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    Home » Cocktail » Brandy Alexander Cocktail

    Brandy Alexander Cocktail

    Last updated on December 4, 2021. Originally posted on December 4, 2021 By Elaine 18 Comments

    708 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Brandy Alexander Cocktail Pinterest 1

    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!

    Nutmeg floating on the Brandy Alexander in the two coupe glasses

    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.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

    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)

    Right - brandy, creme de cacao, half & half. Right - brandy measured out

    Step three

    Measure 3 ounces of brandy. (C)

    Step four

    Measure 3 ounces of cream. (D)

    Creme de cacao and cream measured out

    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?

    A nutmeg nut on the table near the two coupe glasses and grater

    Step six

    Grate or sprinkle the nutmeg on the creamy cocktail. Use as much as you like.

    Close up of the fluted glass filled with the cream cocktail with nutmeg on top

    This brand Alexander recipe so yummy.

    Tall fluted coupe glasses filled with the creamy drink in vertical view

    See how creamy this cocktail looks?

    Vertical view of the cream cocktail in coupe glasses on a table

    And now for the overhead view!

    overhead view for the cocktail with nutmeg grated on top

    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!

    Nutmeg grated on the brandy alexander in a coupe glass - square

    Brandy Alexander Cocktail

    Brandy cocktails are one of the best ways to enjoy this classic style of alcohol and the brandy Alexander tops the list as a favorite. The drink is easy to make with just three ingredients and creates a decadent drink that is almost like a milkshake but with a real kick!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: Cocktails
    Keyword: brandy alexander
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 335kcal
    Author: Elaine Benoit

    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
    See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5ounces | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 11mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Calcium: 18mg
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    708 shares

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  if you click the link and buy. You can read my disclosure here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joyce

      October 01, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      This is so good it tastes like it doesn’t have alcohol! Mmmm.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        October 01, 2017 at 4:42 pm

        Thanks Joyce. It is extra scrumptious!

        Reply
    2. NIc

      December 06, 2021 at 4:48 pm

      Absolute perfection. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:03 pm

        You’re welcome! I appreciate you letting me know. Cheers!

        Reply
    3. Amanda Dixon

      December 06, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        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.

        Reply
    4. Kathryn

      December 06, 2021 at 5:18 pm

      Oh my goodness this cocktail is too good! It really does taste like a milkshake! Can’t wait to make this again!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:07 pm

        Thanks Kathryn. I have to keep reminding myself that it has booze in it. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Keri Bevan

      December 06, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      This is so delicious. I made it for a holiday party and everyone loved it!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:07 pm

        I’m so glad to hear that Keri. Thanks so much for letting me know.

        Reply
    6. Gwynn Galvin

      December 06, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      This cocktail is delicious and is perfect for serving during the holidays!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:02 pm

        Thanks Gwynn! Cheers!

        Reply
    7. Toni

      December 06, 2021 at 5:37 pm

      This is really good! Such a perfect cocktail according to my husband!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 07, 2021 at 2:02 pm

        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. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Monica

      December 14, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      A milkshake with a kick – what could be better!? Adding this to my list of must-try drinks for cocktail nights!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        December 15, 2021 at 11:23 am

        Yay! Happy holidays Monica!

        Reply
        • Dean

          April 10, 2022 at 8:12 am

          Was really good. A boozy dessert!

          Reply
          • Elaine

            April 11, 2022 at 10:23 am

            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.

            Reply

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    Hi, I'm Elaine! I'm so glad you stopped by. Here you will find lots of tasty cocktails, comforting food and inspiration for your next meal. I LOVE chocolate, almost all foods, blogging, photography and spending time with my hubby!

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    708 shares