The microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-8.3Zn-3.3Cu-2.2Mg alloys prepared via hot extrusion and liquid forging methods were investigated. Results show that based on DEFORM simulation analysis, the optimal hot extrusion parameters are determined as ingot initial temperature of 380 °C and extrusion speed of 3 mm/s. The hot-extruded aluminum alloy after T6 heat treatment presents superior mechanical properties with yield strength of 519.6 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 582.1 MPa, and elongation of 11.0%. Compared with the properties of gravity-cast and liquid-forged alloys, the yield strength of hot-extruded alloy increases by 30.8% and 4.9%, and the ultimate tensile strength improves by 43.5% and 10.2%, respectively. The significant improvement in tensile strength of the hot-extruded alloys is attributed to the elimination of casting defects and the refinement of matrix grain and eutectic phases. In addition, the hot-extruded alloy demonstrates superior plasticity compared with the liquid-forged alloy. This is because severe plastic deformation occurs during hot extrusion, which effectively breaks and disperses the eutectic phases, facilitating the dissolution and precipitation of the second phases and inhibiting the microcrack initiation.