Brandy Alexander

How to Make Brandy Alexander

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1. Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for 5 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you make the drink.

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2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the brandy, crème de cacao and cream.

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3. Shake hard for 15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.

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4. Strain into the chilled glass.

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5. Grate a little fresh nutmeg over the top and serve at once.

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Tips for Making Brandy Alexander

• Grate the nutmeg fresh. Pre-ground nutmeg is dull, and the fragrance of freshly grated spice is what lifts the drink, so keep a whole nutmeg and a small grater to hand.
• Use plenty of ice and shake hard. It makes the drink cold and frothy, and mixes the cream smoothly.
• For a drier, more brandy-forward drink, use 40 ml of brandy and 20 ml each of the liqueur and cream. Or swap the cream for a scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend it for a milkshake-style version.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Double cream won't whip if you swap it, but for the cooking itself, full-fat crème fraîche or a lower-fat single cream works in its place.

What to Serve with Brandy Alexander

• Dark chocolate truffles
• Espresso
• Tiramisu

Storing & Reheating Brandy Alexander

Best made to order and drunk straight away, as the cream does not keep once the drink is mixed. Serve it small, in a well-chilled glass, since it is a rich drink.

Brandy Alexander FAQ: Common Questions

Brandy Alexander Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.