Brandy Alexander recipe
Cognac, crème de cacao and fresh cream, shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, finished with freshly ground nutmeg.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 4 ingredients
- Cocktail glass
What Ingredients do you need to make a Brandy Alexander?
Cognac
Cognac is a variety of Brandy.
It’s named after Cognac, France and certain production methods are required to make sure the Brandy may be named Cognac.
These production methods include:
- Ugni blanc grapes must be used.
- The Brandy must be twice distilled in copper stills.
- The Brandy must be aged at least 2 years in Oak barrels.
Only then can it be called Cognac. Wowzers.
And even then, there are grades of Cognac:
- V.S. (Very Special) or 3 stars. This means that the Brandy has been aged for at least 2 years in a cask.
- V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve. This is where the Brandy has been aged for at least 4 years in a cask.
- Napoléon. This is where the Brandy is aged at least 6 years.
- XO (Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged at least 10 years.
- XXO (Extra Extra Old). This is where the Brandy is aged for at least 14 years.
- Hors d’âge (Beyond Age). This is where the Brandy is beyond the official age scales.
I mean, that’s some grading list. I’d wager by the end of that list you’d need to be a millionaire to sample those Cognacs.
ANYWAY… the Cognac we recommend is:
What Equipment do you need to make a Brandy Alexander?
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail shakers improve the taste of cocktails. It’s a fact.
There’s a reason that famed British spy James Bond says “shaken, not stirred”. And that reason is: because it tastes better.
If you don’t already have a cocktail shaker set, you might want to check out our detailed cocktail shaker comparison.
But to cut a long story short, here’s the cocktail shaker we recommend:
Jigger
It’s important to get the mix of any cocktail right. The measurements are set for a reason – to specify a tried, tested, and tasty drink.
A jigger is going to help you get those perfect measurements – after all, it is what the pros use.
For a jigger, we recommend:
Cocktail Glass
This cocktail recipe tastes great, but let’s make it look great too.
Having the right glass for the right cocktail always makes the experience more enjoyable in my experience.
And the right glass is a cocktail glass.
We recommend:
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Recipe card
Brandy Alexander
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Use a jigger to measure out the Cognac, crème de cacao and fresh cream into the shaker.
- Shake well until cold to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Sprinkle freshly ground nutmeg on top.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of classic cocktails.
Brandy Alexander FAQs
What Ingredients do you need to make a Brandy Alexander?
To make a Brandy Alexander, you need 30ml / 1oz Cognac, 30ml / 1oz crème de cacao and 30ml / 1oz fresh cream, plus freshly ground nutmeg to garnish. There’s more about cognac above.
What Equipment do you need to make a Brandy Alexander?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger and a cocktail glass.
What alcohol is in a Brandy Alexander?
A Brandy Alexander contains 30ml / 1oz Cognac and 30ml / 1oz crème de cacao.
Is a Brandy Alexander shaken or stirred?
A Brandy Alexander is shaken. Shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into a cocktail glass and top it up.
Can I make a Brandy Alexander without a cocktail shaker?
A cocktail shaker is best, but a clean jam jar with a tight lid works too. Add ice and the ingredients, screw the lid on and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, then strain it into your glass through a small sieve.
What glass is a Brandy Alexander served in?
Serve a Brandy Alexander in a cocktail glass.
How do you garnish a Brandy Alexander?
Garnish a Brandy Alexander with a freshly ground nutmeg.
How do I make a Brandy Alexander for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 120ml Cognac, 120ml crème de cacao and 120ml fresh cream. Shake one or two drinks at a time, so there’s room in the shaker for the ice.
