Also known as the Brandy Alexander when made with brandy, the Alexander is a creamy after-dinner cocktail of gin, white crème de cacao, and light cream, dusted with freshly grated nutmeg. The ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass, yielding a smooth, dessert-like drink whose richness comes from the cream rather than the spirit. Recognized by the IBA among its Unforgettable cocktails, it remains a fixture of the classic canon. At roughly 6 percent alcohol by volume, it leans gentle, with the chocolate of the crème de cacao and the nutmeg garnish defining its character.
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Alexander
Brandy Alexander
材料
- Gin 1/2 oz
- Creme De Cacao 1/2 oz white
- Light cream 2 oz
- Nutmeg Dust
手順
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain contents into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.
Alexanderは、ジン、ホワイトクレームドカカオ、ライトクリームを組み合わせ、新鮮なナツメグを散らしたクリーミーなデザートカクテルで、ブランデーで作る場合はブランデーアレクサンダーとも呼ばれます。IBA公認のUnforgettableカクテルとして、クラシック時代の偉大な食後酒の一つです。6.34%ABVで、その豊かさはアルコールではなくクリームから生まれています。
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.
Pro Tip
Freshly grate whole nutmeg over the finished drink rather than using pre-ground to maximize the aromatic impact of the garnish.
使用テクニック
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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