Colorado Bulldog Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 03/3/24
Tested by
Laurel Randolph
Photo of Laurel Randolph
Tested by Laurel Randolph
A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Colorado bulldog cocktail recipe

The Spruce Eats

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The Colorado Bulldog is a popular mixed drink that's very similar to a White Russian. Though it's unknown how it got its name or who first created it, this simple fizzy cocktail is very tasty. It may even be a little too good because cola and coffee are natural flavor companions, and the creamy background makes it even more delicious.

Differences Between the Colorado Bulldog and the White Russian

Topping the drink with cola is the main difference between these two very popular bar drinks. You'll also notice that the Colorado Bulldog pours equal amounts of vodka and coffee liqueur (often Kahlúa), while the White Russian prefers a 2:1 ratio. This change boosts the coffee flavor, creates a balanced creamy base, and leaves enough room for the sweet soda. There are a few ways to mix it and fun options to give it a new twist.

Skip the Booze

For a nonalcoholic Colorado bulldog, pour a shot of cold espresso over ice, add cream, and top with cola. It's a great afternoon pick-me-up.

Tips for the Best Colorado Buldog

  • A slow pour—Pouring soda and cream together can create a lot of fizz, and it can get out of hand fast. The drink may also curdle when the soda hits the dairy cream. This varies with the soda brand because some contain more citric acid than others. To avoid both of these issues, always pour the cola very slowly.
  • Use whatcha got—The vodka doesn't have to be the best because there's so much going on in this drink. Save a little money by pouring whichever vodka you enjoy most and have in stock.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THIS COLORADO BULLDOG COCKTAIL
An Old-Fashioned Glass
Large Ice Cubes
An Inexpensive Vodka

"This easy cocktail is a real sweet treat. Coffee and cola are a match made in heaven, and vodka adds booziness while the dairy adds creaminess. While whole milk will work, use light cream if you have it. Pour the cola in slowly while you mix to avoid curdling." —Laurel Randolph

Colorado bulldog cocktail in a glass
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce vodka

  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur

  • 1 ounce light cream or milk

  • 1 to 2 ounces cola, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Colorado bulldog cocktail recipe ingredients gathered

    The Spruce Eats

  2. In an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, pour 1 ounce vodka and 1 ounce coffee liqueur.

    Vodka and coffee liqueur in an old-fashioned glass with ice

    The Spruce Eats

  3. Add 1 ounce light cream or milk, and top with 1 to 2 ounces cola, to taste.

    Cream and cola added to Colorado bulldog cocktail

    The Spruce Eats

  4. Stir well, serve, and enjoy!

    Stirred Colorado bulldog cocktail in a glass with ice

    The Spruce Eats

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • Shake it—Bartenders often shake the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream with ice, then strain the drink into an ice-filled glass and top it with soda.
  • Layer it—Similarly, stir the drink after adding the cream, then slowly pour the soda on top for a semi-layered drink.
  • Different ratios—Play with the ratio of ingredients as you see fit. Some Colorado Bulldog fans prefer a full 1 1/2-ounce shot of vodka with 3/4 ounce each of the coffee liqueur and cream. Pour just a splash of soda or up to 2 ounces to suit your taste.
  • Use flavored vodka—Good options include vanilla, caramel, and cherry.
  • Swap liquors—Switch from vodka to tequila and you'll have a Colorado mother.
  • Swap glasses—When the drink is made in a tall Collins glass, it's sometimes simply called a bulldog.

How Strong Is the Colorado Bulldog?

You can make the Colorado bulldog as strong or as weak as you like. It all depends on how much cola you pour. In general, it's a gentle drink and a casual option for happy hour. When made with 2 ounces of cola, its alcohol content falls around 10 percent ABV (20 proof), or similar to the average glass of wine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
255 Calories
6g Fat
18g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 255
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 26mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 28mg 2%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 55mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)