Brandy Alexander – the Classic Cognac Cocktail
Want to know how to make a Brandy Alexander? With just 4 simple ingredients, this sophisticated cognac cocktail will be your new favorite libation for holiday parties, or your own personal happy hour!
Up until a few weeks ago I had never had cognac or brandy. But while asking my husband what he thought was a classic holiday cocktail, he immediately said, “You can never go wrong with a Brandy Alexander!”
Intrigued, I started doing a little research, and discovered that you didn’t need much to make this classic cognac cocktail – just 4 ingredients. Jason then prefaced his comment with the following statement, “Don’t buy cheap cognac. Get the good stuff…the stuff that’s behind the counter.” Once again intrigued, I then asked what should I get that is the “good stuff”? He said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be sure to pick up a good bottle.”
Sure enough, the next day he came home with a bottle of Remy Martin. (I think he was just as excited and intrigued about testing out these Brandy Alexanders as I was.) This is how our journey started on how to make a Brandy Alexander.
Here’s the ingredients you’ll need to make this classic Brandy Alexander:
- Good quality cognac – I chose Remy Martin Champagne Cognac
- Creme de Cacao
- Cream or Half and Half
- Ground Nutmeg
(Be sure to reference the recipe below for exact ingredient amounts and directions.)
The bar tools you’ll need:
- Cocktail Shaker – if you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight fitting lid works well
- Shot Glass or Jigger
- Martini or “Up” Glasses
Step 1: Start with a Cocktail Shaker filled with Ice
This drink comes together very quickly and easily, however, you want to make sure everything is cold. If you have the time in advance, chill your martini glasses.
This will actually help the drink stay cold while you’re imbibing. Additionally, you’ll want to start by mixing the drink in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. This will help the ingredients chill quickly.
Step 2: Add the Cognac, Creme de Cacao and Cream
To the cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 part cognac, 1 part creme de cacao and 1 part cream or half and half.
Step 3: Add the Lid and Shake Well
To the cocktail shaker add the strainer and lid, making sure it fits tightly. Shake the ingredients vigorously. If you are using a mason jar, be sure to secure the lid and tighten well.
Step 4: Pour into Chilled Glasses
Once you’ve shaken the liqueurs, cream and ice together, then strain into the chilled glasses. The traditional glass to use for this cognac cocktail is a martini or “up” glass.
The purpose of the up glass is to keep the ingredients cold, and for your hands to stay on the stem of the glass.
Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Ground Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a traditional garnish for this cocktail. It’s sophisticated enough that it needs very little extra. To compliment the creme de cacao, you could also garnish with chocolate shavings, but the nutmeg was absolutely perfect with the cognac.
This cocktail would be absolutely wonderful for a swanky Christmas cocktail party, or for a delicious after-dinner drink on Christmas day. I personally loved this cognac cocktail for a little cocktail party of my own. Cheers to you this holiday season! ~Erin
(Scroll down for the complete recipe)
If you loved this classic cognac cocktail, be sure to check out some of my other recipes:
- Tiramisu Cocktail
- Baileys Espresso Martini
- Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail
- Chocolate Cake Martini
- Creamy Hot Buttered Rum
- Ginger Snap Cocktail
- How to Pair Wines & Snacks
- Apple Cider Shandy
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How to Make a Brandy Alexander
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker This useful glass cocktail shaker has measurements on the side for easy pouring!
- Martini Glasses Must-have stemware for anyone who loves mixing drinks at home.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Cognac like Remy Martin
- 1 oz. Creme de Cacao
- 1 oz. Cream or Half and Half
- Fresh ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the cognac, creme de cacao and cream. Shake well. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh ground nutmeg. Enjoy right away while cold.
Nutrition
Wow, this could be dangerous! I’m a wine-girl, hands down but I love a martini now and then just to shake things up! This looks awesome! thank you! (Pretty Pintastic)
I am not drinking alcohol, but I bet this would be a hit at this week’s Fiesta Friday! Thanks for sharing!
Try ice cream in place of cream . It’s delicious.
Making a Brandy Alexander is something that I want to do, and now that you’ve shared the guide here on how to make this drink, I’ll follow it thoroughly. I’ll invite my friends to be a part of this process, as well.