The Perfect Brandy Alexander Recipe
The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that has been popular since the early 20th century. It is made from equal parts brandy, crème de cacao, and cream or milk, shaken with ice and served in a martini glass. This timeless beverage has become an iconic part of cocktail culture over the years, and is enjoyed around the world.
Originally created by Philip Guichelaar at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City back in 1922 as a variation on another drink called “Alexandra” which was made with gin instead of brandy. The original recipe called for light cream instead of milk or half-and-half which gives it its signature creamy texture. Over time this recipe has evolved to include different variations such as using dark crème de cacao, coffee liqueur or even orange liqueur.
In modern times, you can find many bars serving up their own unique version of this classic drink. Whether it be served straight up or on the rocks with some extra garnishes added for flair – one thing is certain: no matter how you choose to make your Brandy Alexander, it will always remain one of those drinks that never goes out of style.
Brandy Alexander Recipe:
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 2 parts cognac or brandy
- - 1 part crème de cacao
- - 1 part heavy cream or half & half
- - Nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Combine the cognac (or brandy), crème de cacao and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass or rocks glass filled with crushed ice and top with freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Glassware
The typical or usual glassware used for a Brandy Alexander cocktail is a stemmed cocktail glass or martini glass. This type of glass has wide bowl and stem, which helps to keep the drink cold and enhances its visual presentation. For an even more elegant look, you can use a highball or rocks glass.Flavors
A classic Brandy Alexander is a smooth, creamy cocktail that has been around since the early 20th century. It’s made with brandy, crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur, and cream or half-and-half. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique blend of flavors that make for an enjoyable drink experience.
The main flavor in this cocktail comes from the brandy used to make it. Typically aged in oak barrels for at least two years, its taste is reminiscent of dried fruits such as raisins and figs. This is complemented by the sweetness from the crème de cacao which adds hints of bittersweet chocolate to balance out the liquor’s intensity. The cream rounds out all these flavors with its rich texture and warm notes that bring everything together nicely.
3 Tips for Making Your Brandy Alexander
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and quality. This applies to all of the ingredients in this recipe, especially the cognac or brandy, crème de cacao and heavy cream.
- Choose a good quality cognac or brandy; it will make a big difference in the final flavor profile of your drin.