Brandy Alexander Cocktail

This retro cocktail is smooth, subtly sweet, and creamy.  With just a hint of chocolate, it makes for a perfect after-dinner drink.

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This cocktail has been around since before the Prohibition days.  It was developed in New York at the Hotel Rector, originally made with gin.

Somehow it made it’s way to Pittsburgh because it was my mom’s favorite cocktail.  She rarely drank, but on the rare occasion that she indulged in one or two, this was it.

A beautiful cocktail glass with a retro cocktail. This Brandy Alexander is made with brandy, dark creme de cacao, and heavy cream. Garnished with a rim of cocoa powder and nutmeg, this is a perfect after dinner drink.

Like mother, like daughter because it’s one of my favorites also.  It isn’t too sweet, not overly chocolatey, yet it’s so smooth and creamy.  This retro cocktail is a great way to end an evening.

WHAT IS IN A BRANDY ALEXANDER?

  • Brandy.  You don’t need to buy an expensive brandy – unless you want to splurge and plan on sipping it at a later date.  I like using Paul Masson VS for this drink.
  • Dark Creme de cacao.  You want a dark creme de cacao for this one.  Bols brand is my favorite, but there are a lot of reasonably priced ones out there.
  • Cream.  This is really a matter of taste.  I like using heavy cream, but half and half or whole milk works just as well.
  • Garnish.  Nutmeg is the traditional garnish, but it can overwhelm the subtlety of the drink.  I like to use a mixture of nutmeg and cocoa powder to rim the glass.  

The only equipment needed to make this drink is a Cocktail Shaker and a Coupe-style martini glass.  And honestly, you could mix the drink in anything like a mason jar or measuring cup and serve it in any pretty glass you have on hand.  Use what you have and enjoy the process and flavor of the drink.

A beautiful cocktail glass with a retro cocktail. This Brandy Alexander is made with brandy, dark creme de cacao, and heavy cream. Garnished with a rim of cocoa powder and nutmeg, this is a perfect after dinner drink.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RETRO COCKTAIL

This drink is more of a dessert, after-dinner, or nightcap cocktail.  It goes well with salty snacks like nuts, crackers, or cheese, so it could be served with light appetizers.

Add a dollop of whipped cream to the top and a few chocolate shavings to make it a dessert in itself.

If I’m serving it with appetizers, I like a bowl of salty, Crispy Roasted Chickpeas, Baked Brie With Honey And Pecans,  and a Spicy Roasted Red Pepper And Feta Dip to accompany the Brandy Alexander.

If you are serving this as an after-dinner treat, perhaps a fruit and cheese tray would be all that you need.  If you want to serve a dessert with it, this Rustic Apple Tart is lovely.  Another option that’s light and easy to make is Italian Amaretti Peaches.

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A beautiful cocktail glass with a retro cocktail. This Brandy Alexander is made with brandy, dark creme de cacao, and heavy cream. Garnished with a rim of cocoa powder and nutmeg, this is a perfect after dinner drink.

BRANDY ALEXANDER COCKTAIL


Description

This creamy, cool retro cocktail makes the perfect after dinner drink.  Using brandy, creme de cacao, and cream it is deceptively smooth.  But remember, it packs a punch.


Ingredients

Scale

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

¼ teaspoon cocoa powder

1 ounce brandy

1 ounce dark creme de cacao

1 ounce heavy cream


Instructions

In a small, shallow dish, stir together the nutmeg and cocoa powder.

Moisten the rim of a round champagne glass with water.  Turn the glass over and dip the rim into the nutmeg mixture.  Set the glass aside.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.  Pour in the brandy, creme de cacao, and the cream.

Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes icy.

Strain into the prepared glass.  

Alternatively, skip rimming the glass and dust the top of the cocktail with the nutmeg mixture as a garnish.

  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Starters - Cocktails
  • Method: Shake
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: retro cocktail, brandy cocktails, cocktail recipes, after dinner drinks

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