This recipe includes vodka and grenadine for a classic flavor. We will be using 3/4 oz of Southern Comfort. The alcohol percentage will vary depending on the specific brands used, but it's a relatively strong cocktail. We'll also provide a variation for an Alabama Slammer without sloe gin. This is considered by many to be the best Alabama Slammer recipe.
What alcohol is in an Alabama Slammer?
A traditional Alabama Slammer contains Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and vodka. This recipe omits the sloe gin.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Vodka
- 3/4 oz Southern Comfort
- 1/2 oz Amaretto liqueur
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz Grenadine
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Highball glass
🛠️ Recommended Bar Tools:
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
A clear glass surface displays all the necessary ingredients for an Alabama Slammer: a bottle of vodka, a bottle of Southern Comfort, a bottle of amaretto liqueur, a pitcher of fresh orange juice, and a small bottle of grenadine. A jigger sits nearby.
Step 2: Add vodka and Southern Comfort to the shaker.
Ice cubes fill a cocktail shaker halfway. A jigger pours 1 oz of clear vodka into the shaker, followed by a pour of 3/4 oz of amber-colored Southern Comfort.
Step 3: Add Amaretto and Orange Juice
Following the vodka and Southern Comfort, a jigger measures and pours 1/2 oz of brown amaretto liqueur into the shaker. Next, 2 oz of bright orange juice is added to the mixture.
Step 4: Shake Well
The cocktail shaker is tightly sealed and vigorously shaken for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled. Condensation forms on the outside of the shaker.
Step 5: Strain into a Glass with Ice
A highball glass is filled with fresh ice cubes. The chilled mixture from the shaker is strained into the prepared glass.
Step 6: Float Grenadine
Slowly pour 1/2 oz of red grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.
💡 Pro Tip: For a cleaner float, pour grenadine over the back of a bar spoon to help it layer properly.
Step 7: Enjoy!
The completed Alabama Slammer shows distinct layers of red at the bottom, transitioning to orange and a lighter amber hue at the top. A straw is placed in the glass.
🔫 Alabama Slammer Shooter Tools:
How do you make Alabama Slammer shooters?
To make Alabama Slammer shooters, simply scale down the ingredients proportionally. For one shooter, you could use
- 0.25 oz Vodka
- 0.2 oz Southern Comfort
- 0.125 oz Amaretto liqueur
- 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.125 oz Grenadine
Combine the vodka, Southern Comfort, amaretto, and orange juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a shot glass. Gently float the grenadine on top.
Why is it called Alabama Slammer?
The exact origin of the name is debated. One theory suggests it's named after the "slamming" effect of its potency. Another theory links it to the University of Alabama football team, with "Slammer" possibly referring to a hard-hitting play. The "Alabama" part clearly ties it to the state.
How to make a slammer?
Generally, a "slammer" cocktail is one that is meant to be consumed quickly, often involving slamming the drink on the bar to create fizz or mix ingredients rapidly. The Alabama Slammer doesn't traditionally involve this "slamming" action in its preparation or consumption, despite its name.
What is a substitute for sloe gin in an Alabama Slammer?
If you want to make an Alabama Slammer closer to the original recipe but don't have sloe gin, you can try substitutes that offer a similar, slightly sweet, fruity flavor with notes of plum or berry. Good substitutes include
- Plymouth Sloe Gin (if you can find it): This is still sloe gin but might be an alternative brand available to you.
- Blackberry Liqueur (Crème de Mûre): This offers a dark berry flavor and sweetness. Adjust the sweetness of the drink accordingly if using this.
- Cherry Brandy: Some cherry brandies have a similar fruitiness. Again, adjust sweetness to taste.
- A mix of gin and a small amount of plum or berry liqueur: This allows you to control the flavor profile more precisely.
When substituting, start with a smaller amount than the original sloe gin called for and taste as you go to achieve the desired balance in your cocktail.
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