How to Make a Paralyzer

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid3317669-v4-728px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid3317669-v4-728px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid3317669-v4-728px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid3317669-v4-728px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid3317669-v4-728px-Make-a-Paralyzer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Provide a straw for stirring the drink.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does this really paralyze you or is it just the name?
    Community Answer
    It's just the name.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 17
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Low‐Calorie Vodka Drinks
      30 Cocktails & Shots for People Who Don't Like Alcohol
      How to
      Make a Pitcher of Sex on the Beach Cocktails
      How to
      Muddle
      How to
      Drink Tequila
      How to
      Make Hunch Punch
      How to
      Make a Pitcher of Pina Coladas
      How to
      Drink a Flaming Shot
      How to
      Make Jungle Juice
      How to
      Make a Black Tooth Grin
      How to
      Make a Cocktail
      How to
      Make a Tequila Popper
      How to
      Drink a Margarita
      How to
      Order an Old Fashioned
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/03/cocktail-101-glassware-basics-different-types-of-cocktail-glasses.html
      2. ↑ http://mixthatdrink.com/how-to-pour-a-layered-cocktail/
      3. ↑ http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/06/cocktail-101-measuring-utensils-jiggers-cups.html
      4. ↑ http://ibackpackcanada.com/8-canadian-drinks-to-keep-cool-this-summer/
      5. ↑ http://allrecipes.com/recipe/vodka-paralyzer/
      6. ↑ http://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/462/colorado-bulldog

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 188,754 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Bouchie

        Sep 26, 2021

        "Thanks this recipe is perfect! The tips helps as many times I made a drink and it curdled but did not know why. ..." more
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement