We Think There’s a Key Ingredient Missing From Applebee’s $1 Bahama Mamas

Q: What is the Applebees Bahama Mama $1 promotion?

The Applebees Bahama Mama $1 promotion, branded as the DollarMama, offers a low-cost Bahama Mama cocktail made with coconut, cherry, orange, pineapple, lime and white rum during select happy hour events.

Q: Is the Applebees Bahama Mama strong in alcohol?

Reports and customer tests of similar $1 promotions suggest these low-priced cocktails can be weaker than regular menu cocktails; Applebee’s likely balances flavor with lower alcohol to keep the cost down.

Q: Should I expect full-size ingredients in the DollarMama?

The DollarMama aims to mimic a Bahama Mama flavor profile, but ingredients and proportions may be reduced compared with full-price cocktails to maintain the $1 price point.

Q: When can I get the Applebees Bahama Mama for $1?

The $1 Bahama Mama is typically offered as part of a limited-time or seasonal happy hour promotion; availability varies by location and date, so check your local Applebee’s for current deals.

Q: Any tips for ordering the Bahama Mama at Applebee’s?

If you want more alcohol or a stronger taste, consider ordering a regular-priced Bahama Mama or asking the bartender for a double pour; otherwise, enjoy the DollarMama for its bargain and flavor.

Published by

Clara

Dec 31

First came the Dollarita.

Then the $1 Long Island iced tea tempted us.

Now, in February, Applebee’s is trying to draw you in for happy hour with another one-dollar cocktail special.

Score a $1 Bahama Mama at Applebee’s

This month’s promotion is Applebee’s spin on the tropical classic, the Bahama Mama. The chain’s site predictably dubs it the DollarMama and explains the concoction as “a $1 Bahama Mama that blends coconut, cherry, orange, pineapple with lime and white rum.”

Sounds appealing? I’d say so.

But are you actually getting much of a kick for that single dollar? A video surfaced alleging that the $1 Dollaritas Applebee’s pushed in October were mixed with cheap tequila, powdered margarita mix and a lot of tap water. The person behind the clip claimed to be an Applebee’s worker, but that identity was never verified. Applebee’s did respond, saying the video showed someone preparing the drink incorrectly.

One bold reporter decided to investigate the potency of December’s $1 Long Islands and concluded they were weak. After sampling 20 of those Long Islands, the writer found plenty of calories and sugar, but apparently not much alcohol.

We’ve seen this pattern before. Applebee’s drops the price on these cocktails, mixes them cheaply and counts on you ordering food while you’re there. It’s a common play among bars, and that’s fine.

If you want the happy hour vibe without spending much, the DollarMama could be just the thing. If your aim is a stronger buzz, you might consider spending a few extra dollars on a full-strength cocktail.

It’s your choice until last call.

Alex Mercer is a senior writer at Savinly who enjoys sun-soaked afternoons and finding practical tips for readers. It’s 11 a.m. on Friday, and now Alex is craving a Bahama Mama. Find Alex on Twitter at @AlexReads.

Also, if you’re interested in other drink deals, check out applebees dollar margaritas for more offers.