The Alabama Slammer comes in two variations: as a shooter and as a refreshing Alabama Slammer cocktail in a highball glass.
While both contain the same ingredients, their proportions differ slightly to accommodate the volume. Despite its waning popularity, this fun and fruity shot remains noteworthy.
Though drinks like the Alabama Slammer may not enjoy the same level of popularity as they once did, they serve as excellent throwback beverages. Perfect for retro-themed parties or celebrating victories of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, the Alabama Slammer adds a nostalgic touch to any gathering.
Here’s a guide to making the alabama Slammer shooter, ensuring a perfect mix of flavors and a memorable sipping experience.
Alabama Slammer Shot Ingredients
- Sloe Gin (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): A berry-infused gin that brings a tart, fruity depth to the shot, adding a rich red hue and a slightly sweet, complex flavor.
- Amaretto Liqueur (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Provides a sweet, almond-like taste that complements the fruity notes of the sloe gin and adds a layer of smoothness to the shot.
- Southern Comfort (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): A whiskey-flavored liqueur that introduces a unique blend of fruits and spices, adding warmth and a touch of Southern hospitality to the mix.
- Orange Juice (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): Offers a burst of citrusy brightness, balancing the sweetness of the liqueurs with its natural acidity and freshness.
Alabama Slammer Shot Recipe
- Preparation:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. The key to a successful Alabama Slammer Shot lies in the quality and freshness of the components, especially the orange juice.
- Mixing the Shot:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients and ensure a smooth, refreshing shot.
- Pour in 1/2 ounce (15 ml) each of sloe gin, amaretto, and Southern Comfort, followed by 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Shaking:
- Secure the lid on the shaker and give it a tough shake. This step is crucial for blending the ingredients and achieving proper dilution.
- Serving the Shot:
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass. If your shot exceeds the capacity of the shot glass, consider serving it in a rocks glass for a more generous portion, or divide it into two smaller shots to share the joy with a friend.
The Alabama Slammer Shot – A cLassic
Legend has it that the Alabama Slammer was born in the 1970s, near the University of Alabama, inspired by the school’s crimson colors, which also happen to match the hue of this iconic shot.
It emerged during a time when sweet, fruity cocktails were all the rage, many of which featured sloe gin and Southern Comfort, two ingredients that have since lost some of their former popularity.
The evolution of the Alabama Slammer recipe seemed less about the ingredients and more about achieving its signature red color. Perhaps one person lacked sloe gin while another had whiskey on hand. As long as it turned out red and contained amaretto, it was dubbed an Alabama Slammer.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the tall mixed drink versions, often yellow due to the increased presence of orange and pineapple juice, are sometimes referred to as yellowhammers, possibly the original name, inspired by Alabama’s state bird.
The Alabama Slammer tends to be relatively mild, owing to the gentle nature of its three liqueur components. Typically, its alcohol content hovers around 20 percent ABV (40 proof), making it less potent than a straight shot of whiskey.
Southern Comfort – What Alcohol Is It?
This enigmatic liquor traces its origins back to 1874 when Martin Wilkes Heron, seeking to mask the harsh taste of whiskey, infused it with fruits and spices at a New Orleans saloon.
The liquor, beloved by drinkers, was soon marketed as Southern Comfort. Over the years, the recipe evolved through various acquisitions by large liquor companies. Originally made with a neutral grain spirit akin to vodka and occasionally a hint of bourbon, it later underwent changes.
In 2017, the Sazerac Company acquired the brand and revamped the recipe to include real whiskey from their own stock.
Despite its evolution, Southern Comfort’s flavor profile, dominated by apricot with hints of peach, remains distinctive. Labeled as “Spirit whiskey with natural flavors and caramel color,” it is technically a whiskey-based liqueur infused with fruits and spices.
Available in 70-proof, 80-proof, and 100-proof versions, Southern Comfort continues to intrigue and delight drinkers with its unique character.
Check out some of the best whisky shots and shooters.
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