The fruity, fun Alabama Slammer is a southern belle of the cocktail world and is made with just 4 ingredients for a sweet and refreshing beverage that's perfect for both summer and tailgating season!
Alabama Slammer
The Alabama Slammer is an iconic southern cocktail of the '70's. It's fruity and sweet, served over ice with beautiful fresh orange and maraschino cherry garnishes.
It's a fun and refreshing tailgating favorite that is super easy to make for yourself, for a party, and even ahead of time, with just 4 simple ingredients (plus ice and garnishes). The drink is a beautiful deep crimson-scarlet color, making it even more pretty and fun.
Why is it Called an Alabama Slammer?
The Alabama Slammer is said to have been born at the University of Alabama, which is where the name is assumed to have been taken.
The bright red-orange of the drink shouts team spirit for the students and fans alike. It is a staple and go-to at Crimson Tide tailgates. Roll tide!
What Does an Alabama Slammer Taste Like?
An Alabama Slammer is a sweet, fruity, cold drink with light notes of whiskey and some orange juice to bring it all together.
The Ingredients
Here are the stars that make up the iconic Alabama Slammer!
- Amaretto - a sweet and nutty Italian liqueur.
- Sloe Gin - It's not even a gin! It's a liqueur derived from the sloe berry, thus its name. It has a deep pink or red color, and is what gives the Alabama slammer its reddish hue.
- Southern Comfort - American fruit-flavored whiskey liqueur. It adds some spice along with fruity undertones to the drink.
- Orange Juice - In this drink, the orange juice is the glue that brings the rest of these otherwise strange ingredients together. It adds some freshness, tartness, and just a little sweet. Store bought orange juice is okay in a pinch, but freshly squeezed oranges take this drink to the next level.
- Ice and Garnishes: The Alabama slammer is a cold drink shaken and then served over ice with garnishes of fresh orange slices and maraschino cherries.
Do I Really Need a Cocktail Shaker?
A cocktail shaker is nice to have, but not totally necessary.
I have used a mason jar with a lid with great success as an easy cocktail shaker. Put all the ingredients in the jar, and add plenty of ice. Shake until cold. Then remove the lid ring, and slide the lid top over just a bit so only the liquid but not the ice will fit through the gap. Serve with desired garnishes.
Can I Make a Big Batch for a Party?
Sure!
For a standard 2-quart pitcher, add 1 cup each amaretto, sloe gin, and Southern Comfort. Add 2 cups orange juice, and plenty of ice and stir to combine. This will make about 8 servings.
You can also adjust the servings slider bar on the recipe to adjust for how many servings you'd like to make.
More Cool Drink Recipes You'll Love
- Blackberry Lemon Spritzer - Fresh or frozen blackberries with zesty tart lemon for a cool, refreshing, sparkling drink.
- Earl Grey Spritzer - a bubbly, sparkling beverage made with an Earl Grey tea simple syrup and sparkling wine.
- Peach Floats - Fresh, sweet, and creamy, these peachy drinks are one the whole family can enjoy!
- Pomegranate Pineapple Slushies - the color alone of these drinks is enough to give them a try. Fun, festive, pretty, and perfect for summer!
- Berry Spritzer - a spritzer cocktail (or mocktail!) that's packed with berries for a beautiful fresh summer drink.
Alabama Slammer Video
Alabama Slammer
Ingredients
- 1 ounce amaretto
- 1 ounce sloe gin
- 1 ounce Southern Comfort
- 2 ounces orange juice
- Ice to prepare and serving
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker (or jar).
- Pour in amaretto, sloe gin, Southern Comfort, and orange juice.
- Shake vigorously until well mixed and chilled.
- Add ice to a serving glass.
- Strain and pour the cocktail into the glass.
- Add cherries and orange slice for garnish.
Notes
- Cranberry Juice: You can get a deeper crimson hue to your drink by using half cranberry juice and half orange juice, or all cranberry juice with just a squeeze of orange from a single wedge.
- Make Ahead: Mix together amaretto, sloe gin, Southern Comfort, and orange juice. Store in a large pitcher or glass in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Then serve over ice with desired garnishes.
Nutrition
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Sharon Chen says
Such a refreshing drink! Me and my friends loved it!
Shelby says
So fresh and delicious. My go-to for patio sipping!
Beth says
This is one of my favorite cocktails for parties. It's a great one for sitting around and sipping while you catch up with friends.
Nathan says
I hadn't heard of this cocktail before but had to try one immediately. Love the combination of fruity flavors and that hint of amaretto, definitely one I'll be making again ASAP!
Erik says
Big fan of fruity cocktails and this really hits the spot. And packs a punch!