The combination of three liquors with a splash of orange juice makes the Alabama Slammer cocktail sweet and irresistible. Sip it on a hot and humid day as a refreshing cocktail. It’s easy to make a large batch for a crowd, and everyone seems to ask for a second drink because it washes down quickly!

I have to admit that the Alabama Slammer packs a punch. The three liquors make it a stronger cocktail, but it’s sweet. It’s a cocktail meant for sipping, and it feels like summer. It’s the type of drink that you want while lounging at the pool or hanging out by the lake with friends. It’s a common cocktail on Alabama restaurant menus, but you don’t have to be from Bama to appreciate it.

Looking for even more great summer cocktail recipes? Check out these Savvy Mama Lifestyle favorites:

• Blue Melon Margarita
• Blackberry Sage Hard Lemonade
• Original Mermaid Water Cocktail

What Is An Alabama Slammer Cocktail?

Many great things have come from the University of Alabama, and this is one of them! Otherwise known as a Southern Slammer, the drink became popular in the 1970’s thanks to college kids. Its popularity rose in part due to its crimson color but also because of how delicious it is. I could see how college kids downed these easily.

But What’s In An Alabama Slammer?

While there are some variations, which you notice when you travel through Alabama, it’s usually made with the same three liquors. The classic version includes Southern Comfort, sloe gin, amaretto, and orange juice for a fruity and sweet drink. If you love a sweet cocktail, this one is for you.

Alabama Slammer Cocktail Ingredients

This traditional Alabama Slammer cocktail is made with just five ingredients – 3 liqueurs, juice, and ice.

• Amaretto – The sweet and smooth almond flavor is a great base liquor. 
• Sloe gin – This is a sweet liqueur that tastes like plums and adds a red color to the drink. A higher-proof sloe gin is better, but any will do.
• Southern Comfort – It’s no surprise that a drink from Alabama would use Southern Comfort. The fruity undernotes add some depth to the cocktail.
• Orange juice – Use freshly squeezed or no-sugar-added store-bought orange juice. No pulp.
• Garnishes – I like to garnish my Alabama Slammer with a maraschino cherry and sliced orange.

How To Make A Large Batch Version

If you want to serve the Alabama Slammer cocktail at a party, you can make a large batch version with the same strengths. You’ll need a pitcher that holds at least 65 ounces of liquid. Use 2 cups southern comfort, sloe gin and amaretto. Pour over ice. Fill the rest of the pitcher up with orange juice and and stir well.

How To Make The Alabama Slammer Less Strong

There’s no denying that this is a strong cocktail. It really reminds me of a Hurricane Cocktail recipe with multiple liquors. The South knows how to enjoy strong drinks! If you want to make it less strong, add an extra ounce of orange juice or cut the amaretto in half. You’ll still get the same flavor profile. I still recommend the higher-proof versions of the liquor for the ingredients. It gives you better flavor.

How To Make An Alabama Slammer

I have a serving glass that holds 14 ounces of liquid and a 1-ounce shot glass to make the cocktail. If you’re not sure if your shot glass is one ounce, use a cocktail jigger with the measurements on the side.

Fill a tall glass with ice.

Add southern comfort, amaretto, and sloe gin.

Top off the drink with orange juice and serve with a straw and toothpick filled with an orange slice and cherry.