A Brandy Alexander is a mature adult cocktail meant to be slowly savored after a formal meal before exiting to other events for the evening. It’s one of our favorite cocktail recipes to have on hand for those nice holiday parties, family gatherings, or just because!
In this article:
The Brandy Alexander has always been associated with classy after-dinner drinks. You see people sipping on this cocktails following a nice meal. It ends everything smoothly. While ice cream or cake is an acceptable choice, this drink is beyond icing on the cake! Continue reading to see how simple this recipe is to make at home. Everyone you serve it for will enjoy it and ask for more.
What is a Brandy Alexander?
This particular drink originated in the early 1900s and was first coined the Alexander. It is mostly enjoyed with brandy but is often seen as a gin-based cocktail as well. It is named after New York Bartender, Troy Alexander who worked at a restaurant called Rector's. He created the drink in honor of Phoebe Snow, a popular character for an advertising campaign.
Fun fact: This drink was a favorite of The Beatles, John Lennon and he called it a 'milkshake'. Doesn't that just sound delicious?
Ingredients Needed for Brandy Alexander Cocktail
This recipe calls for minimal ingredients! If you are an avid cocktail maker, you may already have everything in your kitchen. You will need dark creme de cacao, a good brandy, half and half, and grated nutmeg. You will also need your fanciest cocktail glass and a strong arm for shaking.
White crème de cacao also works! Either way, you will get a great white chocolate or milk chocolate flavor.
How to Make This Brandy Alexander Recipe
Place ice cubes in your cocktail shaker. Then, add dark crème de cacao, brandy, and half and half to the shaker. Shake it up well and strain it into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of fresh nutmeg and enjoy!
Expert Recipe Tips
Chill your glass! Stick your cocktail glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the perfect dessert cocktail. This will help keep the drink cold while you enjoy it. A classic martini glass does nicely.
Choose a good brandy. When it comes to liqueur, choosing a good brand makes all the difference. You can taste it in the final product.
Enjoy responsibly. Like any other cocktail, enjoy the drink, but don't overindulge.
Use fresh ingredients. Since this cocktail calls for half and half, be sure to use fresh dairy instead of an older carton! You'll also want fresh nutmeg to make the flavors stand out more.
Use plenty of ice! Don't skimp on the ice in the shaker. Add a decent handful to make sure your mixture is nice and cold. No one wants to drink a lukewarm cocktail.
Check out these Bartender Pocket Guide notes for more tips and tricks!
What to serve with Dessert Cocktails
This classic cocktail goes quite well with any dessert, including a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Try this tasty drink with Almond Joy Cheesecake or Classic Baklava. It would also pair nicely with Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats if you are into that sort of thing. Whip this drink up at a holiday party and enjoy!
This frothy concoction can also be enjoyed on its own. No need to add extra bells and whistles to an already great recipe!
Recipe FAQs
If you don't prefer nutmeg, try cocoa powder for a more dark chocolate flavor in your dessert cocktail.
When drinking brandy with no other ingredients, it's best enjoyed neat (with no ice). When mixing into a cocktail such as this, there's no need to serve over ice either. The shaking process chills the drink just enough to enjoy it before it reaches room temperature.
Half and half and heavy cream can be used interchangeably in this dessert drink. Milk would be too thin though, so stay away from that alternative.
After dinner drinks really round out the evening. Try these at your next gathering. Each is a great choice for yourself or for a crowd. Add them to your savory cocktail book to have on hand in the future.
More After dinner drink recipes
Serve this delicious and simple cocktail at your next dinner party. Once everyone has finished their meal, make a big batch of this boozy milkshake and enjoy it together as you chit-chat.
It's a classic recipe that everyone enjoys. The liquid ingredients are always tasty after an amazing meal. Whether served on its own or with a decadent dessert, it's the perfect way to end a meal or gathering. So grab your ingredients and best cocktail glasses and enjoy! Be sure to rate the recipe card and leave a comment, if you’ve tried this recipe, to help out the next person.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz creme de cacao
- 2 oz good brandy
- a heavy splash of half and half
- freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Put several ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the creme de cacao, brandy, and half and half to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glasses.
- Garnish with a pinch of fresh nutmeg.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
⭐ Tried this recipe? Rate it ⭐
Help out the next person and give it a star rating below!
Lauren @ Hall Nesting says
T minus 60 days and this baby gets here and I will be enjoying one of these cocktails!
Belinda @zomppa says
Well, hello, hello, this is sure to set up a great evening!
ashley - baker by nature says
Holy Cow, Kita!!! This drink is so perfect. I need. I want... I must have!
Mimi says
My parents used to make this as well! Fabulous!