On January 31 we celebrate Brandy Alexander Day a day to enjoy this tasty alcoholic drink that has a rich, smooth flavour profile. However, this creamy cocktail combines brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, creating a deliciously indulgent drink. Did you know that this drink ‘Brandy Alexander,’ is made from Crème de Cacao, cream, and brandy, most often of the cognac variety?
Did you know that a portion of historians Brandy Alexander came about after a bartender named Troy Alexander had a brainwave? He used to work at the Rector Hotel in New York and is said to have created this drink just after the turn of the century, for a celebration. Moreover, there was to be a dinner celebrating a fictional character used in railroad advertisements called Phoebe Snow. So in this show, Troy wanted to create a white drink for this occasion, to play on the character’s name.
However, there is also another version of events that goes further back, well into the year 18th century. Where the oldest daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, Princess Mary, was marrying Viscount Lascelles, and this drink was thought up for the wedding celebration. After that, a popular theory also says this drink had another, earlier version, which used gin rather than cognac or brandy so this drink is also called ‘Alexander’.
In the movie Days of Wine and Roses, it is mentioned that this drink became immensely popular in the 19th century.
However, the Brandy Alexander was also former Beatles member John Lennon’s favourite drink, which he would call a ‘milkshake.’ Later on, he was introduced to this drink by American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson during Lennon’s famous ‘lost weekend’ (the period of his life that marked the separation between himself and his wife, Yoko Ono). Similarly, upon Lennon’s first introduction to this drink, the pair famously got wildly drunk and were thrown out of the Troubadour a nightclub in Los Angeles.
| 1930 (First Print Appearance) | Our boozy dessert-in-a-glass first appears in print in “The Savoy Cocktail Book;” the author names it ‘Alexander Cocktail No. 2,’ given that there is already a drink named ‘Alexander’ with the same ingredients but with gin as a base instead of brandy. |
| 1962 (The Brandy Alexander Becomes Famous) | The film, “Days of Wine and Roses,” starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick features this drink; it causes a massive spike in popularity for the Brandy Alexander in the 70s. |
| 1980s (Popular Again) | A Granada Television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s novel, Brideshead Revisited — which named ‘Alexandra cocktails’ — helps repopularize the drink. |
| 2007 (Brandy Alexander In “Mad Men”) | Elizabeth Moss’s character Peggy Olson asks for this drink when on a bad blind date in season one of the T.V. drama, “Mad Men.” |
Brandy Alexander Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces brandy
- 1 ounce dark crème de cacao
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- Ice
- Nutmeg or cocoa powder (for garnish)
How to make:
- Start by chilling a cocktail glass by filling it with ice water. Set it aside while you prepare the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Empty the ice water from your glass and strain the cocktail mixture into the chilled glass.
- Sprinkle a little grated nutmeg or cocoa powder on top for an extra touch.
- Enjoy your Brandy Alexander
Source: Sweet Humble Home
5 Fun Facts About Brandy Alexander Day
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The name Brandy- Did you know that Brandy’s name is derived from the Dutch word ‘brandewijn,’ which means ‘burnt wine’; where it refers to the application of heat while brandy is distilled?
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Brandy Things- However, some food items ferment like — grapes, apples, blackberries, sugar cane, honey, milk, rice, wheat, corn, potatoes, and rye — which can be distilled and turned into brandy.
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Brandy producers are around the globe- Do you know that most producers of wine in countries like France, Spain, and Portugal that also make brandy?
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Healthy- A study in the ‘British Journal of the Diseases of the Chest’ states that brandy helps with symptoms of asthma; it is also a common solution for colds and flu.
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Brandy is mistaken for whiskey- However, since a common burning sensation accompanies both brandy and whiskey ingestion, people often confuse the two.
Activities for Brandy Alexander Day
1. Cocktail Making Party:
- On this day you can gather friends for a cocktail-making session provide all the ingredients and let everyone craft their own Brandy Alexander, experimenting with ratios and garnishes.
2. Tasting Flight:
- Create a tasting flight featuring different variations of the Brandy Alexander and try different brands of brandy, types of crème de cacao, or even flavored creams.
3. Pairing Dinner:
- For this day you can even host a dinner where each course is paired with a Brandy Alexander. Consider dessert-inspired dishes that complement the cocktail’s rich flavors.
4. Virtual Happy Hour:
- Organize a gathering with friends or family and share the recipe, make the drink together, and chat about your favorite cocktails.
5. Creative Garnishing:
- Set up a garnishing station with different toppings like grated chocolate, cinnamon, or flavored syrups. Get creative with your drink presentation!
6. Cocktail Recipe Exchange:
- Even you can encourage your guests to bring their favorite cocktail recipes to share. You can compile them into a little booklet as a fun keepsake.
7. Themed Decorations:
- Decorate your space with a vintage or speakeasy theme to set the mood. You can also dim lighting, elegant table settings, and jazz music in the background.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of brandy, sweet crème de cacao, and creamy texture for a truly indulgent experience. Whether enjoyed as a winter warmer or a decadent dessert drink, it offers a delightful balance that many love.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for a Brandy Alexander?
You’ll need brandy, crème de cacao (preferably dark), heavy cream, and ice. Besides Optionally, you can add nutmeg for garnish.
Can I make a Brandy Alexander ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can pre-mix the ingredients (without ice) and store them in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving.
What’s the difference between a Brandy Alexander and a regular Alexander?
A regular Alexander typically uses gin or vodka instead of brandy, giving it a different flavor profile.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of a Brandy Alexander?
Yes! You can create a mocktail version using chocolate syrup, non-alcoholic brandy alternatives, and cream or milk for a similar taste.
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes! While the classic recipe uses brandy, you can experiment with other spirits like rum or whiskey for a unique twist.
What’s the best type of crème de cacao to use?
Dark crème de cacao is typically used for its rich chocolate flavor, but you can use white crème de cacao for a lighter version if you prefer.
Also, read more about National Hot Chocolate Day January 31, 2025
