. He tells me he is still involved in the construction and disaster business internationally, but the company is selective on which projects they choose to participate in. He also mentioned that they are focused on non-profit organizations that help support the local communities.

“We enjoy using skills we learned in the business world to serve God’s kingdom by helping with Christian ministry projects or nonprofit disaster rescue and rebuilding operations. John served as the Director of  Kenny Chesney’s Love for Love City Foundation based in the U.S. Virgin Islands helping manage the response to Hurricanes, Maria and Irma."

The Flora-Bama hosts charitable events throughout the year. He and his family have put down roots in the area and live in Orange Beach and on his farm in Baldwin County, Alabama. The morning we visited, John had risen early to turkey hunt on the farm. He is adventurous, has raced the Baja 1000 for years, likes to skydive, and enjoys cave diving at night. His reputation is that of a good businessman with many talents, who is generous and well-liked.  

So, how did you end up in the bar business? I asked. He tells me that around 2008 to 2009, John and his business partner, Cameron contracted with Joe Gilcrest and Pat McClelland to purchase a majority stake in the Flora-Bama. The idea was to preserve its larger-than-life reputation and protect it in the future. 

“I decided to spend my time focused on the Flora-Bama and less time in the construction business. We began to learn and understand the beach bar business. What better place than the Flora-Bama? Since then, we have developed multiple ventures including Coastal Orange Beach, The Orange Beach Store, and several properties in the 30-A area including Shunk Gully, Gallions, and three liquor stores with our partner Thomas Gallion.”

We shifted our focus to the many tall tales and rumors that have emerged from Flora-Bama beginning with the first day it opened. It was torched by a local competitor and gambling boat owner in the Perdido area. That event is a testament to the Flora-Bama’s resilience to build back better, regardless of circumstances.

In a nod to the late Joe Gilcrest’s sense of humor, one time a large billboard was erected on site saying “Coming Soon” showing a large highrise condo opening April 1st. Joe and Pat hired a fake Texas cowboy on April Fool's Day and called a press conference to announce they were building a 30-story condo and putting the Flora-Bama on top. Even Jimmy Buffett was concerned, calling a friend to find out if the rumor was true.

John quickly dispelled the rumor that Jack Robinson, “ Big Earl ” to most of us, and the almost 30-year weekend house band with a raucous show was the head of HR for Flora-Bama. “Not true,” says John. “But he did have a distinguished healthcare career and has served on councils at the City of Orange Beach and has always helped the owners of Flora-Bama with its employees and patrons to make everyone's life better.”

Today, the Flora-Bama employs over 500 staff and consists of the original package store and five stages for a constant array of country, rock, dance, and beach music seven days a week, all day and night.  

A featured annual event is the  Santa Claus Drop with Santa and his helpers parachuting into the crowd assembled on the beach in front of the main building. The annual Polar Bear Dip follows the Flora-Bama New Year’s Eve bash. The Super Chili Bowl Cook-off benefits the American Cancer Society, the Beach Run/Walk for American Warriors, the Boozy Adult Spelling Bee, The Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Drop, and the Mullet Man Triathlon, are some of the annual spring events.

Perhaps the most famous FloraBama event, the Interstate Mullet Toss & Greatest Beach Party , took place last week. It is world-renowned. As summer reaches its zenith, Flora-Bama hosts several bikini contests beginning with the Miss Memorial Day Bikini Contest. 

In June, The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo is followed by the Freedom Run and the Miss Firecracker Bikini Contest around the Fourth of July. If that’s not enough, Labor Day officially wraps up Summer with the Miss Flora-Bama Bikini Contest. The good times never stop!

Of course, the Fall brings a full slate of big events including the Bulls on the Beach Rodeo weekend, Halloween Costume Contest , Oktoberfest, and the internationally renowned Frank Brown Songwriters Festival. There is always something fun happening at Flora-Bama throughout the week, too. 

You can mix up your experience at Flora-Bama Yacht Club , the Marina, the Old River Grill, and the Oyster Bar to complement the good food served in the main bar. Bring the kids. They will have a blast playing on the beach, eating good seafood food and burgers, and listening to great music. 

On Sunday you can attend Flora-Bama Church . It draws a serious crowd for worship and John says they talk about God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus. 

If you grew up around these parts, the Flora-Bama is part of your life. Through each hurricane that ripped it apart, it comes back bigger and better every time. It is truly an amazing place, and John McInnis takes his responsibility seriously to keep the good times rolling.

Did I mention the famous Bushwacker ? It is worth a visit. Big Earl is a must-see. The ladies who have contributed their bras to the clothesline overhead of the main stage room are doing their part for philanthropy, too. The bras are collected and donated to local homeless shelters and thrift stores.

Thank you, John. May the legacy of the Flora-Bama live on forever! It is the home base beach bar establishment for the entire Scenic 98 Coastal family.

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Featured Posts

The Ultimate Road Trip

From tennessee to gulf shores.

If you’re used to making the drive down the stretch of the I-65 corridor, you might be asking: “Where can I stop?” We’ll fill you in on unique sights to extend your road trip from Tennessee down to Alabama’s beaches. Make it an epic beach road trip, and add a few of these stops when you head down.

Top 6 Places to Stop from TN to Alabama's Beaches

1. huntsville.

Known as Rocket City, Huntsville is the site of the world-reknown Space and Rocket Center. However, few travelers know that Huntsville has so much more to offer than just that. There are numerous local breweries, mountain hiking trails, like beautiful Monte Sano State Park with gorgeous views in the fall overlooking the city, and memorable places to eat. If you go, don’t miss these distinctive eateries:

• Stovehouse is known as Huntsville’s food garden. It’s a complex of restaurants designed to make you never want to leave. There’s plenty of live music and yard games.
• A.M Booth’s Lumberyard is a popular local spot in town where you can listen to live music, including dueling pianos and local bands. Plan ahead, and you can even enjoy dinner on a historic train.
• Campus 808 is another must-see stop with numerous restaurants. Established in an old school building, this preserved campus is quite quirky and will bring you back to your school days. Ask a local diner to show you the hidden speakeasy behind the secret lockers. 

2. Birmingham

Many travelers consider making a stop in Birmingham in order to see its rich history of the Civil Rights movement. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an important and impactful place to visit and learn from. Other places to stop in Birmingham include a zoo and the 67-acre botanical garden. You can even spend the night in a castle of sorts at the Ross Bridge Resort and Spa. 

3. Clanton Peach Park

For a quick stop to stretch your legs and let the kids run around, you may want to check out Peach Park in Clanton. Here, you can buy produce and locally made goods, but also homemade peach ice cream! Many make this stop a sweet family tradition. 

If you’re a history buff, you should make a stop in Selma, which is just an hour’s drive from Peach Park. Visit the Selma Interpretive Center and the Brown Chapel AME Church. You can even retrace the somber steps across the bridge where the tragic Bloody Sunday occurred.  

5. Priester’s Pecans

Another popular stop is Priester’s Pecans. Here, you can try free samples of this southern delicacy! Additionally, there is a viewing area to see how the candies are made, a cold and hot food bar to enjoy some lunch, and a gift shop to buy souvenirs to take home (or eat along the way, if you can’t wait).

Two excellent stops for families who love pairing hands-on learning with travel experiences are Mobile’s GulfQuest: National Maritime Museum and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park . Both attractions are worth the price of admission! Plan on spending a few hours at both locations.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

After road-tripping from Tennessee to Gulf Shores, no doubt you’ll be craving a heaping helping of fresh seafood. One of our favorite spots to stretch our legs is at LuLu’s . If you arrive before your condo is ready, it’s the perfect spot to spend a couple of hours. There’s plenty for the kids (and kids-at-heart) to do, including sand volleyball, the Mountain of Youth ropes course, and, of course, feasting on a shrimp po-boy. 

After recharging overnight, we love to hit the waterways with a pontoon boat rental in Orange Beach from Flora-Bama Marina & Watersports . For our family, there’s no better way to see the area. Amp up the fun and opt for a boat rental with a slide!

Cruise the back bay and Ole River or anchor at Robinson Island for a few hours of boat and beach fun. When you’re done boating, pull up a chair at the Flora-Bama Yacht Club for the area’s signature drink, a bushwacker. This cold, creamy concoction is what vacation dreams are made of!

The quintessential road trip would not be complete without souvenirs. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect t-shirt or hat along the beach road at a number of souvenir shops. But, your keepsake vacation photos have to include a snapshot in the shark’s mouth at Souvenir City . What better way to commemorate your Tennessee to Gulf Shores road trip? 

Of course, you’re on a beach vacation, so don’t forget to put your toes in the sand and enjoy the scenery. The white-sand beaches that stretch for miles make the road trip from Tennessee worth it!

You May Also Like

Things to Do in August on Alabama Beaches

White Trout Fishing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

My Father/Daughter Visit to Alabama’s Beaches

From Toddler to Teen: How We Keep Them All Entertained 

5 Things I Learned From My Alabama Beach Vacation

Say “I Do” on Alabama’s Beaches

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26 Popular Frozen Cocktails, Ranked

The world of frozen cocktails ranges far and wide. You've got your classics, sure — the frozen margarita, the piña colada, the frozen daiquiri, and so forth — but there's a whole host of adult slushies out there that draw on spirits like gin, brandy, crème de cacao, and other liquors that aren't typically first-in-mind when daydreaming about frozen drinks. 

Frozen cocktails come in every color under the sun, and vary in texture from creamy and milkshake-like to something resembling a snow cone. These days, just about any cocktail can be made frozen, so the sky's the limit here, from little-known vintage tiki cocktails to well-loved classic drinks.

Here we present a cool array of popular frozen cocktails, ranked from our least favorite to ultra-delicious. When considering our ranking methodology, we drew on fondly recalled personal experiences of sipping frozen cocktails, along with research on the latest sub-zero mixology trends. However, all drinks listed here have their place, whether it's after waiting 30 minutes in line for tiny cups of $14 frosé at festivals, or dancing the balmy night away at Pensacola's Flora-Bama with a Bushwacker in hand. (If you know, you know.)

26. Blue Hawaiian

Not to be confused with the similarly named blue Hawaii, the blue Hawaiian is a highly sweet cocktail made with blue curaçao, vodka, rum, pineapple and lime juices, and a little bit of coconut milk. These neon-blue sugar bombs can be served frozen or on the rocks — it's all the same ingredients; just add a little extra ice for a frozen version. Keep in mind that while the blue Hawaiian may appeal to those who don't enjoy a strong alcohol taste in their drinks, or simply those who enjoy the sweeter things in life, these are extremely cloying and can be tough to swallow if you're not one for sugary frozen cocktails.

Want to say aloha to this drink at home? Check out our Blue Hawaiian cocktail recipe .

Cachaça, a fermented sugarcane liquor, is one of the most popular spirits in Brazil. It's most famously used in Brazil's national drink, the caipirinha, but it's also featured in a little-known vintage cocktail: the batida. The drink, which can be served either frozen or over ice, is brilliant in its simplicity, consisting of only cachaça, coconut, condensed milk, and lime juice (though fruit is added in some recipes). The batida has a highly sweet, milky flavor with defined coconut notes, which makes it hit or miss depending on personal tastes. If either coconut or dairy are deal-breakers for you, you'll want to pass if you see this frozen cocktail on the menu.

24. Frozen fruit wine slushies

Frosé and friesling certainly have their place within the world of frozen cocktails, but what if you're craving a nice frauvignon blanc or a frordeaux? Good news: Frozen fruit wine slushies can be made with any wine you like, and as a lagniappe, you'll add some healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your drink by incorporating fruit. Simply toss your wine of choice and some frozen fruit in a blender, adding sweeteners, fruit juices, or herbs for more flavor if desired. Experiment with pairing different wines and fruits, like a jammy red with frozen cherries or chardonnay with frozen strawberries. Try them out for your next summer book club meeting or girls' night in.

There are as many versions of this versatile drink as there are wine varieties — in other words, a whole lot. For step-by-step guidance for customizing it at home, see our article detailing how to make a frozen fruit wine slushie .

23. Dirty banana

If mimosas and bloody Marys aren't your thing, the dirty banana might just hit the spot. This little-known beachy cocktail uses rum, banana liqueur, Kahlúa, a bit of milk and cream, and a ripe banana for an easy-sipping, smoothie-esque drink. It's basically a smoothie with some unusual perks, so you can feel good about getting your buzz on while ingesting plenty of vitamins, potassium, and fiber from the banana. Banana liqueur can have a distinctly artificial taste, and that combined with the fresh banana can be overwhelming, but if you're bananas for bananas and enjoy a kick of coffee and cream, give this frozen cocktail a shot.

22. Frozen Moscow mule

Get your copper mugs ready; it's frozen Moscow mule time. Like a classic Moscow mule , these freezies use only three ingredients (vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice), so if you can't find a bar serving them up near you, just make 'em yourself. Freeze ginger beer in an ice cube tray, then toss the frozen cubes in a blender with vodka and lime.

Ginger beer isn't for everyone, but these are a real treat for those who enjoy it. Frozen Moscow mules offer the crisp coolness of a traditional mule with the added benefit of being extra cold and refreshing. Try experimenting with whiskey or tequila in place of vodka, or adding fresh herbs into the mix for a unique boost.

And it's not even necessary to serve this drink in a copper mug. In fact, with our Moscow mule ice pops recipe , you can serve it on a stick.

21. Frozen mudslide

A mudslide on a hillside? Potential tragedy. A mudslide in a glass? Boozy dessert perfection. With Irish cream, coffee liqueur, ice cream, and bourbon or vodka, the mudslide resembles a frozen Irish coffee, but with coffee liqueur in place of espresso and bourbon or vodka standing in for Irish whiskey. The drink's name comes from the mudslide-like visual effect in the non-frozen version of the drink, in which chocolate syrup seeps through layers of cream and liqueur — which is harder to achieve when all of the ingredients are blended with ice. 

These adult milkshakes are common fixtures at restaurants. However, it's a breeze to make a frozen mudslide at home , too.

20. Pearl diver

We can't talk tiki bars without bringing up Donn Beach, the godfather of the tiki bar concept. Donn, who opened Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood at the tail end of Prohibition, had several signature drinks in his repertoire. One of the most unusual? The pearl diver, which combines gold and Demerara rums, orange and lime juice, and Angostura bitters with Beach's special gardenia mix— a combo of butter, honey, cinnamon and vanilla syrups, and allspice. It's basically a frozen version of a hot buttered rum  that uses similar (though arguably less extravagant) ingredients. The fatty butter creates a deliciously smooth texture, and the sugary quality of the rums combined with the gentle sourness of citrus helps the pearl diver go down like liquid gold. 

19. Frozen Negroni

The frozen Negroni is yet another frosty cocktail that doesn't rely on rum, vodka, or tequila like many of its popular counterparts. With an herbal, licorice-like taste and deep, dark fruit flavors, Negronis aren't for everyone, but a frozen version is a treat for those who enjoy the bitterness of Campari and the botanical qualities of vermouth. In addition to these, you'll find gin and orange juice in a frozen Negroni. Gin lends an intriguing, piney taste to the mix, while orange juice balances everything out. It's somewhat surprising to find the Negroni's sophisticated flavor profile in frozen form, but that's what makes this drink special.

It's pretty easy to whip up a batch and enjoy frosty sips of la dolce vita at home. Our frozen Negroni recipe produces at least six servings of this drink in 15 minutes.

18. Frozen grasshopper

Thin Mint cookie fans who enjoy a boozy kick will go nuts for the frozen grasshopper cocktail. Most frozen dessert drinks feature whiskeys, brandies, and bourbons, but the frozen grasshopper does away with the hard stuff and focuses instead on melding the flavors of crème de menthe and white crème de cacao blended together with ice, plain vanilla ice cream, and a splash of milk — with chocolate syrup often drizzled on top for pizzazz. These bright green medleys are a refreshing change from the chocolate and coffee-forward dessert drinks one typically sees, but be warned: If you're not a fan of the mint and chocolate combo, this ain't the drink for you.

17. Friesling

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard of frosé ... now it's friesling's time to shine. Friesling consists of riesling, which is typically a sweeter wine, frozen and blended together with ice and mix-ins like flavored liqueurs, fresh citrus juices, clear spirits, and simple syrup.

Depending on what's added to the riesling, the flavor can vary quite a bit. A flavored liqueur or syrup, like peach or grapefruit, will shift its flavor profile to the fruity side, while lemon or lime juice will make the drink more tart. Friesling is generally a sweet, highly enjoyable frozen cocktail to sip (or in this case, suck through a straw) on a balmy afternoon.

16. Miami vice

If you like piña coladas but not so much getting caught in the rain, a Miami vice just might be the drink for you. This frozen cocktail features rum, strawberries, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice for the best of both piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris. The strawberry daiquiri-esque portion of the drink is blended separately from the piña colada-inspired part, and the two sections are added to a hurricane glass in separate layers for an aesthetically pleasing visual effect. There's a fair amount of sweetness from the strawberries, but tart pineapple and creamy coconut complement it nicely. Miami vices are guaranteed to make a splash at your next pool party.

15. Sgroppino

Remember those lemon Italian ices you squeezed out of cardboard tubes as a kid? The sgroppino is the 21+ version. It's a playful, tart, and sweet cocktail that can be made on a budget, and while you won't find it on many restaurant menus in the U.S., it's a breeze to make at home. All you'll need is vodka, chilled prosecco, and lemon sorbet — no ice is required, as the lemon sorbet will provide a lovely, creamy, slushy texture on its own. Sgroppinos are usually served in wine or champagne glasses and may feature mint sprigs or lemon peels as garnishes. They're cute, they're classy, and they should make an appearance at your next home brunch.

It's harder to pronounce the name of this drink than it is to prepare it at home. Our article explaining why sgroppino is Italy's boozy drink featuring lemon sorbet  also presents instructions for how to make it.

14. Missionary's downfall

Donn Beach, the aforementioned creator of the pearl diver, is credited with inventing many of the tiki cocktails we know today, including the zombie, the rum julep, and a lesser-known drink known as the missionary's downfall.

The missionary's downfall is a nuanced frozen cocktail with a moderately low alcohol content. Crème de pêche (a liqueur made from peaches) and pineapple chunks provide a bright but delicate base, while honey syrup adds sweetness and fresh mint sprigs lend a lovely herbal aftertaste to the drink. The missionary's downfall may not be in vogue nowadays, but maybe it's time for a comeback.

13. Bushwacker

If you've ever spent a spring break lounging on the white-sand beaches of Pensacola, you've probably had a bushwacker. The bushwacker is an alcoholic milkshake featuring the coffee aspects of a white Russian along with creamy coconut, white crème de cacao, and rum. Unlike several other cocktails on this list, the bushwacker is always served frozen.

This cocktail has a rich, creamy texture similar to a Frappuccino, while Kahlúa (or similar coffee liqueur) adds a caffeine kick. Popular garnishes include shaved chocolate, a maraschino cherry, or a floater of 151 rum. It's a pretty dessert-forward drink, which can make it tough to have more than one ... but that one is sure to knock your socks off.

Wondering what sets a bushwacker apart from its close cousin, the mudslide? We've got your cold-drink curiosity covered with our article detailing the difference between bushwacker and mudslide cocktails .

12. Sicilian slush

Gin and Campari fans, rejoice. The Sicilian slush is a tasty alcoholic slushy made with gin, Campari, fresh lemon and orange juice, and simple syrup for a refreshing, citrusy cocktail that'll have the 21+ crowd reliving their glory days.

With a glowing orange hue reminiscent of a Florida sunrise, these blended cocktails have a bright flavor from the citrus balanced by the piney aromatics of gin and a light bitterness from Campari. Depending on how much Campari is used, a faint trace of nutmeg or clove may be perceptible in the finished product. The Sicilian slush is a great way to shake things up if you've grown weary of frozen daiquiris and margs.

Boozy slushies have had quite a bit of time in the limelight for the last few years, and one of the most popular frozen cocktails is frosé. The name is a portmanteau of "frozen" and "rosé" — but there's a little more to this cocktail than just wine blended with ice. Frosé recipes contain rosé, of course, but many recipes blend the wine with fruit (strawberries are popular for their pink and red coloring) for added flavor. Sometimes another type of wine is added, or clear liquor for an added kick. While frosé came in dead last in our survey regarding readers' favorite frozen cocktails , we'll take an icy glass of the stuff anytime.

Another variant of frosé can be enjoyed one sweet lick at a time. Our easy frozen rosé lemonade popsicle recipe provides all the intoxicating goodness of frosé without the hassle of washing a glass.

10. Frozen brandy Alexander

The original recipe for a brandy Alexander used a base of gin. If that sounds absolutely horrifying, you'll be relieved to know that the cocktail has since evolved, and if you order one today, you'll likely find cognac or brandy in gin's place. This drink is a fun one, and a frozen brandy Alexander, which swaps in ice cream for heavy cream for a wonderfully creamy texture, makes a delightful after-dinner drink on a warm summer evening. In addition to cognac and ice cream, dark crème de cacao stars in this thick beverage along with whipped cream and cacao nibs for garnish. 

When served in a martini glass, this Alexander looks great. Believe it or not, it takes only 5 minutes to whip up this sophisticated treat with our frozen brandy Alexander cocktail recipe .

9. Mango castaway

If you're craving the creamy coconut heaven of a piña colada but pineapple isn't your jam, a mango castaway might just hit the spot. The mango castaway uses mango rather than pineapple for a juicy, tropical flavor and favors both coconut rum and aged rum in place of coconut milk and unaged white rum — all blended together with condensed milk. The result is effectively a mango piña colada. It's creamy and a little bit tart, and depending on the type of aged rum used, may also carry a hint of caramel, wood smoke, and baking spices on the palate.

Most of us think of rum, vodka, or tequila when discussing frozen cocktails, but plenty of other spirits can be used to spice things up. The Saturn presents an excellent example. This tiki classic has a gin base and is made with passion fruit juice, orgeat syrup, falernum, and lemon juice for an intriguing flowerlike profile. The Saturn gets its name from the garnish, which is made up of a lemon peel ring secured to a cocktail cherry or a round berry with a toothpick in mimicry of planet Saturn's famous rings. The cocktail was originally blended, but nowadays, you may find it served over crushed ice. Either way, the unique elements and delicious taste of this drink make it a must-try during your next tiki bar visit.

7. Frozen Bellini

The peach lover's answer to a mimosa is the Bellini. Made with prosecco and peach puree, these beauties are traditionally served mimosa-style (not blended and without ice), but the frozen version of a classic peach Bellini is a fun twist — plus, you'll use frozen peaches, so there's no need for pesky peach prep. Frozen peach Bellinis temper the sweetness of prosecco with delicate peach flavor to magnificent effect. Just toss frozen peaches, prosecco (use another sparkling wine if desired), a dash of sugar (or honey or agave), and some ice cubes into a blender and process until your desired texture is achieved, and you're good to go.

6. Frozen daiquiri

The difference between traditional and frozen daiquiris is vast. Classic daiquiris are made with only lime juice, white rum, and sugar shaken with ice. While the ingredients may seem similar on the surface, frozen daiqs are a category of their own. In fact, the city of New Orleans is so crazy about them that there are entire franchises of drive-through daiquiri shops. Yep, you read that right! Just don't stick your straw in your cup until you get home. With frozen fruit or flavoring, simple syrup, lime juice, and rum, these powerful boozy drinks present peak summer vibes. 

Like frozen margaritas, these babies come in a plethora of flavors, from pineapple to banana to mango. For an easy introduction to making them yourself, see our  frozen strawberry daiquiri cocktail recipe .

5. Frozen Aperol spritz

Aperitifs seem to be growing in popularity, and one drink that's slowly climbing its way to the top of cocktail lists is the Aperol spritz . On the surface, it's fairly simple, made with just Aperol, prosecco, and soda water; but the zesty, herbaceous, smooth flavor of Aperol helps it stand out from the crowd. The most basic iteration of a frozen Aperol spritz involves the traditional ingredients blended with ice — Aperol doesn't freeze completely, so ice is needed to accomplish a fun slushy-like texture. To shake things up, consider using frozen fruit in place of some or all of the ice, or using flavored soda water to achieve a unique taste.

Sipping an Aperol spritz, traditional or frozen, is a sign of grown-up sophistication. For a less sophisticated (but more fun) way to enjoy an ice-crystallized version of this cocktail, check out our Aperol spritz snow cone recipe . 

4. Frozen mojito

The birthplace of the classic mojito cocktail is murky, but the general consensus is that this popular drink consisting of muddled mint, lime, rum, simple syrup, and club soda originated in Havana, Cuba. Mint is the element that makes this cocktail a cut above the rest, adding a cool, refreshing touch to citrusy white rum and sour lime. Traditionally, mojitos are served on the rocks, but all it takes to make a frozen version is a cup or two of ice and a blender — and as a bonus, blending eliminates the need for pesky muddling. If you're looking for a non-traditional frozen drink, "frojitos" are sure to hit the spot.

Hosting an outdoor party in the hot sun? Our article providing tips for preparing a batch of frozen mojito cocktails will help make sure your guests enjoy plenty of minty refreshment.

3. Frozen Irish coffee

There's nothing like a piping hot mug of coffee with whiskey and Baileys to warm the bones on a cold day. Conversely, a frozen Irish coffee is a perfect cocktail to cool you down on a hot one. Frozen Irish coffees contain Irish whiskey, Baileys, Kahlúa, espresso, and a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream blended together like a milkshake — make sure to garnish with some crushed coffee beans for a little extra zest. These cocktails are fun brunch fare, but they also make for a yummy dessert, and the decadent drinks are a popular offering at Irish bars, especially in the summertime — in fact, we named the frozen Irish coffees at Erin Rose in NOLA the best frozen cocktail in the state .

2. Frozen margarita

Margaritas can be served frozen or on the rocks, but when summer hits and you're drenched in sweat after just minutes outside, you're gonna want to go frozen. Frozen margaritas contain the same ingredients as their unblended cousins (tequila, lime juice, sweetener, and often orange liqueur) — they're just tossed in a blender with ice as an extra step.

Traditional frozen margaritas are lime-flavored, as lime juice and tequila are the primary ingredients, but there are thousands of flavors available for upgrading your frozen marg. Popular choices include strawberry, mango, and pineapple, but we challenge you to take things up a notch by adding unusual fruits or veggies (cucumber, jalapeño, dragonfruit), herbs (basil, mint, thyme), and flavored simple syrups.

If there's booze in your blender, soon it can render this concoction. Try out our classic frozen margarita cocktail recipe — but whatever you do, don't lose that shaker of salt.

1. Piña colada

There is absolutely no drink out there that rivals the vacay vibes of a frozen piña colada. With pineapple, coconut, rum, and a juicy maraschino cherry to top it all off, these frozen beverages are a tropical vacation in a glass. The sweet, tart taste of pineapple is balanced perfectly by rich, creamy coconut milk. Piña coladas are cruise ship and beach bar favorites, but they're just as easy to whip up at home. (And you won't have to shell out $16!) Most piña colada recipes call for white rum, but experimenting with dark rum and even flavored rum can lead to some fun twists on the classic cocktail. For a virgin version, just leave the rum out altogether.

Ready to create this creamy dream on your own? Get started with our cool and refreshing piña colada recipe .

Methodology

While recognizing that the topic of frozen cocktails is highly subjective, with every imbiber preferring different flavor elements in their drinks, we've based the order of this ranking on varied perspectives. Beyond drawing on fondly recalled personal experiences of sipping frozen cocktails, we utilized research on the latest sub-zero mixology trends and considered what cocktail flavors are most popular and widespread. While this list is not comprehensive, it presents an overview of varying types of frozen cocktails that appeal to a wide range of consumers depending on the setting, moment, and mood.

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Luxury rules at the moscow yacht show.

by Maria Sapozhnikova

The windy Russian autumn weather might be a little bit tricky for sailing, but it doesn’t stop brave yachtsmen from all over the world from flocking to Russian capital in the beginning of September when the Moscow Yacht Show commences. The main Russian Yacht exhibition gathers professional and amateur yacht lovers together under the wing of The Royal Yacht Club.

This year it took place for a fourth time already. The exhibition is considered the principal event on the sporting and social calendar. The Moscow Yacht Show 2010 united in one area three of the largest Russian yachts distributors: Ultramarine, Nordmarine and Premium Yachts.

A wide range of yachts were on display for a week. An exhibition showcased yachts both from Russian manufacturers and world famous brands: Azimut, Princess, Ferretti, Pershing, Riviera, Doral, Linssen, etc.

It was a real feast for seafarers as visitors of the show had a unique chance not only to take a look at the newest superyachts before they hit the market, but also to evaluate their driving advantages during the test drive. The show provided an excellent opportunity for yacht enthusiasts to choose and buy a new boat for the next season.

The event started with the grandiose gala evening. It included grand dinner, the concert and professional awards ceremony for achievements in Russian yachting industry. The guests also enjoyed the annual regatta.

Special guest Paolo Vitelli, Azimut Benetti Group president, opened the evening.

Next year organizers assured guests they would bring more yachts, the scale of which will even make oligarch Roman Abramovich envious. Sounds very promising indeed.

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