Colorado Bulldog is a White Russian cocktail with a fizzy twist! If you are looking for a fun cocktail, this Colorado Bulldog drink is for you!
One thing I’ve learned during my years of food blogging is that the inspiration for a recipe may be found in the most unexpected places. Today’s recipe, the Colorado Bulldog cocktail, is just such a situation. What I was looking for and what I found were about as opposite as possible.
Earlier this summer we sadly had to say goodbye to our 10-year old English Bulldog, Lola. She made appearances here over the years and was the best dog ever.
She loved her people like no other dog which is an English Bulldog signature trait. After some thought we decided we wanted another dog and that we have become ‘English Bulldog people’ (hopefully not fulfilling that adage of people that look like their dogs).
I Googled ‘Colorado Bulldogs’ which is the name of our fantastic breeder’s kennel and it was not a bulldog that popped up. It was a cocktail, called a ‘Colorado Bulldog’.
In fact, it took some scrolling through several articles about this cocktail before I got where I was going.
My curiosity was piqued however, wondering how could I have owned a Colorado bulldog for 10 years and had never heard of a Colorado Bulldog cocktail?
I made it, I loved it and am sharing it with you today (along with another little Colorado bulldog).
What Is a Colorado Bulldog?
A Colorado Bulldog cocktail is a version of a White Russian. It includes vodka, coffee liqueur (I used homemade coffee liqueur which I keep on hand and is easy to make for gifts) and cream or Half and Half. The ingredient that differentiates it is cola.
Recipes vary from including a splash at the end or a whole Coke. The version I’m sharing today is made in an Old Fashioned or ‘rocks’ glass with a splash at the end.
Where Did the Colorado Bulldog Drink Originate?
I did some digging about the cocktail’s name. The background is light on the internet ranging from it was developed in Russia (riddle me this, why would a version of a White Russian be created in Russia and named a Colorado Bulldog?! I don’t buy it), and really that was the only theory.
The other articles I read about it were content free on the background. It all remains a mystery.
How to Make the Colorado Bulldog – Shaker or Not?
The Colorado Bulldog cocktail can be made with a shaker if you want it really cold but is just as good with the ingredients poured over ice and stirred.
The splash of cola at the end will create the same foaming as in a root beer float when the cola hits the Half and Half. The cocktail has a familiar flavor to a root beer float only with the sweet coffee notes. It’s a fun and easy cocktail.
Our Colorado Bulldog
Here’s a little peek at our teeny, weeny, 7-pound (not for long) English Bulldog girl puppy, who incidentally after four days still has no name. Name suggestions welcome. Maybe I should name her ‘Cocktail’.
“What’s my name?” Updated to share: Clementine! Named after Winston Churchill’s wife.
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How to make a Colorado Bulldog cocktail – Step by Step:
Colorado Bulldog cocktail
This spin on a classic White Russian includes a cola float on top of the cocktail giving it a texture similar to a root beer float. I prefer to use homemade coffee liqueur (recipe link in ingredients list) which is great to have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Vodka
- 1 ounce Coffee Liqueur
- 1 ounce Half and Half
- Float of cola to top
Instructions
-
Fill and Old Fashioned (or 'rocks') glass with ice. Add the vodka and coffee liqueur; stir. Pour in the Half and Half and add cola to float on top.
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Shaker method: add the vodka and coffee liqueur to a shaker with a cup of ice; shake and strain into an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice. Proceed with cocktail method above.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
This is such a fun cocktail recipe!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Oh I could so go for one of these right now!
Joanne says
Oh my gosh, this cocktail is so wonderful!
Jennifer Farley says
This cocktail is delicious!
Aysegul says
This sounds good and delicious. Will be my next try. Thanks for sharing.
Beth says
Ive made something similar to this. Basically everything is the same just top with club soda instead of coke. We called it a Smith & Kerns…..i have no idea why. Need to try your version
Toni Dash says
Don’t you love the mystery names Beth? I researched this one, fascinated by the drink ingredients and what it had to do with bulldogs from Colorado. Nothing it seems since it most likely was created in Russia. Go figure!
Sean M says
This one will have to be tried!
Aziel Morte says
Wow, It really looks a good drink and I love to try this and I’m sure my hubby would love this too.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This recipe sounds delish! That dog is super ADORABLE.
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve never heard of a drink like this before. Sounds yummy! PS Your dog is super cute!
brianne says
I’ve never heard of this drink before but it looks yummy! I am going to make it this weekend!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I am sorry about the loss of your sweet dog, but your new puppy is fantastic! I loved the story of where the inspiration for this cocktail came from. Thank you for sharing!
Carol Cassara says
Dogs are one of a kind and they’re always so full of love to share with us. I am sorry about Lola. I can never imagine life without Riley. This drink is pretty interesting, I’ve never had it before.
Rosey says
OH my goodness, she is so so so cute. I hope you find the perfect name for her (Colorado?). She’s a beauty and the drink looks fun too!
LaShawn says
yes please! This sounds perfect and I’ll be trying this this weekend for sure! Anything with coffee liquor wins!
Kiwi says
What a cocktail. A drink with a little bark to its bite!
kristin says
Oh my gosh how cute is that~~what a fun idea for a drink.
Kristin says
I saw that Starbucks had drinks with ice cream now. Havent had a cocktail with ice cream. May have to try.
Toni Dash says
Actually Kristen this does not have ice cream in it, but half and half. I think the root beer float like foaming affect is from the cola and half and half interacting!
Wendy Polisi says
Wow, that is so neat! What a great recipe!
Angela Milnes says
Now that sounds like my kind of drink. I love the name and the pup to go along with it.
Susan says
I think this drink sounds great. As for naming your dog, how about Vodka? Hopefully you’ll post her name once you give her one. She’s a real cutie.