Colorado Bulldog Cocktail Recipe

Colorado Bulldog Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:8g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:26g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Colorado Bulldog is a variation of the classic White Russian cocktail. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1980s. The drink is popular among those who enjoy creamy, sweet cocktails with a hint of coffee flavor. It is often served as a dessert drink or as a fun alternative to traditional cocktails at parties and gatherings.

How Colorado Bulldog Tastes?

The Colorado Bulldog has a rich, creamy, and sweet taste with a subtle coffee undertone. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cola adds a slightly effervescent and refreshing twist to the drink, making it a delightful and indulgent treat.

Interesting facts about Colorado Bulldog

  • The Colorado Bulldog is sometimes referred to as a 'Cousin' of the White Russian due to their similar ingredients and flavors.
  • The addition of cola in the Colorado Bulldog sets it apart from the White Russian, giving it a unique fizziness and a slightly different taste profile.
  • The name 'Colorado Bulldog' is thought to have originated from the drink's popularity in Colorado, although its exact origins are unclear.

Ingredients

A few good options for Colorado Bulldog are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka at 1.5 oz is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a clean, neutral spirit that allows the other flavors to shine. Too much vodka would overpower, too little and the drink becomes overly sweet and cloying.

Emma Rose

Coffee Liqueur

A 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur adds a rich and deep flavor that complements the cream and cola, contributing to the overall dessert-like profile. Missing this, you lose the signature coffee taste; too much would make it overly coffee-forward, unbalancing the cocktail.

Alex Green

Cream

Cream at 1 oz gives the Colorado Bulldog its signature velvety texture and smooths out the alcohol's burn. Omitting cream would result in a harsher drink, whereas too much could overwhelm the other flavors and make the drink too thick.

Mary Mitkina

Cola

Cola provides sweetness, acidity, and a little fizz to contrast the drink's heaviness, with 1 oz being just enough to balance without diluting the cocktail's character. Without cola, you'd miss the effervescence and the unique flavor mix would be less complex.

Emma Rose

Ice

Ice is crucial to keep the drink cold and slightly dilute the cocktail as it melts, which is essential for its refreshing nature. Without enough ice, the drink can become warm and overly concentrated in taste.

Alex Green

Maraschino Cherry

The maraschino cherry is more than just a garnish; it offers a hint of fruity sweetness that ties the drink together. Skipping it wouldn't ruin the cocktail, but you'd miss out on the full experience.

Mary Mitkina

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream is the crowning glory that adds a touch of indulgence and aesthetically marks it as a decadent treat. Without it, the cocktail is less visually appealing and misses an extra layer of creamy texture.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Colorado Bulldog Drink

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka and 0.5 oz of coffee liqueur over the ice.
  3. Add 1 oz of cream to the glass.
  4. Top off the drink with 1 oz of cola, gently stirring to combine the ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Chill your glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Stir gently after adding the cola to maintain the fizziness.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate Treats: The rich coffee flavor of the liqueur will harmonize with chocolate-based desserts such as brownies or chocolate cake.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream near this cocktail serves not only as a delightful palate cleanser but as an enhancer of the creamy texture and sweetness.

Savory Snacks

  • Salted Nuts: The saltiness complements the sweetness of the cocktail, while the crunch provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth drink.
  • Burgers or Barbecue: A heavier, flavorful food like a juicy burger or smoky barbecue can stand up to and even be offset by the beverage's creaminess and caffeine kick.

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What you could change in Colorado Bulldog

  • Vodka: You can use any clear spirit like gin or rum.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Try using a chocolate liqueur for a different flavor profile.
  • Cream: Milk or half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative.
  • Cola: Any dark soda like root beer or Dr. Pepper can be used.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso Bulldog

  • Ingredients: Substitute coffee liqueur with fresh espresso.
  • Recipe: Replace the coffee liqueur with 0.5 oz of fresh espresso. Proceed as usual.
  • Flavor: Expect a more robust and authentic coffee kick with a less sweet profile.

Minty Bulldog

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of mint syrup.
  • Recipe: Add a splash of mint syrup before you pour in the cola. Stir gently.
  • Flavor: A refreshing twist that introduces a cool minty note, perfect for summer evenings.

Spiked Bulldog Float

  • Ingredients: Add a scoop of ice cream instead of cream.
  • Recipe: Use a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream in place of the cream. Top with cola and gently mix.
  • Flavor: This twist makes it a boozy, more decadent float that's quite irresistible after dinner.

In case you forgot basics how to make Colorado Bulldog

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Colorado Bulldog

What type of vodka is best for a Colorado Bulldog?

While the choice largely depends on personal preference, a high-quality vodka is often used to ensure a smoother taste.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Colorado Bulldog?

Yes, you can replace the vodka with a non-alcoholic distilled spirit and the coffee liqueur with a coffee-based syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

What are some variations of the Colorado Bulldog?

You can experiment with different types of liqueurs, spirits and creams for variations. Some people also like adding different garnishes like a slice of orange or a sprig of mint.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Colorado Bulldog?

The sweetness of the Colorado Bulldog can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cola and cream used, or by choosing a different type of coffee liqueur.

Why is it called a Colorado Bulldog?

The exact origins of the name are unclear, but it's believed to stem from the cocktail's popularity in Colorado.

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