This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.
Cocktail History
The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1900s. The recipe is considered a variation of the Alexander, another classic cocktail from the 1900s that is made with gin instead of brandy. Both call for a spirit, chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, and nutmeg, making them go-to drinks for after dinner.
This version made with brandy has multiple origin stories. One claims it was named for Russian tsar Alexander II of the House of Romanov. Another says it was invented at the wedding of Henry George Charles Lascelles and Princess Victoria Alexandra Alice Mary. A third claims it was named after Algonquin Round Table member Alexander Woollcott. And another states it was Troy Alexander, a bartender at the famed New York City restaurant Rector’s, who came up with it.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cognac: This is a type of brandy made in Cognac, France with distilled white wine. The recipe calls for Cognac, but I used Driftless Glen Distillery 5 Year Reserve Brandy.
Dark Crème De Cacao: This is a liqueur made with dark chocolate, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used DeKuyper Crème De Cacao Dark Liqueur.
Heavy Cream: This is a thick, high-fat milk product. I used Prairie Farms Dairy Heavy Whipping Cream.
Grated Nutmeg: This is a spice made from the seed of a nutmeg tree. I used Frontier Co-op Whole Nutmeg.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Grater: This is used to grate spices or citrus peel. I used the OXO Good Grips Grater.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-03-24.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Light brown color
• Aroma: Fresh nutmeg, spices, and cream
• Taste: Creamy brandy flavor accented with light chocolate notes
• Finish: Brandy spices and slight alcohol burn
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “The first time I heard of the Brandy Alexander was about a decade ago when it was mentioned by Peggy Olson in the show Mad Men, and I’ve wanted to try it ever since she described it as a sweet dessert drink. Turns out it is absolutely delicious, with its fragrant nutmeg aroma, creamy chocolate flavors, and hint of brandy bitterness. It’s the perfect end to dinner or just a boozy soother when you’re craving something sweet.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-03-24.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1900s. The recipe is considered a variation of the Alexander, another classic cocktail from the 1900s that is made with gin instead of brandy. Both call for a spirit, chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, and nutmeg, making them go-to drinks for after dinner.
Ingredients
Method
-
Add brandy, dark crème de cacao, heavy cream, and cubed ice to a shaker.
-
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
-
Strain into a cocktail glass.
-
Garnish with grated nutmeg.
