Colorado Bulldog – Colorado – White Russian With Cola

I’m a huge fan of the Colorado Bulldog, a late 20th-century twist on the White Russian that hails from Colorado’s vibrant bar scene, swapping cola for a fizzy kick alongside vodka, Kahlua, and cream. I whip it up by filling a highball glass with ice, pouring in the spirits, topping with cola, and floating cream on top, then garnishing with a slapped fresh mint sprig for extra aroma. You’ll uncover more tips and variations ahead.

History

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The Colorado Bulldog cocktail, a spirited variation of the White Russian, originated in the United States during the late 20th century, likely in Colorado’s vibrant bar scene, reflecting American cocktail culture’s penchant for indulgent, creamy drinks with a Western flair.

Regional variations often tweak the recipe—such as swapping cola for root beer in the Midwest or adding a splash of Irish cream in the South—to highlight local tastes and ingredients, signifying a broader trend of personalization in U.S. mixology.

Traditionally, it’s served at casual gatherings, après-ski events in mountainous regions, or as an after-dinner digestif, embodying a fun, relaxed vibe in social settings.

Ingredients

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– A fresh mint sprig for garnish, lightly slapped between your palms first

– hey, it’s that aromatic green hero that perks up the whole presentation, adding a whiff of cool freshness that makes you pause and appreciate the little things in life.

Preparation

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Let’s jump into making that Colorado Bulldog Cocktail, a drink that’s as fun to whip up as it’s to sip on a lazy afternoon. Start by grabbing your highball glass and filling it with ice cubes—think of it as giving your drink a chilly foundation to keep everything cool and invigorating. Once that’s done, pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka, followed by 1 ounce of Kahlua for that sweet, coffee-like kick that makes this cocktail stand out.

Now, for the fun part, add 0.5 ounces of cold coffee to bring in a bold, caffeinated twist—it’s like sneaking in a little energy boost without the mug. Top it off with cola until the glass is nearly full, watching as those bubbles dance around and add a fizzy personality to the mix. Then, gently float 0.5 ounces of heavy cream on top; it’s that creamy layer that turns this into a luxurious treat, almost like a dessert in a glass.

And hey, don’t forget the garnish—insert a fresh mint sprig into the ice for a pop of color and aroma, but first, give it a light slap between your palms to release those essential oils.

Why go through that extra step, you ask? Well, it amps up the scent and makes the whole drink feel a bit more alive, doesn’t it, like you’re adding a touch of nature’s perfume. Even if you’re as clumsy as I’m in the kitchen, this simple flourish can turn a basic pour into something worth showing off.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re looking to tweak that Colorado Bulldog Cocktail just a bit, here’s a handy tip on the garnish—start with that fresh mint sprig, giving it a light slap between your palms to release those fragrant oils, which really amps up the aroma without much fuss.

Why not experiment with variations, like swapping in basil for a peppery twist or adding a few raspberries alongside the mint for a fruity pop that brightens the whole drink, even if, like me, you sometimes end up with herbs that look more like they’ve been through a blender than gently placed.

And for a lighter version, try using almond milk instead of heavy cream, keeping that creamy layer but cutting back on richness, because who says you can’t make a simple cocktail feel fancy with just a few playful changes?