Eggnog Brandy Alexander Cocktail

A festive eggnog brandy alexander cocktail served in a cut-glass coupe, topped with freshly grated nutmeg and garnished with a cinnamon stick, surrounded by metallic holiday décor. A glowing candle and blurred Christmas wreath create a warm, moody backdrop.

This eggnog brandy alexander cocktail blends classic holiday eggnog with brandy, crème de cacao, cream, vanilla, and freshly grated nutmeg for a luxurious, velvety winter drink. Rich, smooth, and beautifully aromatic, this seasonal twist on a vintage cocktail offers the perfect balance of warmth, spice, and creamy indulgence.

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Overhead view of a creamy eggnog brandy alexander cocktail in a patterned coupe glass, sprinkled with nutmeg and placed on a plate decorated with gold leaves and holiday ornaments.

Hey, folks – I hope your week is going well.

Today, I’m sharing something wonderfully festive: an eggnog brandy alexander cocktail that transforms a timeless classic into a cozy holiday treat. It’s creamy, fragrant, and just spirited enough to feel celebratory without being overly strong. So, let’s dive into this eggnog brandy alexander cocktail.

A Brief Look at the Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a creamy, dessert-style cocktail that first rose to popularity in the early 20th century. Evolving from the original gin-based Alexander, the brandy version quickly became the more beloved interpretation thanks to its warmer, richer flavour. Traditionally made with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, it gained a reputation as an elegant after-dinner drink – smooth, sweet, and perfectly suited for winter and holiday gatherings. Adding eggnog is simply a natural seasonal progression, enhancing its velvety texture and festive charm.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Brandy Alexander Cocktail

  • Creamy and festive: Eggnog and cream create a velvety, rich texture that feels cozy and indulgent.
  • Balanced sweetness: Honeyed eggnog, crème de cacao, and vanilla offer gentle sweetness without becoming heavy or cloying.
  • Elegant holiday twist: This variation keeps the vintage charm of a classic Brandy Alexander while giving it a distinctly seasonal flair.
  • Simple to prepare: Just shake or stir and serve – perfect for effortless entertaining.
  • Beautiful finish: A dusting of fresh nutmeg makes every glass aromatic and inviting.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This eggnog brandy alexander cocktail is silky, smooth, and slightly thick in the most pleasant way, thanks to the combination of eggnog and cream. Brandy introduces warmth and depth, while crème de cacao adds subtle chocolate notes that complement the spices naturally found in eggnog. Vanilla rounds everything out, and freshly grated nutmeg adds the classic aromatic finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Brandy Alexander Cocktail

For this eggnog brandy alexander cocktail, you’ll be using classic cocktail staples along with a few festive additions to build richness and flavour.

  • Eggnog: Adds creamy body, natural sweetness, and seasonal spice; adjust to taste for thickness and sweetness.
  • Crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur: Brings a subtle cocoa note that pairs beautifully with eggnog and brandy.
  • Cream: Enhances the velvety texture and makes the cocktail extra smooth and luxurious.
  • Brandy: Provides warmth and depth, grounding the sweetness with a gently boozy finish.
  • Vanilla (bean seeds, paste, or extract): Brightens the cocktail and complements the eggnog’s natural spices.
  • Fresh nutmeg: Grated over the top for aroma and the classic Brandy Alexander character.

Possible Additions and Variations

  • Stronger version: Add an extra splash of brandy or substitute dark rum for a deeper, warmer profile.
  • Sweeter version: Add more crème de cacao or a touch of maple syrup.
  • Chocolate-forward: Use dark crème de cacao instead of white.
  • Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the shaker.
  • Lighter version: Replace part of the cream with additional eggnog.

More Festive Holiday Cocktails

Are you looking for more holiday creamy cocktails, like this eggnog brandy alexander cocktail? Be sure to check more recipes below:

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!

Top-down shot of an eggnog brandy alexander cocktail with a smooth, creamy surface and a dusting of nutmeg, styled with golden foliage, ornaments, and soft floral accents for a festive holiday setting.
Eggnog Brandy Alexander Cocktail

Eggnog Brandy Alexander Cocktail

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

A creamy eggnog brandy alexander cocktail made with brandy, crème de cacao, cream, vanilla, and nutmeg – a smooth and festive holiday drink.

Course: Festive Holiday Drinks, Cocktails, ChristmasCuisine: American, EuropeanDifficulty: Easy
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) brandy

  • 1 oz (30 ml) crème de cacao (chocolate liqueur)

  • 2 oz (60 ml) eggnog, ideally full fat

  • 1 oz (30 ml) cream (18% or higher for a richer texture)

  • vanilla bean – seeds on the tip of a knife (~1/8 tsp.) or 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

  • nutmeg – freshly grated, for topping

  • a handful of ice

Directions

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, crème de cacao, eggnog, vanilla, 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!
Hi - I'm Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I'm glad you're here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.

7 Comments

  1. Hahahahahahaha! Daisy is looking a bit grumpy in that photo!!! Love this recipe. I love eggnog and I love a brandy alexander. Thanks!

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