Dive into the world of classic cocktails with this gorgeous Alabama Slammer cocktail recipe.
It’s a Southern-inspired drink with a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
It features bold Southern Comfort, smooth Amaretto, sweet sloe gin, and citrusy orange juice.
The result is a stunning sunset-hued cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping.
Smooth, zesty, and just the right amount of boozy, the Alabama Slammer tastes just as good as it looks.
And it couldn’t be easier to make at home.
What Is an Alabama Slammer?
The Alabama Slammer is a fruity, four-ingredient summer cocktail.
It was made famous by the University of Alabama and has been around since the 1970s.
It’s often found at the university’s tailgating parties. After all, Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team is hugely popular in the South.
The drink’s matching crimson color likely made it a Southern staple. Some people even call it the “Southern Slammer” instead!
Ingredients
Besides the ice for mixing and serving, you only need four ingredients to make this one.
That said, you might not have sloe gin on hand. But that’s okay! It’s readily available in most liquor stores and supermarkets.
- Southern Comfort. While you can use other whiskey brands in a pinch, it’s not a real Alabama Slammer without SoCo. The fruity spice is unique and a must for this drink.
- Amaretto. Sweet and lightly nutty, this almond-flavored liqueur cuts through the boldness of the Southern Comfort.
- Sloe gin. This is how you get that bright red color. It’s also sweeter than regular gin. You could substitute vodka if you have no other option. But you’ll need to add a little grenadine for the crimson color.
- Orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice tastes best. But if you opt for the store-bought stuff, get pulp-free.
- Garnishes. The typical garnishes for this drink are a maraschino cherry and orange wheel. The cherry matches the drink’s vibrant hue, and the orange wheel tastes great with the orange juice in the drink.
How to Make an Alabama Slammer
Like most summer cocktails, the Alabama Slammer is super simple to make. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Chill the serving glass. You can either pop the glass in the fridge 20-30 minutes in advance. Or fill it with ice water while you make the cocktail.
2. Make the drink. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and the drink ingredients (sans garnishes). Shake for 10 to 15 seconds until the drink is thoroughly mixed and cool.
3. Strain and serve. Pour out the ice water from the serving glass. Then, add fresh ice and strain the drink into the glass.
Add your maraschino cherry and orange wheel garnishes. Then, serve, sip, and enjoy!
Can You Make a Big Batch for a Party?
The Alabama Slammer is a great party cocktail!
1. Multiply the ingredients equally by the number of servings.
2. Mix them in a pitcher, punchbowl, or other large container without ice.
3. Refrigerate the drink until it’s time for the party.
When the guests are ready for a drink, they can pour it themselves over ice. Or you can make up a tray of drinks ready for their arrival.
More Summer Cocktail Recipes
Looking for more refreshing cocktails to cool you down on a hot summer day? Try one of my favorites:
Hurricane Cocktail
Kentucky Mule
Sea Breeze Cocktail
Mojito
Bay Breeze Cocktail
Alabama Slammer
1
servings5
minutesDive into the world of classic cocktails with this Alabama Slammer cocktail recipe. It’s a Southern-inspired summer drink with a stunning sunset hue.
Ingredients
1 ounce Southern Comfort
1 ounce Amaretto
1 ounce sloe gin
2 ounces orange juice
maraschino cherry and orange wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Freeze a highball glass for 20-30 minutes. Or fill it with ice water and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then, add the Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice. Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds to chill the drink.
- Take the glass out of the freezer or discard the ice water. Add fresh ice to the glass and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange wheel. Enjoy!
Notes
- No Southern Comfort? Substitute another Southern whiskey brand, such as Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey.
- No sloe gin? Add regular gin or vodka plus 1/2 ounce of grenadine for the red color.
- Want a sweeter drink? Add extra orange juice. Remember: Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a Mason jar with a tightly sealed lid to mix up the drink instead.
