in Recipe, Cognac, Drinks
byPaul Kushnerupdated 0 Comments
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There’s one drink that stands out for its rich, creamy taste and elegant appearance: the Brandy Alexander. This co*cktail mixes the warmth of brandy with the smooth sweetness of cream and a hint of chocolate from the cacao, creating a luxurious treat that’s perfect for ending your day or celebrating special moments.
Tasting Notes
The Brandy Alexander is a delightful blend of flavors. Each sip brings a creamy texture that coats your mouth, followed by the warm, robust notes of brandy. The chocolate adds a sweet, luxurious depth, making this drink feel like a dessert in a glass. It’s balanced, not too sweet, and has a gentle kick from the alcohol that warms you up from the inside.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Dark crème de cacao
- 1 oz Heavy cream
- Grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream into the shaker.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled co*cktail glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of crème de cacao based on how sweet you like your drink.
- Chill your co*cktail glass before serving to keep your drink cold longer.
- A light dusting of nutmeg adds the perfect finish, enhancing the drink’s aroma and flavor.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
The quality of brandy you choose can make a big difference. Here are a few recommendations:
- For a Luxurious Taste: Hennessy or Rémy Martin offer depth and smoothness.
- On a Budget: E&J or Christian Brothers provide great value without compromising too much on flavor.
- For a Unique Twist: Try an Armagnac for a slightly different profile that’s still delicious.
Similar co*cktails
If you love the Brandy Alexander, here are five similar co*cktails to explore:
- White Russian – Swap the brandy for vodka and omit the crème de cacao for a coffee-flavored creaminess.
- Mudslide – A more indulgent, ice cream-like version with vodka, coffee liqueur, and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
- Chocolate Martini – For chocolate lovers, this vodka-based co*cktail doubles down on the chocolate.
- Golden Cadillac – A similar creamy texture but with Galliano and white crème de cacao for a unique flavor.
- Grasshopper – Swap the brandy for green crème de menthe for a minty, chocolate treat.
History
The Brandy Alexander has a rich history, tracing back to the early 20th century. It’s believed to have evolved from an earlier co*cktail called the Alexander, which used gin instead of brandy. The switch to brandy made the drink smoother and richer, and it quickly became a favorite in sophisticated bars and clubs around the world. It’s even said to have been a favorite of John Lennon.
Brandy Alexander
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
5 from 2 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brandy, Brandy Alexander, Cognac, creamy, creme de cacao
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Sip on the luxurious Brandy Alexander, a creamy blend of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream, garnished with nutmeg. A timeless classic.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz brandy
- 1 oz dark crème de cacao
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice
Add the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled co*cktail glass or coupe glass.
Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.
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Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
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brandycognacdark crème de cacaoheavy cream
Written by Paul Kushner
Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.
In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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