The Christmas season is almost upon us. In addition to the lights, trees, presents, and all manner of other fun things, this holly jolly time of year also means tons of great food.
However, food obviously needs drink to go with it, and what's better on a cold winter night than a delicious holiday-themed cocktail? That's where the Brandy Alexander cocktail comes in.
Whether you're making it for a party or for yourself after a long day, this drink scratches that festive but nostalgic itch in all the right ways. Simple and elegant all at once, this martini cocktail might even be good enough to be a year-round staple at your home bar.
🍸What is a Brandy Alexander?
A Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy and slightly spicy alcoholic drink with notes of cinnamon and chocolate from the dark crème de cacao; it's almost like a more booze-forward version of the classic hot cocoa (except for the hot part).
🥘Ingredients & Tools
- brandy - Brandy is distilled wine.
- heavy cream
- dark crème de cacao - You can use clear crème de cacao if you can't find dark.
- cinnamon powder
- cinnamon stick - This will be used as a garnish. It's also handy for stirring.
- ice - To fill the cocktail shaker with and chill the drink.
You will also need a cocktail shaker and martini glass.
🔪How to Make it
Pleasing a crowd at your next party will be a snap with this dessert drink, especially if you serve it after a hearty turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the brandy, heavy cream and crème de cacao.
- Shake hard for about 12 to 15 seconds.
- Pour into martini glasses. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
💭Top Tips
There are a few secrets to make this holiday cocktail even more amazing.
- The easiest way to do this is using premium quality cinnamon when you serve it, enhancing the earthy, spicy punch of the original and really bringing out the complexity of the brandy and chocolate of the crème de cacao.
- This holiday beverage tastes best nice and chilled. Be sure to shake the ingredients in the cocktail shaker for at least 10 seconds. You will know it's cold enough when the outside of the shaker is frosted up. Your hands will likely feel it too.
- To keep it even cooler, you can chill the martini glass ahead of time and add a few ice cubes to the glass before straining the alcohol mixture into it.
❔FAQ
The origins are unknown but it might have been named after a bartender at a New York City restaurant named Troy Alexander, who created it in celebration of Phoebe Snow (singer/songwriter). Brandy is one of the liquors used in the drink. Another rumor is that it was named after Alexander II, who was a Russian tsar.
Heavy cream is one of the main ingredients in a Brandy Alexander.
Did you enjoy mixing up this Brandy Alexander cocktail? Let me know in the comments how it turned out and please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Brandy Alexander Cocktail
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup brandy
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup dark crème de cacao
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- cinnamon stick - garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the brandy, heavy cream and crème de cacao.
- Shake hard for about 12 to 15 seconds.
- Pour into martini glasses. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Equipment
Notes
- You can use clear crème de cacao if you can't find dark.
- This holiday beverage tastes best nice and chilled. Be sure to shake the ingredients in the cocktail shaker for at least 10 seconds. You will know it's cold enough when the outside of the shaker is frosted up. Your hands will likely feel it too.
- To keep it even cooler, you can chill the martini glass ahead of time and add a few ice cubes to the glass before straining the alcohol mixture into it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Looking for more tasty holiday treats? Try our:
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