SEC Sips & Sizzles: Alabama Crimson Tide Yellow Hammer and Alabama White Sauce

Fall in Tuscaloosa isn’t all about football – it’s about tradition. From the moment the crowd roars “Roll Tide” to the last whistle of the game, the atmosphere is electric. While Bryant-Denny Stadium may be the heart of the action, Alabama fans know that the celebration starts long before kickoff.
One of the more iconic game day drinks? The Yellow Hammer. The Yellow Hammer isn’t just a drink, it is a Tuscaloosa tradition. The Yellow Hammer is a fruity, deceptively smooth punch. The golden drink is famously served at Galette’s Bar on the Strip – a Tuscaloosa game day hotspot where all the fans will gather before heading to the stadium. Whether you’re tailgating at the Quad, on The Strip or gathering with your friends around the firepit, this recipe brings a taste of Tuscaloosa right to you.

Yellow Hammer Recipe
Serves: 4-6 fans
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
½ cup light rum
½ cup vodka
½ amaretto
1 ½ cups 100% orange juice
2 ¼ cups 100% pineapple juice
6-8 maraschino cherries

Instructions:
In a large pitcher, combine the rum, vodka, and amaretto.
Pour the orange juice and pineapple juice, stirring until blended.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Pour over ice into a glass and drop a maraschino cherry into glass.
Add a slice of orange or pineapple wedge into the rim to add extra flair

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

No Tide-inspired fire pit spread is complete without the iconic Alabama white BBQ sauce – a tangy peppery sauce that has the perfect amount of kick for grilled chicken skewers, pulled pork sliders, or even as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Serves: Enough for a crowd
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
4 cups mayonnaise
2 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tablespoon Dale’s marinade
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Stir in cayenne, lemon juice, Dale’s marinade, garlic, and horseradish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Refrigerate until ready to serve – the flavors get even better after a few hours.

Fire pit tip: Brush this sauce onto chicken skewers just before serving for maximum flavor, or serve it in a small ramekin for dipping.
Every SEC school has its own signature tastes, but few are as iconic on game day as the Yellow Hammer and Alabama White BBQ sauce.