
Brandy Alexander is a decadent dessert cocktail. Consisting of brandy, crème de cacao, cream, and sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg, it is rich and festive. Perfect to enjoy during the holiday season!
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Hey folks, how are you doing? I hope you are enjoying the weekend. The holiday break is almost here, so I bet some of you are still busy. I get it! Please just remember that holidays come and go quickly, so anticipation may be the best part of it.
So please set back and relax sipping on this luscious cocktail.
Brandy Alexander
A Brandy Alexander is a brandy-based (shocking, eh?!) or cognac-based cocktail. It also includes crème de cacao, cream and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to finish.
Rich, creamy, and sweet, this cocktail is a perfect after-meal treat, especially during the holidays. It is an indulgent drink that is also strong and decadent that goes down smoothly. If you a fan of creamy drinks like Irish cream, then you should give this one a try!
What Do You Need For This Recipe?
Brandy – feel free to use brandy or cognac to make this cocktail. You do not need to buy a super expensive bottle – choose the one for reasonable price.
Crème de Cacao – a chocolate flavour liqueur of your choice. You can use dark crème de cacao or light crème de cacao, depending on your preference. I used dark as it is less sweet, to my liking. White crème de cacao has a milk chocolate flavor and vanilla notes which is nice, too. You can use even white chocolate liqueur, if you a fan of a super sweet cocktail. Personally, I would go with crème de cacao as its flavour profile is less straightforward and more complex, and it rounds out the sweetness nicely.
Cream – adding cream to the cocktail adds the luscious and creamy texture. Normally, the recipe calls for heavy (~35%) cream, but you can use cream with less fat content for a less rich version. I have seen recipes using eggnog in place of cream. While I have not tried it myself, I think it is an excellent option!
Nutmeg – this is the perfect garnish for the cocktail as it adds a warm touch to the drink. You can use cinnamon if you do not like nutmeg.
More Festive and Decadent Cocktails for Holidays
Looking for more festive cocktails to enjoy around the holidays? Be sure to check some below.
Homemade Gingerbread Cream Liquor
I hope you like this cocktail, and you will give it a try. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share you photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!



Brandy Alexander
Course: Drinks1
servings5
minutesBrandy Alexander is a decadent dessert cocktail. Consisting of brandy, crème de cacao, cream, and sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg, it is rich and festive.
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. (~28 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!

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.
Hm….. and this one to have in the evening…… :-)
Davorka recently posted…Morning Glory Muffin Recipe
Ben I love Brandy Alexanders. My husband and I used to go to a seafood restaurant on Sunday afternoon and have a lovely meal at a table overlooking the water. For dessert…a Brandy Alexander was the perfect ending to the meal.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Merry Christmas One And All
I have always loved Brandy Alexanders! I was introduced to them years ago by an elderly friend and just could not get enough. One local hotel restaurant serves them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – talk about a decadent dessert!
Growing up, I remember my mom talking about how she would make Brandy Alexanders for dinner parties. I never knew exactly what they were…until now! This sounds like a great sipping drink in front of the fire! Cheers, Ben!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Chocolate Gravy
You know, I’ve heard of Brandy Alexander, of course, but never had one. Or knew how to make one, until now. Sounds delicious and very festive.
What a festive drink, Ben! I’ll have to try it with eggnog since I’ve still got that hanging around my fridge ;-)
Great timing for the season’s entertaining, this festive cocktail is just the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
in my drinking days I loved a brandy alexander. They are just so delicious! happy christmas to you.
Agreed Sherry. happy holidays!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Brandy Alexander
This luscious cocktail / dessert is new to me, Ben. I am seriously impressed – my kind of creamy, boozy, chocolately indulgence. Definitely a must try this holiday season!
Thank you Marissa!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Brandy Alexander
I’m thinking that it might be good turned into a milkshake as it’s so hot here.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…Ukrainian Yoghurt Pancakes
yeah, that would be good!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Brandy Alexander
I have never had one, but would love to try yours as it looks soooooooo tempting!
angiesrecipes recently posted…Peanut Butter Soup
Thank you Angie!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Brandy Alexander
I’ve heard of Brandy Alexander but I’ve never seen or tasted one. This looks fabulous and I know I would LOVE it. Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you Judee!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Brandy Alexander