The Brandy Alexander: A Cocktail That's Basically Dessert in a Glass 🍸✨
Sophia
Updated 04/29/2025
A Delightful Introduction to Liquid Dessert 🥂
This velvety concoction marries the warmth of brandy with the sweet allure of chocolate liqueur, all embraced by the luxurious texture of cream. Often described as "dessert in a glass," this sophisticated libation has charmed discerning palates for over a century.
A Brief History of Brandy Alexander 🕵️♂️
Legend has it that the cocktail was born in the early 20th century as a riff on the Alexander (a gin-based predecessor). But the real drama began when someone swapped gin for brandy and turned it into the liquid dessert we know today.
One popular theory claims it was invented by a bartender named Troy Alexander at New York's Rector's Restaurant who created the drink in order to serve a white drink at a dinner celebrating Phoebe Snow (a character in a popular advertising campaign in the early 20th century). Others argue it was created for the 1922 wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles (because royalty deserves boozy desserts). Historians and bartenders still bicker about this, preferably over a round of Brandy Alexanders.
Recipe: How to Make a Brandy Alexander (Without Spilling Crème Everywhere) 🥄
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cognac or quality brandy | 1.5 oz | To remind you it's a grown-up drink |
| Dark Crème de Cacao | 1 oz | For chocolatey mischief |
| Heavy Cream | 1 oz | To justify calling it "dessert" |
| Fresh Nutmeg | A sprinkle | Fancy dust (mandatory) |
| Ice | As needed | To chill, not dilute the fun |
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes until approximately two-thirds full.
- Pour the measured brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream into the shaker.
- Seal the shaker firmly and shake vigorously for 20 seconds, or until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe glass.
- Delicately dust the surface with freshly grated nutmeg.
Decoding the Classic Charm of Brandy Alexander 🕶️
Why We Love It:
- Dessert Disguised as a Drink: It's basically a chocolate milkshake with a PhD in partying.
- Harmonious Symphony: The robust warmth of aged brandy, the nuanced sweetness of chocolate, and the luxurious mouthfeel of cream, all culminating in what can only be described as a transcendent drinking experience.
- Versatile Vibes: Perfect for holidays, date nights, or mourning a broken Netflix queue.
Fun Facts 💡
- Hollywood Approved: The cocktail made appearances in movies like Days of Wine and Roses, albeit with a cautionary tale about drinking.
- Name Game: Some claim it's named after Alexander the Great, who definitely didn't drink this… but he would have.
- The Nutmeg Sprinkle: The nutmeg isn't just garnish; it adds a warm spice note that makes the drink truly pop. Plus, you get to show off your microplane grater skills.
Variations of the Brandy Alexander cocktail 👩🍳
- Coffee Alexander cocktail: Swap the Dark Crème de Cacao for coffee liqueur for a caffeinated version that works as both dessert and pick-me-up.
- Frozen Brandy Alexander: Perfect for summer or for those who prefer their cocktails in slushie form, blend all ingredients with 1 cup of ice until smooth. This creates a boozy milkshake that'll make you forget you're technically drinking alcohol.
- Alexander No. 1 cocktail: This is the original grandmother of the Brandy Alexander. Simply swap the brandy for Gin. It is botanical, weird, and surprisingly good.
- Alexander's Sister cocktail (aka Grasshopper): Use Gin instead of brandy and swap the Dark Crème de Cacao for Crème de Menthe. It is green, minty, and tastes exactly like a melted grasshopper pie.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Brandy Alexander cocktail(FAQs) 🕵️
1. What glass should I use for a Brandy Alexander cocktail?
A chilled coupe glass or classic cocktail glass is ideal to showcase the silky texture.
2. Can I make a Brandy Alexander cocktail without heavy cream?
While heavy cream is traditional and provides the signature silky texture, you can substitute half and half, whole milk, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that lighter dairy products will result in a thinner, less luxurious texture. Some bartenders use a combination of half and half with a splash of cream to find a middle ground.
3. What kind of brandy should I use for a Brandy Alexander cocktail?
Cognac is the gold standard for this cocktail, with VS or VSOP grades working beautifully, because of its smooth texture and gentle oak notes. However, any decent brandy will work fine.
4. Is Brandy Alexander cocktail a strong drink?
The drink tastes like dessert but it still contains a full measure of brandy plus liqueur, so it carries similar strength to many classic cocktails once you account for dilution from ice. The creamy sweetness simply hides the alcohol very well, please sip it slowly.
5. Can I make Brandy Alexander cocktails ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can pre-measure the brandy and dark crème de cacao in a container and keep it chilled. add the cream and shake with ice right before serving so it stays smooth and foamy. Never pre-mix cream and alcohol for extended periods, as the texture will suffer and the cream may start to separate or sour.
6. What is the difference between Alexander cocktail and Brandy Alexander cocktail?
The original Alexander cocktail used gin instead of brandy. The recipe is otherwise identical: gin, crème de cacao, and cream. The brandy version became so much more popular that it essentially overshadowed the original, and today when people say "Alexander," they usually mean the brandy version. The gin Alexander still exists but is rarely ordered.
7. Is crème de cacao alcoholic?
Yes! Crème de cacao is a chocolate-flavored liqueur with an alcohol content typically around 20 to 25% ABV.
8. What is the difference between crème de cacao and chocolate liqueur?
Crème de cacao is generally thinner and sweeter than a creamy chocolate liqueur. It comes in two varieties: dark (brown) and white (clear). Despite the name difference, both are sweet and chocolate-flavored; the dark version simply has a richer color and slightly more robust flavor. Always use dark crème de cacao for an authentic Brandy Alexander.
9. How do I prevent my Brandy Alexander from separating?
The key is vigorous shaking with plenty of ice. Shake for at least 15 seconds to properly emulsify the cream with the alcoholic ingredients. The ice also chills everything quickly, which helps maintain the emulsion. If you notice separation happening, you likely didn't shake long enough or hard enough.
10. When is the best time to serve the Brandy Alexander cocktail?
This is the ultimate digestif. Serve it after a heavy meal instead of dessert. It pairs beautifully with fruit tarts or just a quiet evening by the fire.
11. Do I really need fresh nutmeg for my Brandy Alexander cocktail?
Yes, fresh nutmeg contains volatile oils that provide intense aroma and flavor that pre-ground nutmeg simply cannot match. Pre-ground nutmeg loses its potency quickly and often tastes dusty or flat. Whole nutmeg keeps for years, and a small grater or microplane takes seconds to use.
12. What food pairs well with a Brandy Alexander cocktail?
Since the Brandy Alexander is essentially a liquid dessert, it pairs beautifully with desserts that aren't too sweet or creamy. Try it with biscotti, shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or dark chocolate truffles. It also works surprisingly well after a meal featuring game meats or rich, savory dishes, as the sweetness provides a pleasant contrast.
References:
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandy_Alexander
[2]: https://www.littlesugarsnaps.com/coffee-brandy-alexander-2/
[3]: https://iba-world.com/iba-cocktail/alexander/
[4]: https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17780
