In my 20’s, when I wanted to stay relatively sober and stable during a night out with friends, Baileys Irish Cream on the rocks with a splash of club soda was my choice cocktail. I could drink that all night long and still maintain control. I learned of the drink in the early ’90’s when I was a flight attendant. I was working first class one early Friday evening back when we served hot soup in coach and nine course meals on international, first class flights. Flight traffic was heavy so we kept circling the airport teasing me and the scattered few business men that were really ready for Miller-time. One passenger kept his cool by ordering Baileys and club soda one after another to the point where I said “I’m going have to try that when we get on the ground.” I did and it stuck. Perfect for folks like me who don’t like the viscosity of liqueurs. The Colorado Border Wall Bulldog takes that first class passengers’ invention and blasts into the stratosphere.
So, for my birthday last month I asked a friend for the new Baileys Pumpkin Spice but she couldn’t locate any (sold out perhaps) so she showed up with the Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon flavor instead. I thought I would modify the Colorado Bulldog which is Kahlua, Cream, Vodka and Coke by mixing the Vanilla Cinnamon Baileys with Maine Root Sarsaparilla Soda. The soda, a more interesting cousin of Root Beer, is something folks drank in the South a generation and two ago. The Sarsaparilla plant, native to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, is reputed to heal general physical weakness, sexual impotence, headaches, colds, joint pain and skin problems. Add to that, its’ deliciousness and you have your Christmas Cocktail of the Decade. Drink to forget but wake up to fight again! If someone does not like things frothy, make them the low carbohydrate, Crispy Spark instead.
Colorado Border Wall Bulldog
1 part Vodka
2 parts Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon
3 parts Maine Root Sarsaparilla Soda
Crushed Ice
Fill a brandy snifter 3/4 full of ice. Add 4 Tablespoons Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon and 6 Tablespoons Maine Root Sarsaparilla. Stir all ingredients together. Garnish with Hot Tamale candy if desired and don’t drink then drive. Cheers!
I’ve never thought to mix Bailey’s with club soda, but after tasting this, I see why you like it. It is light and not too boozy.
Frothy deliciousness!
I’ve got to try this! Happy belated birthday, Robin!
Thank you my friend!
This was so delicious! Super refreshing and yet still has a warm fall feel to it! I’m glad I still have the ingredients so I can make more soon!
Winter, spring, summer or fall it works. Thanks Chenee!
I never imagined mixing Baileys with a soda, but after reading your story on how you wanted a nice cocktail that was light I wanted to give it a try! It’s so tasty, I was pleasantly surprised – definitely in rotation this holiday!
I’m so glad you liked it Taneisha!
This is such an amazing cocktail! Like others, I’d never thought of mixing Kahlua with soda, but I’ve been missing out big time all this time!!! Thank you for sharing!
If you love sweets like I do, you’ll love this. Thanks Shani!
I really enjoyed this cocktail, it had a nice fizzy and creamy flavor – definitely nice and refreshing!
Thank you Britney!
Mixing baileys and soda is the best-unexpected combo I have ever tried out! Thank you for sharing! I would never have thought of this were it not for your blog! We enjoyed our dranks!
Lol, I’m happy to hear that! It’s a sweet treat no?
I am from Colorado and never heard of this recipe! However, you had me at Bailey’s Vanilla Cinnamon! This drink recipe is a real-crowd pleaser and is on the menu at all of my holiday get-togethers.
The reference is to Donald Trump wanting to build a wall in Colorado which is not on the border. The Bulldog is a classic cocktail made with Bailey’s and Coca Cola. Glad you liked it.
This was a fun drink to make and nice and light for a lightweight like me!
Hahaha, it’s basically dessert in a glass. Glad you enjoyed!
Bailey’s is usually too rich for my tastes but cutting it with something fizzy was the perfect way to lighten it up. I know what I’ll be drinking during the holidays!
I agree 100% Jessica! Makes for a wonderful time of the year.