Brandy Alexander: The Dessert Cocktail That Dressed Up for Dinner

Rich, creamy, and as indulgent as your favorite dessert, the Brandy Alexander is a cocktail that has stood the test of time—not just for its flavor but for the way it bridges the gap between the bar and the dessert table. Made with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, this after-dinner classic is decadence in a glass.

My first encounter with a Brandy Alexander was during a holiday party hosted by an old-school bartender who insisted that “real cocktails can be served in a coupe and still taste like dessert.” He wasn’t wrong. One sip in and I was hooked. It was smooth, comforting, and festive, with just enough kick to remind you it’s not a milkshake.

Though it peaked in popularity mid-20th century, the Brandy Alexander has been making a quiet comeback among those who appreciate vintage charm and indulgent sippers. Whether you’re treating yourself after a fancy dinner or mixing up something special for guests, this is a cocktail that delivers both elegance and comfort.

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Quick Facts: Brandy Alexander

Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Creamy, chocolaty, rich
How to serve it: Straight up
Glassware: Coupe or cocktail glass
Alcohol content: ~17% ABV, ~19 grams of alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 1 oz brandy (or cognac for a richer, smoother finish)
• 1 oz dark crème de cacao (not the clear version)
• 1 oz heavy cream
• Fresh grated nutmeg (for garnish)

The brandy is the heart of the cocktail, providing warmth and a gentle oakiness that cuts through the sweetness. You can opt for a smooth VSOP cognac or a good-quality American or Spanish brandy—just make sure it’s not overly harsh, as it needs to blend smoothly with the cream.

Dark crème de cacao lends chocolate flavor without overwhelming the palate. Don’t use white crème de cacao here—it lacks the depth and color that define the classic.

Heavy cream gives the drink its luxurious texture. Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but heavy cream is essential for that silky, dessert-like mouthfeel.

Finally, a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg elevates the experience with warmth and aroma, tying all the flavors together beautifully.

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Equipment Needed

To make a proper Brandy Alexander, you’ll need the following:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer
• Coupe or cocktail glass
• Microplane or fine grater (for nutmeg)
• Bar spoon (optional, for layering variations)

Because of the cream, a good hard shake is essential to achieve proper aeration and texture. The coupe glass, with its shallow bowl, helps present the cocktail attractively and keeps it chilled.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chill your glass. Place your coupe in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
2. Add ingredients to shaker. Pour 1 oz brandy, 1 oz dark crème de cacao, and 1 oz heavy cream into a shaker.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously. Shake for about 20 seconds. This emulsifies the cream and chills the mixture to the perfect silky consistency.
4. Strain into the chilled glass. Use a fine strainer to catch any small ice shards or cream solids for a perfectly smooth finish.
5. Grate fresh nutmeg on top. Just a pinch goes a long way, adding warm spice and an inviting aroma.

Serve immediately—this cocktail is best ice-cold and freshly shaken.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Brandy Alexander tastes like a grown-up milkshake: rich, sweet, and warming. The chocolate from the crème de cacao is soft and not overly sweet, allowing the depth of the brandy to come through with subtle vanilla and spice notes. The cream binds everything together, giving it a smooth, luscious mouthfeel.

The nutmeg adds an aromatic layer that balances the richness and elevates the cocktail beyond just a boozy dessert. It finishes clean with just a hint of alcohol warmth—making it dangerously easy to enjoy.

Pair this cocktail with chocolate truffles, tiramisu, or vanilla bean panna cotta for a luxurious dessert experience. For a savory contrast, try it after a meal of roasted duck, beef bourguignon, or cheese soufflé—something equally rich that stands up to its decadent profile.

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Garnishing and Presentation

Presentation is everything with a Brandy Alexander. Pour it into a chilled coupe or vintage cocktail glass to give it that timeless look. A soft, ivory-colored drink with a faint sheen, it should be topped with a light dusting of fresh nutmeg for that essential aromatic layer.

To make it more visually striking, you can garnish with:

• A single coffee bean floated on top
• A chocolate curl placed on the rim
• A light cocoa powder stencil if you’re feeling artistic

Serve with a small dessert spoon on the side for an old-fashioned touch.

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Pairing Suggestions

Sweet pairings:

• Chocolate mousse
• Hazelnut torte
• Almond biscotti
• Espresso-soaked sponge cake

Savory pairings (for contrast):

• Blue cheese and fig crostini
• Duck confit with cherry glaze
• Smoked almonds
• Prosciutto-wrapped pears

Since this is a dessert-style drink, it works well either alongside dessert or as the dessert itself. It also makes a perfect nightcap when you’re ready to wind down in style.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Brandy Alexander is believed to be a 20th-century evolution of an earlier drink simply called the “Alexander,” which used gin instead of brandy. The original Alexander dates back to the 1910s, and by the 1920s, the version with brandy took over in popularity.

While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who made the swap from gin to brandy, the Brandy Alexander became a favorite during the Prohibition and post-Prohibition eras. By the 1950s and 60s, it was the go-to after-dinner cocktail at dinner parties and supper clubs.

Fun fact: the Brandy Alexander is said to be John Lennon’s favorite cocktail. He famously introduced it to Harry Nilsson, and the two had a wild night out on them, leading to Lennon calling it “milkshakes with a kick.”

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Serving Suggestions

The Brandy Alexander is perfect for holiday dinners, Valentine’s Day, anniversary celebrations, or any occasion where you want to treat yourself and your guests to a bit of luxury.

You can batch it ahead for parties:

Batch for 8 servings:

• 8 oz brandy
• 8 oz dark crème de cacao
• 8 oz heavy cream

Mix in a pitcher and store chilled. Shake each serving with ice individually before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

Serve chilled and up, never over ice, as dilution will ruin the richness.

Keep cream and crème de cacao well chilled, and chill your glasses in advance for best presentation.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With 1 oz of each component, the Brandy Alexander clocks in at about 17% ABV—not as strong as a straight spirit, but definitely more potent than wine. The cream and liqueur soften the alcohol’s presence, making it smooth and deceptively easy to drink.

To reduce the alcohol, simply lower the brandy and increase the cream slightly. This will make the drink even more dessert-like.

For a non-alcoholic version, you can combine:

• 1 oz cold brew concentrate or espresso
• 1 oz chocolate syrup or non-alcoholic crème de cacao syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with nutmeg for the same comforting vibe, minus the booze.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use white crème de cacao?
Technically yes, but it lacks the depth and color of dark crème de cacao, which is essential to the classic Brandy Alexander.

Is half-and-half okay instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the texture will be thinner. Heavy cream gives the cocktail its signature luxurious mouthfeel.

Can I make it in advance?
You can mix the ingredients and refrigerate the batch, but always shake individual servings with ice to get the proper texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use full-fat coconut cream or a rich oat cream substitute. It changes the flavor slightly but can still be delicious.

Is this the same as an Alexander?
The original Alexander used gin, but the Brandy Alexander is now the more well-known version, especially for dessert service.

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Conclusion

The Brandy Alexander is a delicious time capsule—a creamy, chocolaty cocktail from a bygone era that still feels sophisticated and indulgent today. Whether you’re wrapping up a cozy dinner or treating guests to something memorable, this cocktail promises warmth, richness, and a little old-school glamour in every sip.