Brandy cocktails are one of the best ways to enjoy this classic spirit and the Brandy Alexander tops the list of favorites. This recipe is easy to make and the Brandy Alexander almost tastes like a milkshake with a kick!

This cocktail calls for equal parts of only three ingredients – brandy, creme de cacao and half & half.
The Brandy Alexander is so delicious you’ll have to remind yourself it is not a milk shake but a potent cocktail. Does it taste exactly like a milk shake? No, but you could trick yourself into thinking it is, it’s that good.
This cocktail was created in the early 190s 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 to celebrate a character created for an advertising campaign whose name was Phoebe Snow.
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 dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can safely substitute white creme de cacao (which is clear) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
- If you don’t want to grate your own nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
- I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Alexander cocktail but it is often served in classic martini glasses, if you prefer those.
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 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 brandy. (C)
Step four
Measure 3 ounces of cream. (D)
Step five
Cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Strain and divide the Brandy Alexander drink between the two glasses and 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.
This brand Alexander recipe so yummy.
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 the 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
- 1 ½ ounces Brandy not flavored Brandy
- 1 ½ ounces creme de cacao
- 1/1/2 ounces cream
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker ½ way with ice
- Add Brandy, creme de cacao and cream
- Cap shaker and shake for 10 shakes
- Strain the contents into a coupe glass or martini glass
- Raise glass
- Declare it’s a milkshake
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
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 dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can safely substitute white creme de cacao (which is clear) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
- If you don’t want to grate your own nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
- I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Alexander cocktail but it is often served in classic martini glasses, if you prefer those.
Joyce
This is so good it tastes like it doesn’t have alcohol! Mmmm.
Elaine
Thanks Joyce. It is extra scrumptious!
NIc
Absolute perfection. Thank you for the recipe!
Elaine
You’re welcome! I appreciate you letting me know. Cheers!
Amanda Dixon
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.
Elaine
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.
Kathryn
Oh my goodness this cocktail is too good! It really does taste like a milkshake! Can’t wait to make this again!
Elaine
Thanks Kathryn. I have to keep reminding myself that it has booze in it. 🙂
Keri Bevan
This is so delicious. I made it for a holiday party and everyone loved it!
Elaine
I’m so glad to hear that Keri. Thanks so much for letting me know.
Gwynn Galvin
This cocktail is delicious and is perfect for serving during the holidays!
Elaine
Thanks Gwynn! Cheers!
Toni
This is really good! Such a perfect cocktail according to my husband!
Elaine
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. 🙂
Monica
A milkshake with a kick – what could be better!? Adding this to my list of must-try drinks for cocktail nights!
Elaine
Yay! Happy holidays Monica!
Dean
Was really good. A boozy dessert!
Elaine
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.