Ingredients

1½ ozcognac
45 ml
¾ ozdark crème de cacao
22 ml
¾ ozheavy cream
22 ml

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 15 seconds — the cream needs vigorous shaking to fully incorporate and create a silky texture. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe. The drink should be a pale, creamy brown — rich and velvety. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg over the top — use a Microplane for the finest, most fragrant result. The nutmeg is essential; it adds an aromatic warmth that transforms the drink.

Sips & Tips

Technique

Shake this one hard — the cream needs real agitation to integrate and create the silky texture that defines the drink. Double-strain carefully to remove any ice chips. The freshly grated nutmeg on top is not optional; it adds an aromatic warmth that bridges the cognac and the chocolate.

Balance

Use dark crème de cacao rather than white — the dark version has a richer, more complex chocolate flavor. Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao is the benchmark. The cream should be cold and the cognac should be a quality VS or VSOP. The ratio of 2:1:1 (cognac, cacao, cream) keeps the drink from becoming too sweet.

History

The Alexander cocktail family dates to the early 20th century — the original Alexander used gin instead of cognac. The Brandy Alexander became the definitive version in the 1930s and was a favorite of John Lennon, who reportedly drank them regularly. It's a dessert cocktail in the truest sense — rich, sweet, and deeply satisfying.

The Brandy Alexander is the cocktail that proves dessert drinks can be sophisticated. Rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. Cheers.

Variations

Gin Alexander

Replace the cognac with gin. The original Alexander used gin — the botanical notes of a London Dry gin add an herbal complexity that cuts through the cream and chocolate. Use a bold gin like Beefeater.

Frozen Alexander

Blend all ingredients with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of shaking with ice. The result is a rich, creamy milkshake-like drink — perfect for warm evenings. Add a splash of milk if the blender needs help.