Tequila Slammer

Tequila Slammer

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
75 Calories
0g Fat
3g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 75
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 1mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The tequila slammer is a fun tequila shot that's perfect for a party. It's not complicated (requiring just two ingredients) and it's actually more about the action you take before drinking it than anything else.

Not to be confused with the salt-lemon tequila shot which is also sometimes called a "slammer," this popular shot combines tequila and soda in a large glass. The key is to gulp down the drink after activating the fizz of the soda by slamming the shot glass on the bar. This creates an explosion of bubbles in your mouth and is a lively way to enjoy tequila.

Also called a tequila boom boom, tequilazo, or popper, you can pour any soda you like. Sprite, 7-Up, and Mountain Dew are popular alternatives to ginger ale and sparkling wine is also very common.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Tequila Slammer ingredients

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  2. Pour tequila and soda in an old-fashioned glass.

    tequila and soda in an old-fashioned glass

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  3. Cover glass with a napkin and your hand.

    glass tequila and soda, hand holding napkin on top of glass

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  4. Slam glass on bar counter (careful not to break anything). Drink while it's still fizzing!

    Tequila Slammer

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Tips

  • By using an old-fashioned or rocks glass rather than a shot glass, you have plenty of room for the fizzing action. Don't overpour the ingredients to fill the glass.
  • Be sure to choose a strong glass with a thick bottom so it doesn't shatter when you slam it down. Also, you don't need to be so forceful as to possibly break the glass. Some people have also found that stone surfaces are not advised; wood is a better option.
  • Though not required, the napkin will keep your hand from getting sticky with the fizzing soda.

Recipe Variations

  • If you want to avoid the "slam," simply pour the two ingredients and drink. Add ice and sip rather than shoot it, if you like.
  • Pour Champagne (or another sparkling wine) instead of soda and you have a slammer royale.
  • The tequila boom boom adds grenadine syrup to the glass, giving it a red color and sweeter taste.
  • In a similar manner, add a splash of fruit juice. Orange and grapefruit are always good with tequila, though some people add lemon juice.
  • Ginger beer and lime is another fun combination.

How Strong Is a Tequila Slammer?

Since you're mixing tequila in equal parts with soda, the tequila slammer's alcohol content is half that of the tequila you pour. For instance, with an 80-proof tequila (the average strength), the shot will be 40 proof (20 percent ABV). While it is a fun way to dilute your tequila and knock its potency down a level, one too many will slam you with a hangover in the morning.

What Sodas Go Well With Tequila?

Tequila pairs well with fruit-flavored sodas, such as lemon-lime or tonic, with grapefruit soda pairing especially well since it is the base for a paloma cocktail. Club soda is a good option for a less sweet option, especially when you add a squeeze of lime.