A Luxurious Blend Of Brandy -Brandy Alexander 18+

Indulge in the decadent sophistication Blend of Brandy Alexander –

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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Introduction: A Cocktail Steeped in Elegance

Few cocktails carry the same level of sophistication, history, and creamy indulgence as the Brandy Alexander. A drink that conjures images of old Hollywood glamour, candlelit lounges, and smooth jazz, this cocktail is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience. But where did it come from, and what makes it so special? In this blog, we’ll explore the origins, variations, and step-by-step instructions to craft the perfect Brandy Alexander in your own home.

The Origins: A Royal Beginning?

Like many classic cocktails, the origins of the Brandy Alexander are shrouded in mystery, yet fascinating theories abound. The drink is widely believed to be a variation of the original Alexander cocktail, which used gin instead of brandy. The original Alexander dates back to the early 20th century, possibly created by bartender Troy Alexander at Rector’s in New York, a high-end restaurant known for catering to the elite.

The Brandy Alexander, as we know it today, emerged sometime in the 1920s, and some say it was created in honor of a royal wedding. One popular story suggests it was concocted for the marriage of Princess Mary, the daughter of King George V, in 1922. Whether fact or fiction, the cocktail quickly gained popularity, becoming a favorite among high society and even making its way into pop culture.

The Pop Culture Influence

The Brandy Alexander has been referenced in books, films, and television, further cementing its status as an iconic cocktail. One of its most famous admirers was none other than John Lennon, who once described it as his favorite drink. It has appeared in movies like Days of Wine and Roses and Two Lovers, while also being a beloved drink in the literary world, including in Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited.

With such a rich cultural history, it’s no surprise that the Brandy Alexander remains a beloved choice for those who appreciate timeless elegance.

The Perfect Blend: What Makes a Brandy Alexander Special?

The Brandy Alexander stands out for its smooth, velvety texture and balanced flavors. Unlike more spirit-forward cocktails, this drink is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, making it an excellent after-dinner indulgence. The combination of brandy, crème de cacao, and cream creates a luscious harmony that feels both decadent and refined.

Ingredient Breakdown:

Brandy – The backbone of the cocktail, brandy provides warmth and depth. A good quality cognac or well-aged brandy works best.
Crème de Cacao – A chocolate liqueur that enhances the drink’s sweetness and adds complexity.
Heavy Cream – The ingredient that gives the Brandy Alexander its signature silky texture.
Nutmeg (Garnish) – A dusting of nutmeg adds a subtle spice and an aromatic finish.

How to Make the Perfect Brandy Alexander

Ingredients:

45 mL Brandy
30 mL Dark Crème de Cacao
30 mL Thickened Cream (or Heavy Cream equivalent)
Ice cubes
Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes. A cold glass helps maintain the drink’s smooth texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the brandy, crème de cacao, and thickened cream.
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Shaking with ice not only chills the drink but also aerates it, giving it a velvety consistency.
4. Shake Well: Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You want the mixture to be well-blended and frothy.
5. Strain & Serve: Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass using a fine mesh strainer for a smooth pour.
6. Garnish: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for an aromatic and flavorful finish.
7. Enjoy!: Sip slowly and savour the luxurious flavours of this classic cocktail.

Variations and Modern Twists

While the Brandy Alexander is a classic, modern mixologists have found creative ways to give it a new twist. Here are a few variations to try:

Frozen Brandy Alexander –

Ingredients:
- 45 mL Brandy
- 30 mL Dark Crème de Cacao
- 60 mL Thickened Cream (or Heavy Cream equivalent) – Using more cream will help with the frozen texture.
- 1.5-2 cups Ice cubes (adjust for desired thickness)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients: Add the brandy, crème de cacao, and thickened cream to a high-powered blender.
2. Add Ice: Add the ice cubes to the blender. Start with 1.5 cups and add more if you want a thicker consistency.
3. Blend: Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and frosty. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is evenly blended.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the ingredients if needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more cream. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more crème de cacao.
5. Serve: Pour the frozen Brandy Alexander into chilled glasses.
6. Garnish: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for an aromatic finish.
7. Enjoy Immediately: Frozen drinks are best enjoyed right away.
Tips for a Perfect Frozen Brandy Alexander:
- Use a high-powered blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If your blender struggles with the ice, you can use crushed ice.
- If you would like to make this sweeter, a small amount of simple syrup can be added.
Alexander Coffee –

Ingredients:
- 45 mL Brandy
- 30 mL Dark Crème de Cacao
- 30 mL Thickened Cream (or Heavy Cream equivalent)
- 30 mL Espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- Ice cubes (optional, for an iced version)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:

Hot Alexander Coffee:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine the brandy, crème de cacao, thickened cream, and freshly brewed espresso.
2. Heat Gently (Optional): If you prefer a warmer drink, gently heat the mixture over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Alternatively, heat the cream and espresso and then add the liquors.
3. Pour and Garnish: Pour the mixture into a heat-resistant glass or mug.
4. Garnish: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top.
5. Enjoy Immediately: Sip and enjoy the warm, caffeinated delight.
Iced Alexander Coffee:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, crème de cacao, thickened cream, and chilled espresso.
2. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
3. Shake Well: Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top.
6. Enjoy Immediately: Sip and enjoy the cold, caffeinated treat.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavour, use a high-quality espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Adjust the amount of espresso to your preference.
- If you would like a sweeter drink, add a small amount of simple syrup or a coffee flavoured liqueur.
- For a frothy top, you can use a milk frother on the cream before adding it to the drink.
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can stir the ingredients together in a glass.
Vegan Brandy Alexander –

Key Substitutions:
- Thickened Cream:
  - Coconut cream (the thick part from a chilled can) is the most common and often best substitute for richness.¹
    
    1. Best Brandy Alexander Cocktail Recipe – Dan Murphy’s
    
    www.danmurphys.com.au
  - Full-fat almond milk can also be used, but it will result in a lighter, less creamy drink.
  - Other vegan creams are also becoming more avalible in supermarkets.
Ingredients:
- 45 mL Brandy
- 30 mL Dark Crème de Cacao (ensure your brand is vegan-friendly)
- 30 mL Coconut cream (or almond milk)
- Ice cubes
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Chill the Glass: Chill a coupe or martini glass.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the brandy, crème de cacao, and coconut cream.
3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake Well: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain & Serve: Strain into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with nutmeg.
7. Enjoy!
Important Considerations:
- Coconut Cream:
  - Chill the can of coconut cream beforehand to easily separate the thick cream from the liquid.
  - The flavour of coconut will be present, but it often complements the other flavours.
- Almond Milk:
  - Using almond milk will create a thinner consistency. If you prefer a thicker drink, you might consider adding a small amount of a vegan thickener, such as xanthan gum.
- Crème de Cacao:
  - While most dark crème de cacao is vegan, it’s always best to double-check the label to ensure there are no hidden dairy ingredients.
- Texture:
  - Vegan creams can sometimes react differently to being shaken with ice, so you might need to experiment to find the perfect texture.
Spiced Brandy Alexander –

Perfect for a cosy night! A Spiced Brandy Alexander sounds delightful. Here’s how to make it, using Australian metric measurements and incorporating those warm winter spices:

Spiced Brandy Alexander (Australian Metric)

Ingredients:
- Spiced Brandy:
  - 45 mL Brandy
  - 1-2 Cinnamon sticks, or 4-5 whole cloves (or a combination)
- 30 mL Dark Crème de Cacao
- 30 mL Thickened Cream (or Heavy Cream equivalent)
- Ice cubes
- Freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Infuse the Brandy (Spiced Brandy):
  - Place the brandy and your chosen spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, or both) in a small, airtight container.
  - Let it infuse for at least 24 hours, or up to a few days, at room temperature. The longer it infuses, the stronger the spice flavour will be.
  - When the infusion is complete, strain the brandy through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices.
2. Chill the Glass: Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the spiced brandy, crème de cacao, and thickened cream.
4. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
5. Shake Well: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
6. Strain & Serve: Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
7. Garnish: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg or place a cinnamon stick on top.
8. Enjoy!
Variations and Tips:
- Spice Intensity: Adjust the amount of spices and the infusion time to control the intensity of the spice flavour.
- Other Spices: You can also experiment with other warm spices, such as star anise or allspice.
- Simple Syrup: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a small amount of spiced simple syrup (made by infusing simple syrup with the same spices).
- Warm Version: for a warm version, infuse the brandy, then gently warm the brandy, creme de cacao and cream, then serve, garnishing with the nutmeg or cinnamon stick.
- Pre-made Spiced Brandy: in the lead up to christmas, many stores sell pre-made spiced brandy.

Pairing the Brandy Alexander

This cocktail is often enjoyed as a dessert cocktail, making it a great match for sweet treats. Here are some delicious pairings:

Chocolate truffles – The deep cocoa notes of crème de cacao complement the richness of chocolate.
Tiramisu – The creamy, coffee-infused layers enhance the cocktail’s smoothness.
Cheesecake – A classic pairing, especially with vanilla or caramel flavors.
Shortbread cookies – The buttery, crumbly texture balances the drink’s creaminess.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try a Brandy Alexander Tonight

The Brandy Alexander is more than just a cocktail—it’s a timeless classic that embodies elegance, nostalgia, and indulgence. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, enjoy a cozy night in, or simply explore the world of classic cocktails, this drink is a must-try.

So, why not dust off that cocktail shaker and treat yourself to a Brandy Alexander tonight? After all, some classics never go out of style

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

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Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

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