One part Southern charm, one part potent potable, the Alabama Slammer has been a beloved summertime favorite for decades. With origins dating all the way back to 1975 at the University of Alabama, this vibrant and versatile cocktail is made with a blend of Southern Comfort®, Amaretto, Sloe Gin and orange juice. It’s sure to bring good times wherever it goes.
A true original and an enduring classic, the story behind this drink is just as interesting as its flavor. The original recipe was created by students in Tuscaloosa who wanted something special to celebrate their football team’s success—and what better way than with a refreshingly sweet beverage? Since then, it has become popular across America for parties and gatherings.
Today you can find recipes for variations on the traditional Alabama Slammer like replacing orange juice with sour mix or adding cranberry juice or vodka. However you choose to enjoy your own version of this beloved drink, serving up some history along with your concoction will definitely be appreciated!
Alabama Slammer
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Southern Comfort
- 1 oz amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz sloe gin
- 3-4 oz orange juice
Instructions
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Southern Comfort, amaretto, and sloe gin into the shaker.
- Shake well to combine ingredients and chill them down before straining into an old-fashioned glass filled with more ice cubes.
- Top off the drink with fresh orange juice and stir gently to combine it all together. Enjoy!
Glassware
The typical glassware used for an Alabama Slammer is usually a highball or collins glass. This type of glass holds 8 to 12 ounces and is tall enough that the ingredients can be easily stirred together. A hurricane glass may also be used, which has a larger capacity but is still tall enough for stirring.
Flavors
The Alabama Slammer is a classic southern cocktail that packs a punch! It has an interesting flavor profile, made up of fruit juices and liqueurs. The base spirit used in an Alabama slammer is Southern Comfort, which provides a unique sweet-spicy character to the drink. Amaretto adds hints of almond and apricot, while orange juice gives it a nice citrusy zing. Finally, Sloe Gin offers up notes of tart plum and raspberry.
All these flavors come together to create an incredibly refreshing yet potent beverage. While the individual ingredients may seem overpowering on their own, they blend together quite nicely in this delicious cocktail – all without being too cloyingly sweet or overwhelming.
