Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness. The flavors of the port wine and brandy blend beautifully, while the egg adds a creamy texture. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a warming finish.
Brandy Alexander Cocktail Recipe
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Brandy Alexander Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:15g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created in honor of the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles in 1922. This creamy, indulgent drink has been enjoyed by many over the years, including notable figures such as John Lennon and Truman Capote.
- Origin: Early 20th century
- Created for: Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles' wedding
- Famous drinkers: John Lennon, Truman Capote
How Brandy Alexander Tastes?
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Interesting facts about Brandy Alexander
- The Brandy Alexander is sometimes called an 'adult milkshake' due to its creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- The cocktail is often served as a dessert drink, perfect for sipping after a meal.
- The Brandy Alexander is a variation of the earlier gin-based Alexander cocktail.
Ingredients
- Brandy: 2 oz(60ml)
- Crème de cacao: 1 oz(30ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Nutmeg: 1 pinch
Brandy
Used as the base spirit, brandy brings warmth and depth of flavor. 2 oz is a goldilocks amount—not too strong and not overshadowing the other ingredients. This isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Miss out on it and you're leaving out the soul of the drink. Go overboard and you'll drown the other players. An alternative like cognac might add a little more refinement or oomph if you’re feeling fancy.
Alex Green
Crème de Cacao
Where the chocolate magic happens. 1 oz is just right - making it the Goldilocks of sweet liqueurs in this drink. It sweetens the deal without making you feel like you're just sipping candy syrup in a bar. If you omit this, wave goodbye to that chocolatey velvet curtain in your cocktail theater. Substitute with a different liqueur if you must, but expect a different show.
Emma Rose
Heavy Cream
The 1 oz of heavy cream is the cloud on which the brandy and crème de cacao float. It's like adding cream to your coffee; it smooths and soothes. Skim on the cream and your Brandy Alexander losses its lushness. No cream at all? That's a different cocktail, my friend. Full-fat milk could work as an understudy if the heavy cream is a no-show.
Mary Mitkina
Nutmeg
The spice that must float gently atop like the first snowfall. It's just a pinch, but it packs a punch. It gives a fragrance and a complexity that whispers sophistication. Forget it and you'll miss the sparkle in the night sky. It's a finishing touch that sets the mood, like that one string of lights you hang during the holidays.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Brandy Alexander Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add 2 oz of brandy, 1 oz of crème de cacao, and 1 oz of heavy cream
- Shake well until chilled and well mixed
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg on top
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This ensures the drink is well-chilled.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the garnish to enhance the flavor.
- Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cold for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
-
Chocolate Desserts: The creamy and chocolaty notes of a Brandy Alexander work quite well with similarly flavored chocolate desserts, such as a chocolate mousse or brownies.
-
Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses would complement the nutty and sweet profile of this cocktail. Think Brie, Camembert, or even a mild blue cheese.
Coffee
- Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee: The Brandy Alexander can be an excellent after-dinner drink, pairing nicely with the richness of coffee, echoing its warming and soothing characteristics.
Fruit
- Ripe Pears or Berries: Pair with fresh fruits that aren’t overly sweet. The subtle sweetness and creaminess would create a nice balance with the fruit's tartness.
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What you could change in Brandy Alexander
- Brandy: Can be substituted with cognac or dark rum.
- Crème de Cacao: Can be replaced with chocolate liqueur.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Espresso Alexander
Mix in a shot of espresso with the other ingredients. The added coffee will give the cocktail a caffeinated kick and deep coffee notes that will make you wonder if it’s a drink or a dessert.
White Chocolate Alexander
Substitute white crème de cacao for the traditional. The switch brings a different kind of sweetness that might remind you of the innocence lost in childhood candy shops.
Vegan Alexander
Swap out heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan-friendly option. This twist offers an alternative, guilt-free indulgence with a side note of tropical bliss. Just let your vegan friends know it's safe!
In case you forgot basics how to make Brandy Alexander
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Brandy Alexander
What type of glass is typically used to serve a Brandy Alexander?
A Brandy Alexander is typically served in a coupe style glass, a vintage-style glass with a broad, shallow bowl.
Are there any variations on the Brandy Alexander's garnish?
While nutmeg is the classic garnish, some variants use a cherry or a sprig of mint instead.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Brandy Alexander?
There's no well-known non-alcoholic version of the Brandy Alexander, as Brandy and Crème de Cacao are its key ingredients.
What other classic cocktails are similar to the Brandy Alexander?
Cocktails that share similar features are the Grasshopper and the White Russian, both are creamy and dessert-like in nature.
Why should I stir a cocktail instead of shaking it?
As a general rule, if a cocktail doesn't include juice, cream or egg, you should stir it. Stirring is a more gentle technique for mixing cocktails and it is typically used to delicately combine the drinks with a perfect clarity.
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