Get inspired to drink your way across America (without ever leaving your backyard) with Margaritaville’s 50 Drinks in 50 States series.

A visit to Alabama, specifically if you want to ride that Crimson Tide during college football playoffs, wouldn’t be the same without a taste of an Alabama Slammer. This sweet, tropical-tasting drink has been imbibed at the university since the late 1970s, both as a shot and as a (very strong) drink. The drink itself is divided up into three or four shots, meaning this sunset-hued drink is best nursed, lest it be the last thing you remember about your evening.

Though Jimmy Buffett originally called Mobile, Alabama, his home, we all know it was the margarita that stole his heart and the show. Nonetheless, this drink grew in popularity on a national level thanks to one Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail. “I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make/Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake/the Sex on the Beach/the schnapps made from peach/the Velvet Hammer/the Alabama Slammer.” He made it sound sexy, and it will only take one sip to convince you he was right. Take the time to squeeze some fresh orange juice – not only is this more authentic, but fresh is always best.

Unsure of sloe gin? It’s a ruby red liquor native to England, made by soaking sloe berries in gin. It is, however, worth the search to make this gem of a drink in its true form; just avoid mass produced imitations you might find on shelves (you should see gin and sloe in the ingredients list).

Ingredients

• ½ oz. vodka
• ½ oz. sloe gin
• ½ oz. Southern Comfort
• ½ oz. amaretto
• Orange Juice to top

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice.
• Shake until the outside of the shaker begins to frost up.
• Strain into a highball or collins glass with ice. Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.
• For shots, divide into three to four shot glasses.