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

First we got the Dollarita.

Then the $1 Long Island iced tea tempted us.

Now, for February, Applebee’s is looking to lure you in for happy hour with yet another $1 drink special.

Get a $1 Bahama Mama at Applebee’s

February’s drink special is Applebee’s own take on the classic island drink, the Bahama Mama. Its website is predictably calling it the DollarMama and describes the drink as “a $1 Bahama Mama that combines the flavors of coconut, cherry, orange, pineapple with lime and white rum.”

Sound tasty? Yeah, I’d say so.

But are you really getting any buzz for that buck? A video sprung up claiming that the $1 Dollaritas the chain offered in October were made using a bottom-shelf tequila, powdered margarita mix and a lot of tap water. The guy who made the video said he was an Applebee’s employee, but that was never confirmed. Applebee’s did, however, say that he wasn’t making the drink right.

One brave writer set out to test the strength of December’s $1 Long Island iced teas and found them lacking. The results of the brave writer’s voyage to 20 Long Islands? He discovered that you’re getting a lot of calories and sugar, but apparently, not a lot of booze.

We all know the drill by now. Applebee’s marks these drinks down, makes them cheaply and hopes you’ll order food with them. It’s not the first bar to do it, and that’s OK.

If you’re looking to grab that happy hour experience but only spend a couple bucks, the DollarMama might be calling your name. If you want to get your buzz on, you might be better served fishing out a few more bucks to order real drinks.

It’s your call until last call.

Tyler Omoth is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder who loves soaking up the sun and finding creative ways to help others. It’s 11 a.m. on Friday, and now he wants a Bahama Mama. Catch him on Twitter at @Tyomoth.