What ingredients are in a Alexander?

1/2 oz Gin, 1/2 oz white Creme De Cacao, 2 oz Light cream, Dust Nutmeg

What glass do you use for a Alexander?

A Alexander is traditionally served in a Cocktail glass.

How strong is a Alexander?

A Alexander has an estimated ABV of 6.34%.

How many calories are in a Alexander?

A Alexander contains approximately 356 calories per serving.

What makes the Alexander an IBA official cocktail?

The Alexander is recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as one of the Unforgettable Cocktails due to its historical significance and enduring presence in classic cocktail culture. The combination of gin, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream, finished with grated nutmeg, represents the dessert cocktail tradition at its most elegant.

What is the difference between an Alexander and a Brandy Alexander?

The original Alexander uses gin as its base spirit, while the Brandy Alexander—which has become more popular in modern times—substitutes brandy or Cognac for the gin. The Brandy Alexander tends to taste richer and more overtly dessert-like, while the gin version has a more botanical, slightly drier character beneath the cream.

Why is the Alexander served with grated nutmeg?

Grated nutmeg is the traditional garnish for the Alexander, adding a warm, spiced aromatic note that complements the chocolate flavor of the crème de cacao and the richness of the cream. The spice also helps cut through the sweetness and signals the drink's historical connection to warm, spiced dessert beverages.

The Alexander, also known as the Brandy Alexander when made with brandy, is a creamy dessert cocktail made with gin, white crème de cacao, and light cream, dusted with freshly grated nutmeg. Recognized by the IBA among its Unforgettable classics, it stands as one of the great after-dinner drinks of the classic cocktail era. The white crème de cacao supplies a chocolate sweetness, the cream lends a rich, smooth body, and the gin provides a botanical foundation, with nutmeg adding aromatic spice on top. Shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass, it sits at roughly 6 percent ABV, deriving its richness from the cream rather than the alcohol. The result is a smooth, indulgent, dessert-like cocktail with a chocolate-and-cream character softened by a hint of nutmeg.

Alexander

Brandy Alexander

Glass Cocktail glass

Difficulty Medium

Calories ~356 kcal

ABV 6.34%

Ingredients

Gin 1/2 oz
Creme De Cacao 1/2 oz white
Light cream 2 oz
Nutmeg Dust

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain contents into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.

IBA Classic Dairy

The Alexander, also known as the Brandy Alexander when made with brandy, is a creamy dessert cocktail combining gin, white crème de cacao, and light cream, dusted with freshly grated nutmeg. As an IBA-recognized Unforgettable cocktail, it stands as one of the great after-dinner drinks of the classic era. At 6.34% ABV, its richness comes from the cream rather than the alcohol.

History & Origins

The Alexander was created in the early 20th century and is widely attributed to Troy Alexander, a New York bartender who reportedly invented it around 1915 for a dinner celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal, though this origin is disputed. The Brandy Alexander variation became more popular over time, eventually overshadowing the original gin version. It was a staple of the IBA's Unforgettables category for its enduring place in cocktail culture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet chocolate from the crème de cacao mingled with fresh cream and a gentle dusting of warm nutmeg spice. Palate: Rich and indulgent; the cream provides a silky texture while the crème de cacao delivers a light cocoa sweetness, with gin's botanicals providing a subtle counterpoint. Finish: Creamy and warm, with lingering nutmeg spice.

creamy chocolate nutmeg sweet rich

Pro Tip

Freshly grate whole nutmeg over the finished drink rather than using pre-ground to maximize the aromatic impact of the garnish.

Techniques Used

Shaking

Data verified November 2016

Nutrition Facts →

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