Tequila Slammer
The Tequila Slammer is a lively cocktail that combines tequila and a fizzy soda, typically lemon-lime or ginger ale, creating a refreshing and effervescent drink.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Hurricane glass
- 2 ingredients
Tequila Slammer
Ingredients
- Tequila1½ oz
- 7-up1 part
Method
- Mix carefully to avoid releasing the dissolved CO2.
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
The hero bottle
A Mexican spirit made from blue agave, mostly in Jalisco, and legally limited to five states. Most bottles are around 38 to 40% ABV. Blanco tastes of sweet cooked agave, pepper and citrus. Reposado and añejo pick up vanilla, caramel and oak from the barrel.
See 30 Tequila drinksWhere it comes from
A simple shot-style drink popularized during the 1980s party culture, the Tequila Slammer represents casual, high-energy bar culture focused on quick consumption and immediate effect rather than sophisticated sipping. The drink gained notoriety for its role in party atmospheres and casual social settings. While less common in modern upscale establishments, it remains popular in casual bars and represents a distinct era of cocktail culture emphasizing fun and abandonment over refinement.
Tips from the bar
- Use quality tequila rather than cheap brands, as even in a slammer the base spirit quality matters significantly for the experience
- pair tequila with complementary mixers like lime juice or ginger beer that enhance rather than mask the spirit
- prepare in quick succession to maintain cold temperature and effervescence if using carbonated mixers
- serve in shot glasses or small rocks glasses for proper portion control
- encourage proper shot technique with appropriate warnings about rapid alcohol consumption and responsible drinking practices
Twists worth trying
- Tequila Bomb
- A version combining tequila with ginger beer and lime juice for a spicier, more complex flavor profile with warming notes
- Margarita Shooter
- A margarita-inspired variation using tequila mixed with lime cordial and triple sec for familiar margarita flavors in slammer format
- Spicy Slammer
- A premium adaptation using top-shelf tequila mixed with fresh citrus and agave nectar for sophisticated slammer-style shooter
What to eat with it
- Lime wedges
- Spicy pretzels
- Salted chips with salsa
- Jalapeño poppers
- Mexican appetizers
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
The finished drink
Questions
What is in a Tequila Slammer?
A Tequila Slammer is made with tequila, 7-up.
What glass do you use for a Tequila Slammer?
Serve a Tequila Slammer in a hurricane glass.
What does a Tequila Slammer taste like?
Expect sweet, fizzy, fruity.
What can I make with Tequila?
We have 30 drinks built around Tequila. See them all on the Tequila page.
More with Tequila
Every Tequila drink →One good drink, every Friday.
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