The Alabama Slammer cocktail (or Southern Slammer) appeared in the 1970s, made lots of waves, then slowly moved away from the spotlight. Some menus still have it, but instead of relying on chance, learn how to make this delicious citrusy drink for yourself.
Alabama Slammer Ingredients and Instructions
Here’s what you’ll need to make an Alabama Slammer:
- 1 ounce of vodka
- 1 ounce of sloe gin
- 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3/4 ounces of amaretto
- 1 ounce of Southern Comfort
- Orange wheel and maraschino cherries to garnish
Mixing this cocktail involves:
- Taking a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Adding all liquid ingredients and shaking vigorously
- Straining over a highball glass filled with ice
- And garnishing with orange slices, wheels, or maraschino cherries.
Nutrition Facts and Alcohol Content
One Alabama Slammer serving contains:
- 221 calories
- 26g carbs
- 24g sugars
- Around 18% ABV
This refreshing drink is quite strong. Though it looks like a tall glass of fruit juice, a few glasses of this slammer will make you feel all boozed up.
If you want a lighter version, reduce the southern comfort, sloe gin, and even vodka by half and replace them with juice.
Alabama Slammer Serving Tips
If you use the classic Alabama Slammer recipe, check out these other tips that can help you serve a perfect drink:
- Use fresh orange juice: Store-bought orange juice turns this cocktail into a sweet drink, but that’s not the point. Fresh juice gives it a more balanced flavor and a refreshing feeling.
- Choose top-shelf drinks: The Alabama Slammer has a unique taste that comes about when the Southern Comfort, sloe gin, vodka, amaretto, and juice mix. To get great results, invest in higher-end bottles to ensure all flavors are just right.
- Taste the sloe gin beforehand: Some brands can be overly sweet, which, again, affects the flavor of the Alabama Slammer. You’re already getting some sweetness from the whiskey-based liqueur. If your sloe gin is too sweet, reduce it to half an ounce and add more juice.
- Food pairing ideas: The Alabama Slammer is a great barbecue drink and works well with grilled meats and vegetables.
- Make it a shot: The Alabama Slammer works well as a shot, too. You can strain the boozy drink into some chilled shot glasses garnished with orange slices.
Recipe Variations to Try
Get creative with this cocktail recipe by trying out some great Alabama Slammer drink alternatives:
- Add bourbon instead of Southern Comfort: Some variations keep the sloe gin, vodka, amaretto, and orange juice combo but add a dash of bourbon. Top with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice for a more sophisticated version.
- Splash other fruit juices: If you like a fruity drink, feel free to add other types of juices to your cocktail glass as well. You can make the drink sweeter by adding pineapple juice or bring out the tartiness with fresh lemon juice.
- Use flavored vodka: Buy a bottle of citrus-flavored vodka to complement the fresh juice and make this southern drink even more complex.
Final Thoughts
The Alabama Slammer is a classic cocktail anyone can mix in just a few minutes. The combination of amaretto, Southern Comfort, sloe gin, vodka, and orange juice might sound strange at first, but you’ll change your mind on the first sip.
Play with the proportions to make this drink more to your liking, and the Alabama Slammer will have a standing invitation to any party you attend.
