Brandy Alexander Cocktail Recipe
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: August 23, 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.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
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.
More similar recipes to Brandy Alexander!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
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 Sour
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Brandy Crusta
The Brandy Crusta has a balanced, complex taste with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The orange liqueur and maraschino liqueur contribute a subtle sweetness, and the aromatic bitters bring a hint of spice.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Chocolate Martini
The Chocolate Martini is rich, creamy, and sweet, with a velvety chocolate flavor and a hint of vanilla. It has a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel and a slightly boozy kick from the vodka.
Alexander
The Alexander cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, with hints of chocolate and nutty flavors.
Bushwacker
The Bushwacker cocktail is a creamy, rich, and indulgent drink with a velvety texture. It has a sweet, chocolatey taste with hints of coffee and coconut. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Golden Cadillac
The Golden Cadillac has a rich, creamy, and velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors. The combination of Galliano, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream creates a decadent and indulgent taste, reminiscent of a luxurious dessert.
Banshee
The Banshee cocktail is sweet, creamy, and fruity with a hint of banana and chocolate flavors. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a light, refreshing finish.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Almond Joy
The Almond Joy cocktail is a sweet, creamy, and indulgent drink with a rich chocolate flavor, nutty almond undertones, and a hint of tropical coconut. It is a smooth and velvety cocktail with a well-balanced sweetness.
Cinnamon Toast
The Cinnamon Toast cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors. The cinnamon adds a warm and comforting taste, while the cream liqueur provides a rich and velvety texture. The overall flavor is well-balanced and not too overpowering.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Cement Mixer
The Cement Mixer has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sour taste. The texture is thick and curdled, which can be off-putting to some.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.