Let's dive into the creamy, dreamy world of the Brandy Alexander! This classic cocktail is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a sophisticated treat. We'll explore the traditional recipe and some exciting variations, including using ice cream and Baileys.
This recipe focuses on the traditional method.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz (30 ml or 1 part) Brandy (we'll discuss the Best Brandy for Brandy Alexander later)
- 1 oz (30 ml or 1 part) Dark Crème de Cacao
- 1 oz (30 ml or 1 part) Fresh Cream (What kind of cream in Brandy Alexander? We'll get to that!)
- Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail strainer
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
Instructions:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Chilling your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes is a great idea for an extra frosty cocktail.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker
Pour the brandy, crème de cacao, and fresh cream into your cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add Ice
Fill the cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
Step 4: Shake Well
Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail, creating a smooth texture.
Step 5: Strain into Glass
Double strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe or martini glass. Double straining (using the built-in strainer of your shaker and a fine-mesh sieve) helps remove any small ice shards for a smoother drink.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle a little freshly grated nutmeg on top. The aromatic nutmeg adds a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your classic Brandy Alexander!
Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream
For an extra decadent and creamy twist, try using ice cream!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Dark Crème de Cacao
- 2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the brandy, crème de cacao, and vanilla ice cream in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Brandy Alexander with Baileys
Adding Baileys Irish Cream introduces a lovely hint of whiskey and a richer creaminess.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Dark Crème de Cacao
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the brandy, crème de cacao, and Baileys in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg.
Brandy Alexander with Kahlua
Substituting crème de cacao with Kahlua will give your Brandy Alexander a coffee twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz Fresh Cream
- Grated nutmeg or coffee beans, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the brandy, Kahlua, and fresh cream in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with grated nutmeg or a few coffee beans.
Virgin Brandy Alexander Recipe
Enjoy the delicious flavors without the alcohol!
Ingredients:
- 1 oz White Grape Juice or Seedlip Spice 94 (for a more complex flavor)
- 1 oz Chocolate Syrup (high quality for best taste)
- 1 oz Fresh Cream
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine the white grape juice (or non-alcoholic spirit), chocolate syrup, and fresh cream in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Best Brandy for Brandy Alexander
For a classic Brandy Alexander, a VS or VSOP Cognac is an excellent choice. These offer a good balance of fruit and oak notes that complement the other ingredients without overpowering them. However, you can also use a good quality domestic brandy or Armagnac depending on your preference. The key is to choose a brandy you enjoy drinking on its own.
Brandy Cocktail Recipes (Beyond the Alexander!)
If you enjoy brandy, here are a few other classic brandy cocktail recipes to explore:
- Sidecar: Brandy, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and lemon juice.
- Old Fashioned (Brandy version): Brandy, sugar, bitters, and water. Often popular in Wisconsin.
- French Connection: Cognac and Amaretto.
- Sazerac: Rye whiskey or Cognac, absinthe, Peychaud's bitters, and sugar.
- Brandy Sour: Brandy, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes egg white.
Answers to Your Questions:
What are the ingredients for a Brandy Alexander?
The classic Brandy Alexander ingredients are brandy, dark crème de cacao, and fresh cream, typically in equal parts (1 oz or 30 ml each). It is garnished with grated nutmeg.
What is the best combination with brandy?
Brandy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various flavors. Some popular combinations include:
- Chocolate: As seen in the Brandy Alexander.
- Coffee: As explored with the Kahlua variation.
- Citrus: Especially lemon, as in the Sidecar and Brandy Sour.
- Sweet liqueurs: Like Amaretto in the French Connection.
- Cream: For rich and smooth cocktails.
- Spices: Such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Why is it called Brandy Alexander?
The exact origin of the Brandy Alexander is debated. One popular theory suggests it was created at Rector's restaurant in New York City by a bartender named Troy Alexander, possibly in honor of a dinner celebrating the fictional character Alexander the Great. Another theory links it to a different Alexander – perhaps a particular patron or even a play. Regardless of its precise origin, it gained popularity in the early 20th century and remains a beloved classic.
What kind of cream is in a Brandy Alexander?
The traditional Brandy Alexander recipe calls for heavy cream or double cream. These have a higher fat content, which contributes to the cocktail's rich, smooth, and velvety texture. You can also use single cream or half-and-half, but the drink will be less thick and luxurious. Avoid using milk, as it will result in a thinner consistency.
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