Live your best life and treat yourself to a decadent Brandy Alexander tonight!
It’s a luxurious libation that makes you feel like a high-roller. It’s one swanky vintage cocktail, from the velvety texture to the indulgent flavor.
It may say “pinkies out,” but the ingredients scream “easy.” All you need are three things.
Make a round for the holidays or have one for dessert. No matter the season, the Brandy Alexander is always a special treat. (Especially when you add ice cream!)
What Is a Brandy Alexander?
The Brandy Alexander is a riff on the classic gin-based Alexander. It’s a dessert cocktail featuring brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
Creamy and chocolatey, it’s a wickedly good treat. The switch from gin to brandy makes it less botanical and sweeter.
Who first made the swap is a bit of a mystery. The original gin version, however, often circles back to bartender Troy Alexander.
Many say he created it at the Hotel Rector in New York for Phoebe Snow. She was a fictional character advertising a railroad company.
At some point in the 1900s, using brandy instead became the “it” thing. And I have to admit, I adore it!
The warming flavor of the brandy is very complementary. Fix one up and see for yourself.
Ingredients
A decadent cocktail made with just three ingredients sounds too good to be true. And yet, it’s a real thing!
Here’s what you need to make this luscious drink:
- Brandy – You can’t have this cocktail without the brandy! I prefer to use Cognac, which is a type of French brandy. But use any brand you like.
- Dark crème de cacao – Dark crème de cacao gives it a rich-looking, chocolate color. The clear version works too, however.
- Heavy cream – For that luscious, velvety mouthfeel!
- Nutmeg – Grated nutmeg is the final touch. It adds a nice flavor and a hint of class. If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, then ground nutmeg will do as a substitute.
How to Make a Brandy Alexander
Ready for your liquid dessert? Grab your cocktail shaker, ingredients, and a glass. And let’s get mixing!
Your drink will be ready in no time. Just follow these easy steps:
- Shake. Pour the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it for about 30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain. Strain the contents into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish. Garnish the top with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Sip. Serve and enjoy!
How to Make a Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream
Elevate the indulgence factor with a scoop of ice cream! It’s like a boozy milkshake that makes it good to be a grown-up.
I particularly like it in the summer as a dessert cocktail. It’s deliciously smooth and icy cold. So it’s a fun way to beat the heat.
Just swap out the heavy cream for a single scoop of vanilla ice cream. Also, use 1 ounce Cognac or brandy and 1 ounce dark crème de cacao.
Here’s how to make it:
- Blend. In a blender, combine Cognac (or brandy), dark crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream. Blend until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Pour. Pour the mixture into a martini or cocktail glass. Garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, if desired.
- Serve. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Want to know the secret to creating the best Brandy Alexander? Follow these tips. I also included some variations I think you’d like.
- Splurge on quality crème de cacao. Dark or clear, this non-creamy liqueur has a sweet cocoa hint. Brands like Bols and Tempus Fugit are affordable and quality choices.
- A note on cacao vs. coffee liqueurs. Dark crème de cacao is chocolate-based, while Kahlúa is coffee-flavored. They’re distinct, so choose accordingly.
- Choose your brandy wisely. For a Brandy Alexander, a moderately priced brandy works well. There’s no need to spend top dollar on a high-end selection.
- No Shaker? No problem. Pre-chill the ingredients, then blend with a splash of water and serve in chilled glasses. You could also use a Mason jar with a lid as a substitute.
- Try a Grasshopper. A Grasshopper cocktail has green creme de menthe, white creme de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Make it a coffee Alexander. Just use coffee liqueur instead of crème de cacao.
- Stick to the original Alexander. Keep everything the same, except use gin instead of brandy.
Brandy Alexander (Classic Cocktail Recipe)
1
servingsThe Brandy Alexander is a classy cocktail people have loved for years. It’s made with brandy, creme de cacao, and heavy cream, so it’s typically served for dessert!
Ingredients
Ice
1 1/2 ounces Cognac/brandy
1 ounce dark crème de cacao
1 ounce heavy cream
freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the Cognac (or brandy), dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled, about 30 seconds
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Serve and enjoy!
