A decadent combination of creme de cacao, cognac, and heavy cream creates this rich and creamy Brandy Alexander cocktail.
Why this recipe works
The brandy alexander is the type of dessert cocktail that goes down incredibly smooth. It starts with creme de cacao, a chocolate liquor, that’s shaken with cognac and heavy cream then strained into martini glasses and topped with freshly grated nutmeg.
It’s slightly thick in consistency and certainly gives off plenty of chocolate, creamy flavor. This drink is 2 parts liquor and 1 part cream. It’s slightly heavier on the liquor compared to our chocolate peppermint martini but it’s not overpowering, in fact, it’s quite sweet and decadent – part of the reason it goes down so smooth!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
LIQUOR – You can use either creme de cacao white or creme de cacao dark. White will taste a bit more vanilla-y, whereas dark leans heavier on the chocolate taste. Choose your favorite cognac (brandy) for this cocktail.
CREAM – Half and half would work in place of heavy cream. Milk is a bit too thin to make this drink creamy and rich, but if that’s all you have on hand I would suggest opting for whole milk.
How to Make a Brandy Alexander
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Add the creme de cacao, cognac, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
To grate nutmeg, use a microplane grater or the finest side of a regular box grater. Gently grate the nutmeg over the top of the drink, or into a small bowl if you plan on serving multiple drinks. Freshly grated nutmeg is stronger than bottled ground nutmeg, so don’t go overboard!
Serving Suggestions
The Brandy Alexander is perfectly paired with appetizers or can be enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert cocktail. Try a bit of ground cinnamon on top to spice it up around the holidays.
More Cocktail Recipes
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Brandy Alexander
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 ½ oz cognac
- 1 oz creme de cacao white or dark
- 1 oz heavy cream
- freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
- ice for shaking
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Half and half would work in place of heavy cream. Milk is a bit too thin to make this drink creamy and rich, but if that’s all you have on hand I would suggest opting for whole milk.
Instructions
- Add the cognac, creme de cacao, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread - December 2, 2024
- Homemade Turkey Gravy - November 25, 2024
- Watergate Salad - November 21, 2024
Pamela Jones says
I had a brandy Alexander in a bar once and it was made with ginger brandy and ice cream and I’m not sure what else How would you substitute those in this recipe? Thank you
Amanda Formaro says
Interesting, I have never seen ginger brandy! Instead of shaking this, you can add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and blend it.
Deborah Grace says
My dad would make it with vanilla ice cream and no mix it in a blender instead of shaking it it was delicious. All the other ingredients were the same.