Colorado Bulldog Cocktail — Creamy Coffee Fizz with Vodka & Cola
Rich, fizzy, and full of retro charm — the Colorado Bulldog mixes vodka, Kahlua®, cream, and cola for a decadent yet refreshing twist on the White Russian. Perfect for dessert hours or late-night sipping.
Background
The Colorado Bulldog likely originated in the U.S. during the late 1970s, when bartenders started adding cola to White Russians for a lighter, carbonated finish. Despite its name, it has no connection to Colorado or dogs — just a fun, memorable handle for a creamy, crowd-pleasing drink.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Vodka – provides structure and a neutral kick.
- Kahlua® – adds sweet coffee depth.
- Cream – brings a luxurious, dessert-like texture.
- Cola – adds bubbles and caramel sweetness for balance.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Ice cubes
Why It Works
The Bulldog bridges the gap between a White Russian and a float. Cream softens the vodka’s bite while the cola adds lightness and a hint of vanilla-caramel sparkle. The result: a dessert drink you can actually finish.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap cream for milk to make it lighter.
- Try vanilla vodka for extra dessert flair.
- Use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Top with a splash of club soda for less sweetness.
Helpful Tips
- Chill ingredients first to avoid curdling.
- Stir gently after adding cola to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry or coffee beans for a retro touch.
- Serve as a dessert drink or even a nightcap.
Colorado Bulldog Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 1 oz.
- 2 oz.
Directions
- Fill a Highball glass with ice.
- Add vodka and Kahlua.
- Pour in cream and stir gently to blend.
- Top slowly with cola to maintain fizz.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
A retro-cool classic that proves coffee, cream, and cola belong together — smooth, sweet, and quietly bold.
