Brandy Alexander (Classic Cocktail Recipe)

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.

Brandy Alexander with a Hint of Nutmeg - 2

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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!

Coupe of Brandy Alexander on a Varnished Table - 4

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!

Brandy Alexander and Nutmeg on a Wooden Table - 5

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.

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