At the University of Alabama, we are good at two things- football and partying. Although football season is over, party season at Bama is year-around (we are voted the number one party school for a reason). And what are you guarantee to see at any party here at Bama- alcohol. So, with that being said, we are going to review some of the best drinks you need to try here in Tuscaloosa as well as what college students’ go-to drinks when hitting the bars (and there are some strange ones)!
The Yellow Hammer
One of the most signature drinks you can find in Tuscaloosa is Galette’s famous Yellow Hammer. While many bars around the area serve their version of the Yellow Hammer, none beat the original in my opinion. This drink is a perfect mix of vodka (2 ounces), white rum (2 ounces), amaretto (1 ounce), orange juice (4 ounces), and pineapple juice (7 ounces) and is served in the iconic yellow souvenir cup. After years of hearing about this famous drink, I recently tried one for the first time (when I finally turned twenty-one) and now understand the hype. As someone who prefers the sweet and fruity drinks, the Yellow Hammer has now become one of my new favorites! The only thing I wish this drink had more of was amaretto (amaretto sours are my go-to drink in case you are wondering). With that being said, whether you are a student here at Bama (being over 21) or just coming to visit the great city of Tuscaloosa, be sure to make a stop to Galettes’ and try their famous Yellow Hammer!
Overall Rating: 8.75/10 (needs more amaretto but I mean a free cup when you order? Say less)
Seltzers
According to Urban dictionary (a reliable source of course), seltzers are basically fizzy, flavored drinks that look like water. While not everyone is a fan of these drinks, they are a ‘healthier’ option if you want to have a drink (and I personally like them). Although there are about a million different seltzers out there, here are a few that I always see when going out.
White Claw (the popular one)
Wherever you go, whether that be to the bars or a sunny Saturday filled with day parties, you are guaranteed to find some girl drinking one of these. Before trying Trulys or High Noon’s (top tier seltzers in my opinion), I thought these were the bomb. But after trying my fair share of seltzers, I can say that these seltzers are a hit or miss. Some of the flavors taste great while others taste like dishwater. I will say though, it’s been a while since I’ve had one and I’ve only tried a handful of the flavors so I feel as though I might need to conduct a bit more research (he he). So, if you are looking for something to sip on at the bar or party or just want to post a picture of you ‘living your life’ on snapchat, White Claw might be the seltzer for you!
Let us know your favorite White Claw flavor down below!
Overall rating: 6.7/10 (Decent but I need to try more to give a proper rating)
Trulys (the cool kids on the block)
As I mentioned before, I would consider these to be a top-tiered seltzer, but it truly comes down to the flavor you get (see what I did there). Any of the truly lemonades? DIVINE. The berry flavor pack? Mehhhhhh… Even with Truly, there is still much research I need to do to determine my personal favorite Truly flavor (the kind of research everyone enjoys). So, if you are pre-gaming before the hitting the bars or to the party of the year, I would highly recommend grabbing a case of Trulys (a couple will certainly do the job)!
Let us know your favorite Truly flavor down below!
Overall ratings:
- Lemonades: 10/10 (top tier these are like gold)
- Berry flavors: 4.25/10 (you want to have a drink, but the only thing left in your fridge is this old box of trulys from months ago)
High Noon (the kids’ part of student government)
Fun fact: The first time I tried a High Noon was on Christmas when we met up with family later in the evening. After digging for alcohol in my grandparent’s fridge for a few minutes, my uncle and I struck gold when finding a case of these tucked away in the back. This vodka soda seltzer comes in a variety of different flavors (pineapple is elite no questions asked) and is crisp and delicious (you can’t taste too much of the alcohol which is why these things are so good). My one problem with these is that they are quite pricy (not broke college budget friendly). So, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket or just want to splurge on the ‘good shit’ (or in my case find some buried in your grandparent’s fridge), then I would highly recommend getting a pack over High Noon!
Let us know your favorite High Noon flavor down below!
Overall rating: 11.25/10 (the good shit)
Okay, moving on from seltzers, I feel as though I need to give some honorable mentions to Brad and I’s favorite go-to drink before we move on to what the people of Alabama said was their go-to drinks. So, if you are reading this, and the next time you are at a bar and don’t know what to get, try our favorites!
Brad’s favorite: Tequila Sour
I’m so glad Brad has good taste and that I don’t have to roast him on his choice of alcohol. Throw in some tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, some simple syrup, egg white foam, and some bitters (not in that order I’m just listing of the ingredients), and you get this delicious cocktail that is purely divine. So, the next time you are at the bar and want to switch it up from a classic margarita, get Brad’s favorite go-to drink- a tequila sour!
Overall rating: 8/10 (delicious but not as good as mine and that’s a fact)
Madison’s favorite: amaretto sour
If there is one cocktail I always get a double shot of when ordering, it’s the amaretto sour! This sweet drink is a HEAVENLY mix of amaretto (always a double shot), a squeeze of lemon juice, some simple syrup, and topped off with a maraschino cherry. The best one I’ve had in Tuscaloosa is at the filling station (really chill bar so go check it out)! So, if you are looking for something sweet and easy to drink, I highly recommend getting my go-to drink – a amaretto sour!
Overall rating: 100/10 (i’m sorry its that good)
College students go-to drinks
Brad and I asked, and we are here to give you the answers! So, what are some of the go-to drinks students at the University of Alabama drink when hitting the bars? After awkwardly interviewing some of the students (Hey weird question. What is your favorite drink to get at a bar?), these are some of the results we received!
Vodka Red Bull
I swear half of the people we interviewed said this was their go-to drink. Although I’ve never personally had one, it does sound pretty damn good. And the best part, there are only two ingredients! So, if you are looking for something to give you a boost of energy and a little intoxicated (bar hopping takes energy), then try a Vodka Red Bull the next time you hit the town (or in this case, ttown!)!
Tequila Ranch water
Why they call it ranch water, I have no idea. After doing some research, I found out that this highball cocktail hails from West Texas. While no one knows who originally came up with the drink or where the name originates from, word quickly got around. The ingredients are tequila (of course), lime juice, and Topo Chico Mineral water (die-hard fans say this isn’t the real deal unless it’s made with Topo Chico Mineral water). So, if you plan on tearing it up the dance floor with your line-dancing skills this upcoming Saturday night, make sure you have a tequila ranch water in hand while you dance!
Vodka soda with lime juice
My kind of drink! All you need are some ice cubes, “2 shots of vodka”, some lime juice and soda water to get this perfect and refreshing drink! It’s the perfect drink for those hot southern nights here in Bama! So, the next time you hit the town (and 90 degrees and extremely humid outside), be sure to grab this refreshing drink to cool you off!
Lemon drop shot
Again, my kind of drink! To make one of these delicious shots you will need is vodka, lemon juice and a spoonful of sugar! So, the next time you are in the mood for a shot (hint hint for next week), make sure to try this sweet, but tart shot!
Capri sun
Yes, a Capri sun. Someone answered this. Don’t get me wrong, these hit different (especially the lemon ones), but at a bar? Although “two shots of vodka” with a lemon or fruit punch Capri sun does sound pretty damn good. So, if you ever bought a Capri sun at a bar or have created your own specialty cocktail using a Capri Sun, let us know down in the comment (who knows we might just review it)!
Water
I once heard someone say that really is an adult drink (because you kind of need it to live). I was shocked at how many people answered this as their go-to drink when going to bars. At first, I was like, oh “water” (if you know what I’m saying). No. They legit get water. I mean stay hydrated am I right? So, if you are a living being on this Earth, make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of this stuff every single day!
(Brad and I are not reviewing water so don’t put it in the comment below)
By Madison Corley and Brad Hachtel
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