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

  1. 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] 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. 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]
    • The smaller cup on a bartender's measuring device is usually ¾ oz. (a half jigger / half shot), but not always.[3] 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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  3. 3
    Add the cola. 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. 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]
  5. 5
    Serve and enjoy. Provide a straw for stirring the drink.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Does this really paralyze you or is it just the name?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's just the name.
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Warnings

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 13 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 169,860 times.
23 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: August 3, 2022
Views: 169,860
Categories: Cocktails
Article SummaryX

To make a paralyzer drink, add a scoop of ice to a tall glass, and pour in 0.75 ounces each of vodka and tequila. Additionally, pour in 1/2 an ounce of coffee liqueur. You can layer these liquors by pouring very carefully, or let them mix in the bottom of the drink. Then, carefully add 2 ounces of cola, such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi, making a separate layer. Top off the cola with 4 ounces of milk or cola, pouring slowly while stirring the drink to keep the milk from curdling. Add a straw and enjoy your drink! For more tips, including what type of glass you should use for your paralyzer, read on!

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