How to Make a Paralyzer

Reviewed by Sander Raav

Last Updated: April 26, 2025 References

Bubbly, creamy and cold, this cocktail keeps you happy and relaxed. But that's all part of its plan. Paralyze yourself with a few basic ingredients and a tall glass. You can pour this so the drink ends up in attractive layers, or just toss it all in a cocktail shaker.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

¾ oz. (22 mL) tequila
¾ oz. (22 mL) vodka
½ oz. (15 mL) coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
4 oz. (120 mL) milk or light cream
2 oz. (60 mL) cola
Ice crushed or cubes (as many as you want.)

Steps

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1
Add ice to a Collins glass. There's a lot of liquid in this drink, so you'll need a Collins glass or a tall highball glass.^{[1]
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Research source} This size also requires plenty of ice to keep the cocktail cool as you work your way through. Toss in a generous scoop.
- You can mix the drink in a cocktail shaker, if you don't mind missing out on the layered effect.
2
Pour in the tequila, vodka and coffee liqueur. Add ¾ oz. each of vodka and tequila, and ½ oz. coffee liqueur. If you want a layered effect, pour the coffee liqueur first. Hold a spoon upside-down in the glass, as close to the liqueur as you can. Pour the tequila and vodka over the back of the spoon.^{[2]
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- The smaller cup on a bartender's measuring device is usually ¾ oz. (a half jigger / half shot), but not always.^{[3]
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  Research source} If you don't have one of these, use 1½ tablespoons instead.
- ½ oz is equivalent to 1 tablespoon. You can also add the coffee liqueur by eye.
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Pour in 2 oz. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or another cola. Pour slowly to make a new layer on top without disturbing the clear layer.
4
Top the paralyzer with milk or light cream. Pour slowly while stirring the top of the drink. This reduces the chance of the milk curdling. Cream is less likely to curdle, but it is still possible if you pour too quickly. You may measure out 4 oz., or just pour until the Collins glass is full.
- The milk will sink past the cola, but if poured slowly you can still form a distinct layer.^{[4]
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Provide a straw for stirring the drink.

Community Q&A

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Question

Does this really paralyze you or is it just the name?

Community Answer

It's just the name.

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Tips

Most bartenders leave the garnish off this drink, but you can try it with a maraschino cherry.^{[5]
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This drink is similar to a Colorado Bulldog plus tequila.^{[6]
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This drink contains roughly 1⅓ standard drinks (1⅓ shots) of alcohol.

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Warnings

Adding milk before the last step may cause the milk to curdle. It is possible to float the cola and tequila over the milk, but only if you pour very slowly. Switch to cream if you want to try this, to reduce risk of curdling.

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Drink alcoholic beverages responsibly.

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