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Brandy Alexander Cocktail

The Brandy Alexander is a classic creamy cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Sweet, smooth, and indulgent, this dessert drink will tantalize your taste buds! It’s made with brandy, crème de cacao and cream for an extra-decadent flavor.

Nutmeg floating on the Brandy Alexander in the two coupe glasses
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This cocktail calls for equal parts of only three ingredients – brandy, crème de cacao, and half & half.

The Brandy Alexander is so delicious you’ll have to remind yourself it is not a milkshake but a potent cocktail. Does it taste exactly like a milkshake? No, but you could trick yourself into thinking it is; it’s that good.

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The history of the brandy Alexander

It is said that this cocktail was created in the early 1900s by a bartender at the then-famous Rector’s restaurant in New York. His name was Troy Alexander. He concocted this creamy, white drink to serve at a dinner for an advertising campaign for a character called Phoebe Snow.

But there are many different accounts of where and when this cocktail was created, but one thing I do know is that it is a variation of the “Alexander” – which is gin, creme de cacao, and cream. In the Brandy version, you use brandy instead of gin.

Want more delicious milkshake-like cocktails? Try my Almond Joy Cocktailwhite chocolate, pumpkin spice, sugar cookie and the chocolate martini.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful
Tips
  • I use half & half in this recipe, but you can substitute milk, light cream, or if you want to be decadent, heavy cream.
  • I use the chocolate liqueur – dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can substitute white creme de cacao (which is transparent) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
  • If you don’t want to grate your nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
  • I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Brandy Alexander cocktail, but it is often served in a classic martini cocktail glass.
a coupe glass filled with the cream drink with nutmeg sprinkled on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

How to make the brandy Alexander cocktail

Pre-step

Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also, get a measuring glass and either coupe glasses or martini glasses.

After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – brandy, creme de cacao, and half & half. (A)

Step two

Measure out 3 ounces of brandy. (B)

Right - brandy, creme de cacao, half & half. Right - brandy measured out
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step three

Measure 3 ounces of créme de cacao. (C)

Step four

Measure 3 ounces of cream. (D)

Creme de cacao and cream measured out
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step five

Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Pour, divide, and strain the Brandy Alexander drink between the two glasses.

Get your nutmeg. You can use either pre-ground or grate it yourself, as I do.

See the cute little nutmeg seed and grater?

A nutmeg nut on the table near the two coupe glasses and grater
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step six

Grate or sprinkle the nutmeg on the creamy cocktail. Use as much as you like.

Close up of the fluted glass filled with the cream cocktail with nutmeg on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

So delicious.

Tall fluted coupe glasses filled with the creamy drink in vertical view
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

See how creamy this cocktail looks?

I hope you enjoyed this Brandy Alexander cocktail recipe and you make it soon as it is so delicious!

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Nutmeg grated on the brandy alexander in a coupe glass - square

Brandy Alexander Cocktail

Brandy cocktails are one of the best ways to enjoy this classic style of alcohol and the brandy Alexander tops the list as a favorite. The drink is easy to make with just three ingredients and creates a decadent drink that is almost like a milkshake but with a real kick!
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: brandy alexander
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Calories: 288kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Brandy (not flavored Brandy)
  • 3 ounces creme de cacao
  • 3 ounces cream

Garnish

  • nutmeg (a few shakes)

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice.
  • Add Brandy, creme de cacao, and cream.
    3 ounces Brandy, 3 ounces creme de cacao, 3 ounces cream
  • Cap shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Pour, divide, and strain the liquid between the two glasses.
  • Sip, smile, and enjoy.
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Notes

Helpful tips
    • I use half & half in this recipe, but you can substitute milk, light cream, or if you want to be decadent, heavy cream.
    • I use the chocolate liqueur – dark creme de cacao because I like the warm hue it gives the cocktail, but you can substitute white creme de cacao (which is transparent) for the same great flavor and a whiter appearance.
    • If you don’t want to grate your nutmeg seed as I do, use ground nutmeg.
    • I enjoy using coupe glasses to showcase this Brandy Alexander cocktail, but it is often served in a classic martini cocktail glass.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 41mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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18 Comments

  1. So good — it’s basically a boozy dessert in a glass! We had this for an after-dinner drink last night and just loved it.

    1. Hehe. Thanks, Amanda! When my folks drank this cocktail, I have always considered drink an old fuddy duddy type of drink, until I tried it! 🙂 Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.

  2. Oh my goodness this cocktail is too good! It really does taste like a milkshake! Can’t wait to make this again!

    1. Lol! Thanks Toni! It is such a classic and I used to think it was an ‘old person’s’ cocktail but it isn’t! It’s like a melted milkshake. 🙂

        1. I’m glad to hear that, Dean! It’s one of my favorites. I remember my folks drinking this cocktail and since I’ve been making them, I see why.

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