This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

Enjoying unique cocktail recipes at home can be far more challenging than simply going out to your favorite local bar.

While there are thousands of mixed drink recipes online, many often call for random ingredients or come with complicated instructions. So when it comes to easy drinks to make at home, we want something delicious and easy to make.

One of our recent favorite cocktail recipes is a spin on a classic dessert recipe, the Colorado Bulldog! It makes for the perfect post-dinner drink since creamy, sweet, and with just enough fizz to remind us of a Coke float.

This variation of the traditional Kahlua recipe uses chocolate milk and a splash of Dr. Pepper to give it a spicier, vanilla flavor that is perfect over ice or even blended a served like a milkshake.

Traditional Colorado Bulldog Recipe

The recipe for the Colorado bulldog drink is as follows:

Colorado Bulldog Ingredients

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Layer equal parts of:

Vodka
Kahlua coffee liqueur
Cream
Topped with just a splash of Coke.

Often served in a rocks glass over ice, this is a popular variation for those that want a fizzier option to the White Russian.

Why is it Called A Colorado Bulldog?

The short answer: No one knows. Despite its namesake, no one in Colorado claims the drink, so perhaps we will never know.

Similarities to the White Russian Drink

Anyone who has watched The Big Lebowski, knows that The Dude favored the creamy cocktail known as the White Russian. This Kahlua drink is made similarly to the Colorado Bulldog (or perhaps, the Colorado Bulldog recipe is similar to the White Russian recipe):

White Russian Ingredients

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Layer equal parts of:

Vodka
Kahlua
Cream

Note: You may also find White Russian recipes that suggest using a 2:1 vodka to Kahlua ratio, but we prefer the 1:1 ratio for a deeper coffee flavor.

What is a Chocolate Colorado Bulldog?

Let it be known: Swift Wellness will gladly take credit for this variation on the popular Colorado Bulldog. For those looking for a lighter substitute for the cream used in both a White Russian and a Colorado Bulldog, we swapped in chocolate milk in a 2:1 ratio. (This could be any brand!)

And, since we are based out of Texas—Dr.Pepper originated in Waco, Texas—we used this soda variety as our cocktail topper. Unlike Coke, Dr. Pepper has a sweeter, spicier taste from the 23 different flavors in the beverage. The inclusion of the vanilla, molasses, and cinnamon flavors, as well the chocolate milk, helps to enhance the drink and give it a sweeter, more milkshake like taste.

For added decoration, we added coffee beans to the top of the frothy cocktail, but you can absolutely eat them for an added crunch (and burst of caffeine!).

What Do I Need to Make a Chocolate Colorado Bulldog?

Vodka: The basis of this boozy drink.
Kahlua: To give the drink its coffee flavor.
Chocolate Milk: To add a bit of creaminess without adding cream.
Dr. Pepper: The fizz and the flavors!
Coffee beans: For garnish and to add a bit of a crunch.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Change to your favorite soda. Use Coke, Pepsi, anything you like!
Add espresso. No Kahlua, no problem! While it may not make it as creamy, an espresso shot can work in a pinch!

How to Make a Chocolate Colorado Bulldog

Fill the shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add your ingredients. Add vodka, Kahlua, and chocolate milk.
Shake, shake, shake. Shake extra well to break up ice into the drink.
Pour it out. Pour into a martini glass.
Add your fizz. Top with a splash of Dr. Pepper.
Don’t forget the beans. Garnish with whole coffee beans.

Cocktail Variations

Chocolate Bulldog Float. Want to make this cocktail even more indulgent? Blend the ingredients together in a blender with ice, reserving the Dr. Pepper for last. Drizzle chocolate syrup into a glass. Pour the blended mixture into the glass and top with a splash of Dr. Pepper. Top with whipped cream and even more chocolate syrup. For the finishing touch, add a cherry on top.

Dairy-free. Substitute the milk for any of your favorite non-dairy milks.

Bar Tools for this Recipe

More Cocktails to Try

Blackberry Whiskey Mash

Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita

Texas Ranch Water

Red Wine Sangria Recipe With Bourbon-Soaked Sugar Fruit

Grapefruit Basil Greyhound

This Chocolate Colorado Bulldog Recipe Is Your Next Signature Cocktail