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CLASSIC COCKTAIL · 1920–1933

Brandy Alexander

Brandy, crème de cacao and cream shaken to a velvet texture and dusted with nutmeg.

1920sHistorical classicResearched
Abstract illustration of a Brandy Alexander: a coupe of creamy pale drink dusted with nutmeg
Bartender Stories illustration · Classic Cocktail Archive
HISTORY

The original Alexander was gin-based, but in the early 1920s Harry MacElhone, then at Ciro’s in London, is credited with swapping gin for brandy. The first recipe for the brandy version appears in his 1923 Harry of Ciro’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails. Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book lists both the gin Alexander No. 1 and the brandy Alexander No. 2.

THE RECIPECreamy, chocolatey and soft

Ingredients

  • Cognac30 ml
  • Crème de cacao30 ml
  • Cream30 ml
  • Nutmegto garnish

Method

Shake the cognac, crème de cacao and cream hard with ice until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe and grate nutmeg over the surface.

Coupe · no ice · grated nutmeg

KEEP EXPLORING

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the whole story.

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