The Alabama Slammer is the perfect cocktail to round out summer and take you into tailgate season! A blend of fruity, nutty and spiced liquors come together to create a smooth and flavorful cocktail that works well as a slow sip or a slamming shot. Sit back and relax with a round of this classic cocktail!
Looking for more easy cocktails to make? Try my Mai Tai Recipe, Dirty Shirley Temple or Vodka Cranberry!
Alabama Slammer Recipe
The Alabama Slammer is believed to have been concocted at the University of Alabama sometime during the 1970s. It’s been a standard at tailgate parties for decades and is often served as an Alabama Slammer shot instead of a full blown cocktail.
The shot is quite effective, but the cocktail version really shines! As the ice melts the flavors loosen and melt together to create an indulgent, slow sipping cocktail that is inherently southern.
While it had its heyday mostly in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, it is a refreshing drink that we’re bringing back into fashion! Sip on a single serving on the back porch as the summer sun sets. Or whip up a party pitcher to kick off game day.
Anyway you slam it, this Alabama Slammer is sure to delight and pack a slow punch!
Why I Love Alabama Slammer Cocktails
Why do I love this classic cocktail?
- The flavors! This is such a unique drink when it comes to the combination of flavors. You might not think the southern whiskey mixed with the english berry gin and the nutty amaretto and the tangy orange juice would mix well but boy does it! Trust me on this one and give it a try.
- It’s a cocktail for all seasons. This drink is the perfect transition between summer and fall. A little fruity with a kick of spice. It’s great for sipping at backyard bbq or for enjoying during fall football.
What’s in an Alabama Slammer?
This classic mixed drink features Southern Comfort (of course!) along with sloe gin, amaretto and fresh orange juice. This combination is fruity and sweet and packs a punch!
Alabama Slammer Ingredients
This may seem like an odd pairing of ingredients but the taste is amazing! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…
- amaretto – Sweet and nutty, this liqueur is a bar cart classic.
- sloe gin – Sloe gin isn’t your typical gin. Technically a liqueur it’s a very sweet alcohol that soaks sloes (an English berry) in gin to get the unique flavor.
- southern comfort – This whiskey based liqueur has both fruit and spice to it’s flavor.
- orange juice – If you can use freshly squeezed orange juice, the flavor really is worth it but any can be used.
- garnishes – Maraschino cherries and an orange slice.
How To Make An Alabama Slammer Cocktail
- Add ice to your favorite cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the Amaretto, sloe gin, Southern Comfort, and fresh orange juice. Place the top on the shaker and shake vigorously to combine.
- Place ice in a tall glass (typically served in a highball glass). Strain and pour the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish your Alabama Slammer with a Maraschino cherry (or two) and an orange slice. Cheers!
Storage Information
As this recipe only makes one cocktail, it is best to enjoy right away. No storage necessary. If you’re making a pitcher in advance for a crowd, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and place in a pitcher. Add us and stir just before serving or place ice in the glasses and then serve.
FAQs
You sure can. Keep the ratio of ingredients the same and combine into a serving pitcher. Don’t add any ice to the picture and stir instead of shake the ingredients to combine. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve and pour over ice in individual glasses. Garnish and enjoy!
It really comes down to alcohol content. A standard spirit is just liquor and has a higher proof, about 80-110 proof. Liqueurs include other ingredients causing the alcohol content to go down. Liqueurs are often in the 30-60 proof range because of their added flavors, juices, syrups, etc.
Because there is orange juice in the recipe, orange slices and/or wedges work great! I love to use maraschino cherries as well for a fun pop of color.
Trish’s Tips and Tricks
- Freshly squeezed orange juice will elevate the flavors in this cocktail so if you have the time, it’s absolutely worth the effort! This drink is already pretty sweet and the sugar from store bought orange juice can be too much.
- This recipe makes one cocktail but can be increased to make a whole batch. Keep the ratio of ingredients the same and you’re good to go.
- This cocktail is often served as a shot, called the Alabama Slammer shot, because of its smooth nature.
- If you want, use the higher proof Southern Comfort and Sloe Gin to give the drink an extra kick.
This drink does sneak up on you so indulge responsibly.
Kid Friendly Refreshments
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Homemade Limeade
- Strawberry Italian Soda
- Pineapple Punch
- Watermelon Lemonade
- Cherry Limeade (Sonic Copycat)
More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes
- Pineapple Margarita
- Dirty Shirley Temple
- Mai Tai Recipe
- Cape Cod Drink
- Basil Lemon Drop
- Espresso Martini
- Midori Sour Recipe
Recipe For Alabama Slammer
Alabama Slammer
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Amaretto
- 1 ounce sloe gin
- 1 ounce Southern Comfort
- 2 ounces orange juice fresh is best but any can be used
Optional Garnish
- maraschino cherries
- sliced oranges or wedges
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the Amaretto, sloe gin, Southern Comfort and orange juice. Place the top on the shaker and shake vigorously.
- Add ice to a tall glass. Strain and pour the cocktail in the prepared glass.
- Garnish with maraschino cherry and an orange slice or wedge and serve.
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