Brandy Alexander Recipe
Heavy cream mellows the sharp edge of the brandy and tames the sweetness of the crème de cacao, while a hard shake with plenty of ice aerates the cream just enough to give the drink a light, silky texture instead of a heavy, milkshake-like one.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Servings
- 2
Ingredients
- 4 fl oz brandy
- 4 fl oz dark crème de cacao
- 4 fl oz heavy cream
- 12 cubes ice cubes
- 1/4 tsp whole nutmeg, for grating
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbs
- 26g
- Fat
- 22g
Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.
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Instructions
- 1Chill two coupe or cocktail glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- 2Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
- 3Add the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker.
- 4Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosted and cold to the touch.
- 5Strain into the chilled glasses, leaving out the ice.
- 6Grate fresh nutmeg over the top of each drink and serve immediately.
Tips & variations
- Cognac makes a smoother, more aromatic swap for standard brandy if the budget allows.
- Use white crème de cacao instead of dark for a paler, less chocolatey version, sometimes called a White Alexander.
- For a mocha variation, replace 1 ounce of the crème de cacao with coffee liqueur.
- Grate the nutmeg fresh right before serving; pre-ground nutmeg loses most of its aroma within a few months of opening.
Storage & reheating
This cocktail is meant to be shaken and served immediately; the cream will separate and the ice dilution will flatten if it sits. To prep ahead for a party, measure the brandy and crème de cacao together and refrigerate, then add the cream and shake with ice just before serving.
Tips from the Tulo kitchen
- Heavy cream (not half-and-half or milk) is what gives the shake enough body to froth slightly; lighter cream makes a thinner, less stable drink.
- Standing the shaker in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use helps it frost faster during shaking, a good visual cue that the drink is cold enough.
FAQ
What's the difference between a Brandy Alexander and a Grasshopper?
A Grasshopper swaps the brandy for green crème de menthe and white crème de cacao, giving a mint-chocolate flavor and green color, while a Brandy Alexander keeps the brandy base and dark crème de cacao for a warmer, cocoa-forward drink.
Can I make a Brandy Alexander ahead of time for a party?
Batch the brandy and crème de cacao together in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to a day, but add the cream and shake with ice individually per serving so it doesn't separate before guests arrive.
Is a Brandy Alexander the same as a White Russian?
No. A White Russian is built with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream stirred or layered over ice, while a Brandy Alexander uses brandy and chocolate liqueur shaken hard and strained into a stemmed glass with no ice.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the drink will be noticeably thinner and won't develop the same light froth when shaken; heavy cream gives the best texture.