The Brandy Alexander is a classic dessert cocktail. Made with dark creme de cacao, brandy, and heavy cream, it is creamy, boozy, and sweet.
The origin of the drink’s name is unknown, but the classic cocktail dates back to the early 1900s. The trifecta of ingredients is perfectly balanced and smooth. The simple recipe has charmed drinkers for years with its decadent flavor and sophisticated presentation. The flavor combination of smooth cream, decadent chocolate, and warm brandy compliment each other perfectly. Sometimes made with ice cream, this sweet cocktail treat is one you will want to make again and again.
Brandy Alexander Ice Cream
Brandy Alexander Ingredients
This Brandy Alexander recipe only requires three ingredients and equal parts of each. Can it get any easier than that? Here is a little bit about what you need, but for the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Dark creme de cacao: A chocolate-flavored liqueur also used in the Grasshopper.
- Brandy: Use your brandy of choice. Cognac is a great option.
- Heavy cream: Keep this chilled until you are ready to make your drink. This gives the cocktail its silky, creamy texture, so I would not recommend replacing the heavy cream with milk. Half and half would work if you have that on hand.
How to Make a Brandy Alexander
Once you have your ingredients gathered, making a Brandy Alexander drink is as simple as any other shaken cocktail. For the full recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass, like a coupe glass or martini glass.
- Garnish with ground nutmeg and enjoy!
How to Serve
Serve your Brandy Alexander cocktail immediately in a coupe glass or martini glass. Garnish with ground nutmeg for a little extra spice. Since there is heavy cream in this cocktail, you will want to serve it right after mixing; this is not a cocktail you want to sit out for very long before drinking. This cocktail is popular as an after-dinner drink, but you can enjoy one anytime!
Other Classic Cocktails
If you make this Brandy Alexander recipe, leave a comment and let us know what you think of it!
Brandy Alexander
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dark creme de cacao
- 1 ounce brandy
- 1 ounce heavy cream
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with ground nutmeg.
Barbara says
my family always made these with vanilla ice cream in a blender.
That’s how I prefer them also! We also have a recipe for that! https://www.shakedrinkrepeat.com/brandy-alexander-ice-cream/