The Brandy Alexander is a delicious cocktail that finds the perfect balance between three ingredients, brandy, crème de cacao liqueur, and cream. The cocktail is designed to have a hint of chocolate, not be terribly sweet, and is nonetheless indulgent. It can stand as a dessert on its own and also be paired with sweet treats like custards and ice cream.

One of the earliest known printed recipes for the Brandy Alexander can be found in Hugo Ensslin’s 1916 book “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” The cocktail was likely born at Hotel Rector in New York City. The bartender there, Troy Alexander, created his eponymous concoction. Folks have been appreciating this retro cocktail ever since.

Brandy Alexander Cocktail Recipe
Yields one drink

Ingredients
1 ounce brandy
1 ounce dark crème de cacao liqueur
1 ounce cream
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour in the brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.

Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg. Serve and enjoy.