Brandy Alexander Cocktail
The Brandy Alexander is a classic creamy cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Sweet, smooth, and indulgent, this dessert drink will tantalize your taste buds! It’s made with brandy, crème de cacao and cream for an extra-decadent flavor.
This cocktail calls for equal parts of only three ingredients – brandy, crème de cacao, and half & half.
The Brandy Alexander is so delicious you’ll have to remind yourself it is not a milkshake but a potent cocktail. Does it taste exactly like a milkshake? No, but you could trick yourself into thinking it is; it’s that good.
The history of the brandy Alexander
It is said that this cocktail was created in the early 1900s by a bartender at the then-famous Rector’s restaurant in New York. His name was Troy Alexander. He concocted this creamy, white drink to serve at a dinner for an advertising campaign for a character called Phoebe Snow.
But there are many different accounts of where and when this cocktail was created, but one thing I do know is that it is a variation of the “Alexander” – which is gin, creme de cacao, and cream. In the Brandy version, you use brandy instead of gin.
Want more delicious milkshake-like cocktails? Try my Almond Joy Cocktail, white chocolate, pumpkin spice, sugar cookie and the chocolate martini.
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Helpful
Tips
- I use half & half in this recipe, but you can substitute milk, light cream, or if you want to be decadent, heavy cream.
- I use the chocolate liqueur – dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can substitute white creme de cacao (which is transparent) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
- If you don’t want to grate your nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
- I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Brandy Alexander cocktail, but it is often served in a classic martini cocktail glass.
How to make the brandy Alexander cocktail
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also, get a measuring glass and either coupe glasses or martini glasses.
After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – brandy, creme de cacao, and half & half. (A)
Step two
Measure out 3 ounces of brandy. (B)
Step three
Measure 3 ounces of créme de cacao. (C)
Step four
Measure 3 ounces of cream. (D)
Step five
Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Pour, divide, and strain the Brandy Alexander drink between the two glasses.
Get your nutmeg. You can use either pre-ground or grate it yourself, as I do.
See the cute little nutmeg seed and grater?
Step six
Grate or sprinkle the nutmeg on the creamy cocktail. Use as much as you like.
So delicious.
See how creamy this cocktail looks?
And now for the overhead view!
I hope you enjoyed this Brandy Alexander cocktail recipe and you make it soon as it is so delicious!
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Brandy Alexander Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Brandy not flavored Brandy
- 3 ounces creme de cacao
- 3 ounces cream
Garnish
- nutmeg (a few shakes)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice.
- Add Brandy, creme de cacao, and cream.3 ounces Brandy, 3 ounces creme de cacao, 3 ounces cream
- Cap shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Pour, divide, and strain the liquid between the two glasses.
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
-
- I use half & half in this recipe, but you can substitute milk, light cream, or if you want to be decadent, heavy cream.
- I use the chocolate liqueur – dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can substitute white creme de cacao (which is transparent) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
- If you don’t want to grate your nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
- I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Brandy Alexander cocktail, but it is often served in a classic martini cocktail glass.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
This is so good it tastes like it doesn’t have alcohol! Mmmm.
Thanks Joyce. It is extra scrumptious!
Absolute perfection. Thank you for the recipe!
You’re welcome! I appreciate you letting me know. Cheers!
So good — it’s basically a boozy dessert in a glass! We had this for an after-dinner drink last night and just loved it.
Hehe. Thanks, Amanda! When my folks drank this cocktail, I have always considered drink an old fuddy duddy type of drink, until I tried it! 🙂 Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Oh my goodness this cocktail is too good! It really does taste like a milkshake! Can’t wait to make this again!
Thanks Kathryn. I have to keep reminding myself that it has booze in it. 🙂
This is so delicious. I made it for a holiday party and everyone loved it!
I’m so glad to hear that Keri. Thanks so much for letting me know.
This cocktail is delicious and is perfect for serving during the holidays!
Thanks Gwynn! Cheers!
This is really good! Such a perfect cocktail according to my husband!
Lol! Thanks Toni! It is such a classic and I used to think it was an ‘old person’s’ cocktail but it isn’t! It’s like a melted milkshake. 🙂
A milkshake with a kick – what could be better!? Adding this to my list of must-try drinks for cocktail nights!
Yay! Happy holidays Monica!
Was really good. A boozy dessert!
I’m glad to hear that, Dean! It’s one of my favorites. I remember my folks drinking this cocktail and since I’ve been making them, I see why.