This Alexander is great

We made it to the end of Dry January. So, it’s time to drink the hard stuff. But, you may still want a dessert type of drink. Enter our current holiday. It’s brandy Alexander day. And, This Alexander is great. Not like the Macedonian King. His claim to fame was being the greatest military strategist of all time. Today, though, we celebrate an antiquated drink whose heyday was about 100 years ago. A simple concoction, it combines Brandy, Creme de cacao, and cream. A dash of nutmeg to garnish, and your on your way. It’s a soothing cocktail for a winter day.

But, it wasn’t always a Brandy Alexander. The origin of the drink, as with many things alcohol related is hard to remember (like where you parked your car). And, of course, there are multiple accounts of where the name came from. Some say it was named for a nobleman at a royal wedding in 1922. Others claim it was dedicated to the Russian Czar Alexander I. Yet, another story says it was the bartender who invented it: Troy Alexander who worked at Rector’s restaurant in New York, tasked with creating a white drink for an event honoring the fictitious advertising character, Phoebe Snow. While it makes for a great story, it’s probably none of the above, since the Waldorf Astoria, supposedly, had been making a similar drink, with the same name, using Gin instead of Brandy, since at least the 1890’s.

Who declared This Alexander is great?

The Brandy Alexander has its brushes with greatness. As pointed out above, many people clamor to take credit for it. That doesn’t happen with mediocre inventions. And, the confusion over gin VS Brandy was addressed in recipe books released after the 1930’s by naming gin Alexander #1, and Brandy as Alexander #2. So, that puts the confusion to rest. But, just like Coke and Pepsi, people will fight over which is better. Although, in the public Arena, Brandy won out. Today is national Brandy Alexander day, not gin. And, when’s the last time you heard anyone even order a gin Alexander. If you had a choice between Gin and brandy or cognac, which would you pick? While Gin has it’s place, it’s better suited to lighter cocktails. Brandy and cognac stand up to heavier flavors like cream and cocoa with ease.

Plus, brandy and cognac just sound more erudite. Remember, it was a big thing in the roaring 20’s. But, it kind of slipped into obscurity for about 50 years. Then, came the Beatles. Supposedly, after the break up of the fab four, John Lennon experienced “the lost Weekend”. According to Legend, Harrry Nilson introduced John to the Brandy Alexander at this time. John proclaimed it was like drinking milkshakes. He and Ringo, famously indulged in the cocktail on a regular basis. And, that star power brought notoriety to the drink.

Another 50 years

Now, it’s 50 years later. And, if you go with the story that the drink originated around 1922, it just passed its centennial birthday. So, now’s a perfect time for a resurgence. Maybe Katie Perry or Bono of U2 can start drinking them to re-invigorate the over 30 crowd to re-discover this gem of a cocktail. Of course, it has an uphill battle. Cream is poo pooed widely for its fat content and is forbidden in plant based diets. Of course, you can substitute plant based creams. So, what’s the issue? White Russians and Mudslides are consistently popular cream based drinks. But, Kahlua is super sweet. Brandy Alexanders are slightly sweet. It’s a more adult drink than those other ones that truly are like milkshakes.

Of course, you can make an Alexander sweeter by using something like a Godiva or other brqand Chocolate liqueur instead of the creme de Cacao. So, what’s the trepidation? Start mixing, and enjoying this time tested classic. And, don’t forget, you can always make adjustments. Of course, we recommend using a fine cognac. But, if you don’t have that, make due with brandy. Plus, don’t forget, the original was made with gin. So, you can substitute a variety of liquors.

Here are a few variations to consider:

• Traditional: 1 1/2 oz Brandy or cognac, 1 oz Creme De Cacao, 1 oz Heavy Cream. Shake with Ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with ground nutmeg
• Chocolate Alexander: 2 oz Brandy or cognac, 1 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, 1 oz Heavy Cream Melt in 1/2 oz White Chocolate. Cool the cream and chocolate mix. Shake with other ingredients with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with chocolate shavings
• Coco Loco Alexander: 2 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz Creme de cacao, 1 1/2 oz Sweet Coconut Cream, Shake with Ice and Strain. Garnish With Toasted Coconut
• Retro Gin Alexander: 1 1/2 oz Gin, 1 oz Creme de Cacao, 1 oz Heavy Cream. Same treatment. Garnish with Juniper berries.
• Tennessee Alexander: 2 oz Bourbon, 1 oz Chocolate Liqueur, 1 oz Heavy Cream, 1/2 tsp honey.
• Vermont Alexander: 1 1/2 oz Whiskey, 1 oz Maple Cream Liqueur, 1 oz Chocolate liqueur, 1/2 oz Maple Syrup, 1/2 oz Heavy Cream. Rim glass with maple sugar to garnish.

EVIVA!