Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail

Creamy, smooth, and irresistibly rich – this Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail is a classic holiday drink that combines the warmth of brandy, the sweetness of crème de cacao, and the silkiness of cream. It’s indulgent yet balanced, making it a perfect choice for Christmas parties, winter evenings, or as an elegant after-dinner treat.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well! Are you feeling festive? If not, my new recipe could fix this.

The holidays always call for something cozy, creamy, and just a little indulgent. This festive brandy alexander cocktail delivers exactly that. It’s simple, luxuriously smooth, and feels like dessert in a glass — the kind of drink that instantly adds sparkle to any festive evening. So let’s dive into this decadent holiday cocktail.

What Is a Brandy Alexander?

The Brandy Alexander is a creamy, dessert-style cocktail that first gained popularity in the early 20th century. It’s a variation of the classic Alexander cocktail, which was originally made with gin. The brandy version quickly became the more beloved twist thanks to its warmer, richer flavour. Traditionally made with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, this elegant drink is often served after dinner – smooth, sweet, and perfectly suited for winter and holiday gatherings.

Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail: Flavour and Texture Profile

This festive brandy alexander cocktail is creamy, decadent, and irresistibly smooth. It blends the warmth of brandy with the mellow sweetness of chocolate liqueur and a touch of spice from nutmeg. Since I used dark crème de cacao, the flavour is richer and more intense, and the colour is beautifully deep and velvety. The cream ties everything together, giving the cocktail a silky texture that makes it taste like an elegant dessert – this drink truly screams festivity.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Brandy Alexander Cocktail

• Perfect finale: Works beautifully as an after-dinner drink or dessert cocktail.
• Creamy and comforting: Smooth, velvety, and rich — everything you want in a holiday cocktail.
• Classic and festive: Timeless flavour with a touch of Christmas elegance.
• Quick to prepare: Just three ingredients and a good shake.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Brandy: Feel free to use either brandy or cognac for this cocktail. There’s no need for a premium bottle – just choose something smooth and reasonably priced. Brandy provides a warm, mellow depth, while cognac adds a slightly fruitier and more complex note. Both work beautifully in this festive brandy alexander cocktail.
• Crème de cacao: This is a chocolate-flavoured liqueur that brings sweetness and richness to the drink. You can use either dark or light crème de cacao depending on your preference. I used dark because it’s less sweet and gives the cocktail a deeper, more complex flavour and colour. Light crème de cacao offers a milk chocolate flavour with gentle vanilla notes – lovely if you prefer a sweeter touch. You can even use white chocolate liqueur for a dessert-like version, but crème de cacao gives the best balance between richness and subtlety.
• Cream: Cream gives the cocktail its luscious, velvety texture. Traditionally, heavy cream (~35%) is used for maximum smoothness, but you can use a lighter cream (around 18%) for a softer, less indulgent drink. Some people even substitute eggnog for an extra festive twist – I haven’t tried it myself yet, but it sounds like a wonderful holiday variation!
• Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is the perfect garnish. It adds warmth, aroma, and a classic finishing touch. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, a light dusting of cinnamon works well too.
• Ice: A handful of ice chills the cocktail and gives it that silky, frothy texture when shaken.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Add a twist: A splash of orange liqueur, hazelnut liqueur, or coffee liqueur adds extra complexity.
• Go lighter: Use half-and-half or milk for a less creamy texture.
• Try a frozen version: Blend the ingredients with ice for a boozy milkshake.
• Top it off: Garnish with shaved chocolate, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

More Festive and Decadent Cocktails for Holidays

Looking for more festive cocktails to enjoy around the holidays, just like this festive brandy alexander cocktail? Be sure to check some ideas below.

• White Chocolate Martini
• White Chocolate Cocktail
• Dulce de Leche Martini
• Homemade Gingerbread Cream Liquor
• Candy Cane Cream Liqueur

I hope you enjoy this festive brandy alexander cocktail and will give the recipe a try. If you do, please let me know in the comment section below, send me a message on Instagram, or share your photos using the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.e your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

A Festive Brandy Alexander Dessert Cocktail made with brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream – luxurious and perfect for the holidays.

Course: Christmas, Festive Holiday Drinks, Cocktails

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Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) brandy or cognac

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) crème de cacao – use dark or light, depending on your preference

• 1 oz. (30 ml.) heavy cream (35%) or 18% cream

• freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish (optional)

• a handful of ice

Directions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Fill with ice. Shake until the outside is frosty, about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Grate fresh nutmeg on top for garnish, if desired. Enjoy immediately!