Paul Kushner
The Brandy Alexander is a creamy, indulgent cocktail and a perfect nightcap. This classic cocktail is a sweet and satisfying treat that has been enjoyed for over a century. It’s made with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, and is typically garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Despite its rich and decadent flavor, the Brandy Alexander is surprisingly easy to make.
With just a few simple ingredients and a shaker, you can whip up this delicious cocktail in no time. Whether you’re sipping it after dinner or enjoying it as a special treat, the Brandy Alexander is a timeless classic that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
History
The Brandy Alexander is a cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have been created sometime around 1916. One popular theory is that the cocktail was named after Troy Alexander, a bartender at the Hotel Rector in New York City. Another theory is that it was named after Phoebe Snow, a character in an advertising campaign for the Lackawanna Railroad who was known for her white dress and gloves, which were said to resemble the drink.
The first printed recipe for the Brandy Alexander appeared in Hugo Ensslin’s 1917 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” The original recipe called for gin instead of brandy, and it was simply called an “Alexander.” However, the Brandy Alexander quickly became the more popular version of the cocktail, and it remains so to this day.
During Prohibition, the Brandy Alexander became a popular drink among the upper class, who would often serve it as a dessert cocktail. It was also a favorite of Hollywood stars like Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino. Overall, the Brandy Alexander has a rich and mysterious history that has helped to make it one of the most iconic cocktails of all time.
How to Make It
Brandy Alexander
If you want to make a delicious Brandy Alexander cocktail, you'll need just a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker.
Here's how to do it:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz brandy
- 1 oz dark crème de cacao
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail 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 cocktail glass or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch up your Brandy Alexander game, there are several variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Alexander #2
The Alexander #2 is a variation on the classic Brandy Alexander that swaps out the crème de cacao for white crème de menthe. This gives the cocktail a minty twist that can be a refreshing change of pace. Simply substitute the white crème de menthe for the crème de cacao in your Brandy Alexander recipe and you’re good to go.
Chocolate Liqueur
If you’re a fan of chocolate, you might want to try swapping out the crème de cacao for a chocolate liqueur like Godiva or Mozart. This will give your Brandy Alexander a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Keep in mind that chocolate liqueurs can be quite sweet, so you may want to adjust the amount of sugar you add to your cocktail accordingly.
Ice Cream
For a dessert cocktail that’s truly decadent, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your Brandy Alexander. This will turn your cocktail into a boozy milkshake that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Simply blend the ice cream with the other ingredients in your cocktail shaker until smooth.
Raspberry
If you’re looking for a fruitier twist on the classic Brandy Alexander, try adding a raspberry liqueur like Chambord to your recipe. This will give your cocktail a sweet, tart flavor that’s perfect for dessert. You can also garnish your drink with fresh raspberries to really bring out the fruity flavor.
Hazelnut
For a nutty twist on the Brandy Alexander, try adding a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico to your recipe. This will give your cocktail a rich, toasty flavor that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly evening. You can also garnish your drink with a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for an extra crunch. Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to Brandy Alexander variations.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, fruity, or nutty, there’s a recipe out there for you. So why not experiment a little and see what you can come up with?
What kind of cream is used in a Brandy Alexander?
Most recipes for a Brandy Alexander call for heavy cream, which gives the cocktail its smooth and creamy texture. Some variations may use half-and-half or whole milk, but heavy cream is the traditional choice.
How do you garnish a Brandy Alexander?
A Brandy Alexander is typically garnished with a light dusting of grated nutmeg on top of the whipped cream. Some variations may also include a chocolate shavings or a cherry on top.
What is the history of the Brandy Alexander cocktail?
The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created in honor of the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles in 1922. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s and has remained a favorite ever since.
What are the ingredients in a Chocolate Brandy Alexander?
A Chocolate Brandy Alexander is a variation on the classic cocktail that includes chocolate liqueur in addition to the brandy and cream. The ingredients typically include brandy, chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, and grated nutmeg for garnish.
What is the difference between a Brandy Alexander and an Alexander cocktail?
The Alexander cocktail is a classic cocktail that predates the Brandy Alexander. The original recipe called for gin, crème de cacao, and cream. The Brandy Alexander is a variation on this recipe that substitutes brandy for the gin.
Did John Lennon enjoy Brandy Alexanders?
Yes, John Lennon was known to enjoy Brandy Alexanders. In fact, he once famously ordered six Brandy Alexanders during a flight from New York to Los Angeles.
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