Brandy Alexander
/

Brandy Alexander
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.82 / 5
The Brandy Alexander cocktail is a rich and luxurious drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. Its origins can be traced back to the early 1900s when a bartender in New York City mixed together brandy, cream, and creme de cacao to create a sweet and creamy concoction. This classic cocktail has a deep brown color and a velvety texture, making it both visually appealing and indulgent. Brandy, the base spirit of the drink, provides a warm and smooth flavor, while the cream adds a rich and decadent touch. The dark creme de cacao adds a subtle chocolate note, making the Brandy Alexander reminiscent of a boozy chocolate milkshake. This cocktail is often served as a dessert drink or an after-dinner treat due to its dessert-like qualities. It's a timeless and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for sipping on special occasions.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1922)
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brandy
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
194 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nutmeg
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.33% | 1.65 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Shaken

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Brandy Alexander is a delightful dance of decadence with its creamy, chocolate-infused layers smoothed over by the subtle warmth of brandy. Its blend conjures up a boozy milkshake, perfect for a luxurious dessert drink that pairs well with a cozy evening or a fine dining experience.

Method
How to make a Brandy Alexander

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour the alcohols and cream into a cocktail shaker
Shake well and pour in martini glass
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Brandy Alexander with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Try using a high-quality VSOP or XO brandy, which has more depth and character compared to lower-grade brandies. This can elevate the entire drink.
Double strain the cocktail after shaking to ensure that any small ice shards or unwanted particles from the cream are removed for a smoother texture.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

Sandra S avatar

I just tried this, and it's delightful! The creamy chocolatey profile is spot on. A touch of freshly grated nutmeg on top intensifies the flavors beautifully. Make sure to use a quality brandy to elevate the experience. Cheers!

Mulner avatar

Rich flavor and creamy texture. Quick to mix, but the cream makes it a bit too heavy for my taste—like dessert in a glass. Makes a good impression, but don’t expect to sip more than one if you're looking for something light. Smooth, though.

May S avatar

Just tried it. Smooth and creamy. The brandy flavor stands out nicely. It's like a chocolatey treat. A bit rich, but very enjoyable. Easy to make. Watch out, it can be quite potnt!

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

  • Mad Men Cocktails
  • Classy Cocktails
  • New Year's Eve: Cocktail Extravaganza
  • Top 25 Cocktails Featured in Cheers

Mad Men - the American drama based on a Manhattan advertising agency set in the 1960's, is chock fill of...

Go to collection

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Brandy Alexander?

The Brandy Alexander is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It is considered a variation of an earlier cocktail called the Alexander, which used gin instead of brandy. The Brandy Alexander gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s and is speculated to have been named after Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Its creamy, rich flavor made it a fashionable choice during the prohibition era in the United States.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make a Brandy Alexander without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Brandy Alexander by substituting the brandy and creme de cacao with non-alcoholic alternatives. There are non-alcoholic spirits and chocolate-flavored syrups that can mimic the flavors of the original ingredients. For the cream, you can use regular cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep the rich texture of the cocktail.

Faq icon

What are some variations of the Brandy Alexander that I can try?

There are several variations of the Brandy Alexander that you can try. One popular variation is the 'Coffee Alexander', which includes coffee liqueur in addition to or replacing the crème de cacao. Another variation is the 'Strawberry Alexander' which blends in fresh or frozen strawberries for a fruity twist. Additionally, using different types of brandy or adding spices like nutmeg on top can create new and interesting flavors.

Preparation techniques icon

What's the best way to serve a Brandy Alexander?

The best way to serve a Brandy Alexander is to chill the cocktail glass ahead of time. Combine the brandy, cream, and crème de cacao in a shaker with ice, shake until well chilled, and then strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass. For a classic presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg or a few chocolate shavings on top.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content in a Brandy Alexander compare to other cocktails?

The Brandy Alexander has a moderate alcohol content of 18.33%. This makes it less potent than many straight spirits, which typically have an alcohol content of around 40%, but stronger than many wine and beer options. Compared to other creamy cocktails, like the White Russian, which usually fall in the 15-20% range, the Brandy Alexander sits comfortably in the middle, making it a balanced choice for those who want a less intense alcoholic experience within a creamy cocktail.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image