May 9, 2025
The Colorado Bulldog cocktail recipe is more than just a fun name. It’s a creamy, fizzy drink made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cola, and a splash of cream. The result is something that feels like a dessert and a cocktail all in one, kind of like a grown-up version of an ice cream float.
If you’re into sweet drinks or anything coffee-flavored, this one’s a must-try. It’s a close cousin of the White Russian, but the cola adds a bubbly twist that makes it stand out. Some say it first showed up in the '80s and quietly became a cult favorite.
We love how this cocktail catches people off guard. Cream, soda, and coffee liqueur might sound like an odd combo, but it wins folks over fast. We’ll walk you through how to make a great version at home, share simple tips to keep it smooth, and suggest a few other creamy drinks to try at home.
What's in a Colorado Bulldog Drink?
The Colorado Bulldog might remind us of a White Russian, but there's a fun twist. By adding a splash of cola, we get a fizzy kick that changes the whole vibe. It’s sweet, creamy, and just bold enough to stand out.
Ingredients and Substitutions
We’re working with ingredients that are easy to find, and there’s room to switch things up if needed:
- Vodka
Any unflavored vodka works great, but flavored options like vanilla or cherry vodka can add something extra. - Coffee liqueur
Kahlúa is the go-to, but any coffee liqueur will do. For a stronger coffee note, try an espresso-flavored spirit. - Cola
Coca-Cola or Pepsi are solid picks. Want less sugar or something unique? Go for a craft cola or a diet version. - Cream
Heavy cream gives the smoothest texture, but half-and-half, light cream, or non-dairy creamers are good alternatives. - Maraschino cherry (optional)
It’s not required, but it adds a sweet pop of color that makes the drink look extra inviting.
You might also like: Top 12 Best Kahlua Cocktails | Best Vodka Mixers | Best 2 Ingredient Vodka Drinks
Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need much to make this cocktail at home. Just gather:
- Old-fashioned or highball glass
- Bar spoon or stirrer
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Jigger or measuring tool
Related: Essential Bar Tools for Making Cocktails at Home
How to Make a Colorado Bulldog
We always start with the glass. Grab a highball or old-fashioned glass and fill it with ice. Getting it chilled right from the beginning helps the drink stay refreshing.
Next, we pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur. We usually go for Kahlúa, but any coffee liqueur we have works just fine.
Then comes the cream or milk. This is where the smooth and creamy texture comes in. If we want to layer the drink for a little flair, we can pour the cream gently over the back of a spoon.
Now it's time to add the cola. Pour it in slowly so it blends smoothly with the cream. That fizzy mix is what makes the Colorado Bulldog cocktail stand out.
We give it a gentle stir, just enough to mix the ingredients without losing the creamy look. If we're layering, we stir carefully to keep it pretty.
To top it off, we like to drop in a maraschino cherry. A straw adds a nice finishing touch if we're serving it to guests or just enjoying it ourselves.
For exact amounts and measurements, check out the recipe card below.
Colorado Bulldog Recipe Variations to Try
We love how easy it is to put a new spin on the classic Colorado Bulldog. Whether we’re switching up the base or adding something sweet, these simple twists keep the drink feeling fresh and fun.
Colorado Mother
Swap the vodka for tequila if we're craving something with a bold, earthy vibe. That touch of agave gives the drink a whole new personality.
Vanilla Float Bulldog
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a rich, dessert-like twist. Want it even creamier? Try vanilla vodka for that extra sweet note.
Non-Alcoholic Bulldog
Looking for a mocktail version? Replace the vodka and coffee liqueur with cold brew or espresso. It’s still smooth and sweet, just without the alcohol.
Diet Bulldog
To lighten things up, go for diet cola and use low-fat cream or a non-dairy option. It keeps the flavor but feels a little easier on the stomach.
More Cocktails to Try If You Love the Colorado Bulldog
- White Russian
- Black Russian
- Mudslide
- Espresso Martini
- B52 Shot
- Toasted Almond
- Brave Bull
- Kahlua Hot Chocolate Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
A Colorado Bulldog tastes creamy, sweet, and fizzy, with strong notes of coffee and a hint of vanilla.
Mixing in the cola gives it a light, refreshing tang that balances out the rich liqueur and cream.
It’s a bit like drinking an adult version of an ice cream soda; swap the vodka or use ice cream instead of cream if you want a twist.
No one knows for sure why this drink is named the Colorado Bulldog.
Some say it popped up in the 1980s bar scene, probably as a fun riff on the White Russian’s popularity at the time.
There’s no known link to the state of Colorado or to the dog breed—just another classic cocktail with a quirky name.
The main difference is simple: a Colorado Bulldog has cola, while a White Russian does not.
Both drinks use vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream as a base, but the cola adds fizz and extra sweetness to the Bulldog.
White Russians taste richer and heavier; Bulldogs are lighter and more refreshing thanks to the cola. Sometimes, Bulldogs are stirred while White Russians often have layered ingredients.
A standard Colorado Bulldog is about 10% alcohol by volume, much like a regular glass of wine.
Its sweetness and creamy texture can hide the booze, so it’s easy to forget how strong it is.
If we use less cola or stronger pours, it gets boozier. Use more mixer for something milder.
Colorado Bulldog Cocktail Recipe
The Colorado Bulldog cocktail is quick to make and packed with flavor. With vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and cola, it delivers a smooth, creamy texture with a fizzy finish. It’s a fun twist on the classic White Russian and a great choice for anyone who enjoys sweet, coffee-based drinks.
Equipment
- Old-fashioned or highball glass
- Bar spoon or stirrer
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Jigger or measuring tool
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 2 oz cola
- 1 maraschino cherry optional
- Ice cubes as needed
Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice, then pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Add the cream, then slowly top it off with cola to keep the fizz gentle.
- Stir lightly to blend and finish with a maraschino cherry on top.
Notes
Tips to Make the Best Colorado Bulldog
- Pour the cola last and slowly. It keeps the fizz steady and prevents the cream from curdling.
- For a fun dessert twist, swap the cream for vanilla ice cream or use vanilla vodka.
- If we layer the cream before stirring, it gives the drink that classic float look.
- Avoid stirring too hard. A gentle mix keeps the texture silky and the top nice and foamy.
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