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. 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.
robin rue says
This drink is right up my alley! I love pretty much anything with coffee liquor! Yum.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That sounds so good! I’ve never had one of these before. But I LOVE trying new cocktails. Yay!
Bill Sweeney says
You should name her Q-T-Pie. She’s an adorable little girl. That cocktail looks pretty awesome. I can’t say I’ve ever had one before, but I’m going to change that.
Jeni Hawkins says
No way. I just made one of these last night for my happy hour at home! This is my all-time favorite cocktail! I loved White Russians, and a bartender suggested Colorado Bulldog one time – since then I’ve been hooked!
Liz says
I just had to pop over and meet your puppy! Much as I love a white Russian, that sweet face has captured my heart! She’s adorable!
Jeanette says
That sounds like the perfect drink. It has been a little bit of my coffee flavor with a little bit of alcohol. It looks delicious also. For my next party I think I will make something like this for everybody.
Roger D Willis says
Princess is always a good name for a girl pup! or Peanut? This cocktail sounds delicious, minus the cola, but, hey-what the heck, right? I’ll try just about any drink, as long as there’s no tequila present! I might be surprised!
Catherine Sargent says
This looks like a great drink. I like any drink that has coffee liquor in it. Thanks for the recipe.
Meagan says
Your pup is so cute! I have always wanted a bulldog pup.
Marcie W. says
This is my first time hearing of a Colorado Bulldog, but it sounds like my kind of cocktail. Any beverage that includes coffee is an automatic winner with me!
Liz Mays says
It’s pretty crazy that you came across that cocktail by searching for a dog breed! This definitely sounds good to me! Your little puppy is just the best!
Maureen says
Wow this Colorado Bulldog cocktail sounds like a delicious drink to enjoy, what a fun beverage idea. I will be giving this a try!
Pam Wattenbarger says
Your new bulldog is such a cutie. I never knew there was a cocktail called the Colorado Bulldog.
Amy Desrosiers says
Yes please!! This drink looks really amazing! I could so go for one about now!
Theresa says
My husband would love the drink, I love the dog. My niece has a white English Bulldog named Matilda, Mae Mae for short.
Toni Dash says
That name is adorable?
Randi says
Oh my gosh, that sounds amazing … I’m trying this recipe tonight. We used to have a bulldog and I want another one so badly!
Toni Dash says
Aren’t they just the best? Well maybe once they sleep through the night!
AnnMarie John says
I don’t think I’ve ever had a cocktail like this before, it’s really interesting and it’s easy to make. I’m curious about the taste and I would love to give it a try.
Kathy says
This sounds really good. I’ve never had one like this before. Love the name of it too!
travel blogger says
Sorry to hear about your dog. That is always so hard. Your puppy is so cute though! I have never heard of this cocktail, but I love a white Russian. I will have to try this. Yum!
Toni Dash says
Thank you. It was very sad but it’s part of having animal family members right? This new little puppy is a lot of fun.
Hali says
Oh this sounds delicious, love creamy coffee – this is a drink I’d enjoy! Also, adorable pup, maybe coffee? hehe she’s adorable.
krystal says
I do like a good white russian, so I bet I would LOVE this one! It is a very interesting drink.
Shannon Ray says
Oh my gracious, what an adorable fur baby!! (And the cocktail is just as sweet). Since the Colorado Bulldog is served in a “rocks” glass, you could name her Roxie. I too had a Bulldog, for 9 years, and that was her name. Best little girl ever! Thanks for sharing the cocktail and the baby pictures.
Hali says
Creamy coffee?! That’s a drink I know I’ll love. Adorable puppy, she has such a sweet face.
Autumn says
In college this was my favorite drink! I love it and totally forgot how quenching it is and easy to make! They are the best.
Sadie says
Wow! I’ve never seen a drink like this. And I know this post is about the drink (which looks amazing), but I love that blue wall!
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.
Angela Milnes says
Now that sounds like my kind of drink. I love the name and the pup to go along with it.
Wendy Polisi says
Wow, that is so neat! What a great recipe!
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!
kristin says
Oh my gosh how cute is that~~what a fun idea for a drink.
Kiwi says
What a cocktail. A drink with a little bark to its bite!
LaShawn says
yes please! This sounds perfect and I’ll be trying this this weekend for sure! Anything with coffee liquor wins!
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!
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.
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!
brianne says
I’ve never heard of this drink before but it looks yummy! I am going to make it this weekend!
Shannon Gurnee says
I’ve never heard of a drink like this before. Sounds yummy! PS Your dog is super cute!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This recipe sounds delish! That dog is super ADORABLE.
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.
Sean M says
This one will have to be tried!
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!
Aysegul says
This sounds good and delicious. Will be my next try. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer Farley says
This cocktail is delicious!
Joanne says
Oh my gosh, this cocktail is so wonderful!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Oh I could so go for one of these right now!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
This is such a fun cocktail recipe!