A bright, fruity cocktail made with just 4 ingredients! This 1970’s throwback is a delicious combination of Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice. Whether you serve it as a shot or as a drink, this Alabama Slammer is sure to pack a punch!
There’s something about vintage cocktails that always intrigues me. Cocktails that were popular enough to become “famous” in their time… some of which are still popular today!
I usually tend to run across them by accident, as was the case with the Alabama Slammer. It just so happens to be my best friend’s dad’s FAVORITE… which clearly meant I needed to give it a try.
So what’s the fuss all about? Well, if I had to explain it, I’d say this drink got its fame from its unique combination of flavors. From the whiskey-based SoCo to the tart, berry flavored Sloe Gin to the sweet, nutty Amaretto… it’s a wild flavor ride that all comes together with fresh, citrusy orange juice.
It’s one of those drinks that’s hard to explain, but easy to enjoy. Just ask Alabama!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
4 ingredients: You can’t beat a 4-ingredient cocktail OR one that’s as easy as this! Just measure, shake, pour, and garnish! As easy as it gets!
Classic: Everyone loves a classic, and this one dates back to the 1970’s!
Fun & fruity: The flavor combination is bright, fresh, and fruity. Perfect for sipping poolside or on the patio… this is easy drinking at its best!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Southern Comfort (SoCo) – I started 1 ounce of Southern Comfort, which is a smooth whiskey based liqueur with fruit and spice accents.
Sloe Gin – I added 1 ounce of sloe gin, a red liqueur made with gin, sloe berries, and sugar. It has a soft, slightly sweet, nutty flavor that’s lower in alcohol content than a traditional gin.
Amaretto – I also added 1 ounce of amaretto, an Italian liqueur made from steeped almonds, apricot pits, peach stones, or a combination of the three. It has a sweet, nutty flavor that’s extremely versatile and used in many different cocktail recipes.
Orange juice – Finally, I topped it off with 2 ounces of orange juice. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed juice!
how to make an alabama slammer
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Fill a cocktail shaker 2/3 full with ice. Add Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Amaretto, and orange juice.
Shake well. Shake vigorously to release the flavors.
Pour & garnish. Pour over ice; garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Recipe Variations
- Add a splash of vodka
- Add a splash of peach Schnapps
- Use a combination of orange juice and pineapple juice
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
- Add a splash of grenadine for extra sweetness and a pop of color
- Blend with ice and serve frozen
- Adjust the ingredient amounts according to your preference
how the alabama slammer got its name
The Alabama Slammer is said to have originated in the late 1960’s – early 1970’s at the University of Alabama. It was originally served as a shot at Crimson Tide tailgates, where fans would “slam” one back. It has since evolved into a full drink, although Alabama Slammer shots are still popular at Alabama games today.
how to make large batch alabama slammers
To make this cocktail for a party or group gathering, combine 3 cups Southern Comfort, 3 cups Sloe Gin, 3 cups Amaretto, and 6 cups orange juice in a 1 gallon jug. Shake well and serve over ice!
For a smaller gathering, combine 1 1/2 cups Southern Comfort, 1 1/2 cups Sloe Gin 1 1/2 cups Amaretto, and 3 cups orange juice in a 1/2 gallon jug.
More Retro Cocktail Recipes
Interested in trying more classic cocktail recipes? Check out our version of these favorites:
Alabama Slammer
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Southern Comfort
- 1 ounce Amaretto liqueur
- 1 ounce Sloe Gin
- 2 ounces orange juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker 2/3 full with ice.
- Add ingredients and shake vigorously.
- Pour over ice; garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Add a splash of vodka
- Add a splash of peach Schnapps
- Use a combination of orange juice and pineapple juice
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
- Add a splash of grenadine for extra sweetness and a pop of color
- Blend with ice and serve frozen
- Adjust the ingredient amounts according to your preference
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