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It’s the White Russian’s lighter, more refreshing cousin.
Some summer evenings call for a cocktail with a little extra energy—but not too much. An espresso martini feels too rich when it’s 90 degrees outside, while a tea-infused hard seltzer barely moves the needle. Meet the Colorado Bulldog: a creamy, fizzy cocktail that delivers just enough of a pick-me-up to keep the conversation going.
Think of it as the White Russian’s lighter, more refreshing cousin. Made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cream or milk, and a splash of cola, the Colorado Bulldog swaps the classic cocktail’s silky finish for a bubbly one that’s especially welcome on a hot day. In Canada, the drink goes by another name—the Vodka Paralyzer—but the recipe is essentially the same.
Why Is It Called the Coloardo Bulldog?
Like most cocktails, the Colorado Bulldog’s origins are up for debate. According to Absolut, some stories trace it to Colorado in 1978, while the most popular version credits bartenders in Winnipeg, Canada, with inventing the drink in the 1980s after they ran out of ingredients for a White Russian and improvised with cola instead. That version became known as the Paralyzer.
As for the name “Colorado Bulldog,” no one seems to know for sure. One local theory suggests it’s a nod to Peanuts, the English bulldog that once served as Colorado State University’s mascot, though the true origin remains a mystery.
However it got its name, one thing is certain: If you’re looking for a cocktail that lands somewhere between an espresso martini and a rum and Coke, the Colorado Bulldog deserves a spot in your summer rotation.
How To Make the Colorado Bulldog
The Colorado Bulldog comes together in about a minute and requires just four ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa), cola, and either heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk.
To make one, fill a glass with ice, then pour in 1 shot of vodka and 1 shot of coffee liqueur (about 1.5 ounces each). Add a splash of cream, then slowly top it off with cola. As the soda mingles with the cream, it creates the drink’s signature frothy finish. Give it a gentle stir, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s equal parts dessert and summer refresher.
Prefer whiskey? Try the Whiskey Paralyzer.
Praise From the Allrecipes Community
- “This was surprisingly good, as in they go down too easy good,” says Margie Robinson. “I think this is my new favorite drink.”
- “This was great!” says Tanaquil. “Has quite a kick. I didn’t use the coffee liqueur as the original submitter suggested. Also, didn’t have highball glasses so I used piña colada glasses. Thanks for the post! P.S. Also used Cherry Coke, gave a nice cherry flavor.”
- “Fell in love with this cocktail in El Paso, TX, at a bar called College Station,” says Laura Withers. “Glad to have the recipe! It’s been 23 years, and it still rocks!!”
- “Easy, a great drink for a sweet tooth who likes coffee,” says Nicole Ferrari. “Will definitely be making this for friends.”
Read the original article on Allrecipes
