Brandy Alexander

January 31: National Brandy Alexander Day

A contractor once gave a holiday gift of a few bottles of Courvoisier V.S. Cognac to the group of engineers at Highlander’s work. While we ourselves do not really drink brandy, it has proven to be a luxurious addition in some of our liqueur-based desserts. But it finally came time to try brandy as a cocktail and blog about it for National Brandy Alexander Day, since we already have the rest of the ingredients to make the mixed drink. It tastes slightly sweet yet strong with a spice of chocolate that is quite warming during the winter season.

Recipe

(Adapted from Brandy Alexander)

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of brandy, traditionally cognac
• 2 ounces white crème de cacao
• 2 ounces whipping cream
• ½ cup crushed ice
• ground nutmeg

Directions

Fill a shaker with ice. Add the brandy, crème de cacao and whipping cream. Shake well to combine all the ingredients. Strain the liquid into a chilled cocktail glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg on top. Serve immediately. Yield: 1 drink

Notes

• Brandy Alexander is said to have been concocted as a signature cocktail for the royal wedding of Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles in London, England, in 1922.
• The International Bartending Association (IBA) rates the Brandy Alexander as the top after-dinner drink.