The Brandy Alexander is a decadent, creamy cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is a dessert-style drink that combines brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, creating a rich, velvety texture with a hint of chocolate and spice. It’s perfect for after-dinner sipping or as a festive holiday treat.
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Cocktail shaker
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Fine mesh strainer
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Coupe or martini glass
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Microplane grater
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Prepare the Glass:
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Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water.
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Discard the ice water before serving.
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Combine Ingredients:
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In a cocktail shaker, add brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
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Strain and Serve:
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Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
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Garnish:
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Grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg over the top for a warm, spicy aroma.
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Optional: Add a few dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence.
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The Brandy Alexander is traditionally served in a coupe or martini glass, showcasing its creamy texture and elegant presentation.
-
The nutmeg garnish adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the richness of the drink.
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Appetizers: Roasted nuts, smoked almonds, or dark chocolate truffles.
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Main Course: Beef Wellington, filet mignon, or rich mushroom risotto.
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Dessert: Chocolate lava cake, vanilla bean ice cream, or tiramisu.
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Lighter Brandy Alexander: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich version.
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Spiced Brandy Alexander: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of spiced liqueur for a warm, holiday twist.
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Frozen Brandy Alexander: Blend all the ingredients with a scoop of ice cream for a boozy milkshake version.
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Coffee Alexander: Substitute coffee liqueur for crème de cacao for a mocha-like variation.
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Mocktail Alexander: Replace the brandy with coffee or chocolate syrup, and use cream or non-dairy milk for a creamy, alcohol-free treat.
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The Brandy Alexander is believed to have been created in the early 1920s as a variation of the original Alexander, which was made with gin instead of brandy.
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The cocktail gained widespread popularity in the 1970s, becoming a favorite at weddings and holiday gatherings.
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It was also famously featured in the 1968 movie Days of Wine and Roses, where it was portrayed as a gateway drink to alcoholism.
Ingredients
Directions
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Coupe or martini glass
-
Microplane grater
-
Prepare the Glass:
-
Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water.
-
Discard the ice water before serving.
-
-
Combine Ingredients:
-
In a cocktail shaker, add brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.
-
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
-
-
Strain and Serve:
-
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
-
-
Garnish:
-
Grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg over the top for a warm, spicy aroma.
-
Optional: Add a few dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence.
-
-
The Brandy Alexander is traditionally served in a coupe or martini glass, showcasing its creamy texture and elegant presentation.
-
The nutmeg garnish adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the richness of the drink.
-
Appetizers: Roasted nuts, smoked almonds, or dark chocolate truffles.
-
Main Course: Beef Wellington, filet mignon, or rich mushroom risotto.
-
Dessert: Chocolate lava cake, vanilla bean ice cream, or tiramisu.
-
Lighter Brandy Alexander: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich version.
-
Spiced Brandy Alexander: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of spiced liqueur for a warm, holiday twist.
-
Frozen Brandy Alexander: Blend all the ingredients with a scoop of ice cream for a boozy milkshake version.
-
Coffee Alexander: Substitute coffee liqueur for crème de cacao for a mocha-like variation.
-
Mocktail Alexander: Replace the brandy with coffee or chocolate syrup, and use cream or non-dairy milk for a creamy, alcohol-free treat.
-
The Brandy Alexander is believed to have been created in the early 1920s as a variation of the original Alexander, which was made with gin instead of brandy.
-
The cocktail gained widespread popularity in the 1970s, becoming a favorite at weddings and holiday gatherings.
-
It was also famously featured in the 1968 movie Days of Wine and Roses, where it was portrayed as a gateway drink to alcoholism.