Alexander Recipe

Dive into the luxurious world of the Alexander Cocktail, a true classic that's as enchanting to behold as it is delightful to sip. This incredibly creamy cocktail artfully blends the rich, warming notes of fine Cognac with the decadent sweetness of Crème de Cacao and the smooth embrace of fresh cream. It's an elegant, dessert-like drink that offers a velvety texture and a sophisticated flavor profile, making it a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Prepare to be charmed by this timeless and inviting creation.

The Perfect Alexander

This classic cocktail is particularly beloved for its unique blend of flavors and elegant presentation.

What Makes It Special

• Cocktail
• Served Up
• Cognac
• Shaken
• Cocktails
• Served in Cocktail Glass
• Crème de Cacao
• Creamy

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 30 ml crème de cacao
• 30 ml fresh cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients and ensure you have a sturdy cocktail shaker at hand.
2. Fill your cocktail shaker generously with ice cubes to ensure proper chilling.
3. Carefully pour the 30 ml of cognac, 30 ml of brown crème de cacao, and 30 ml of fresh cream into the shaker.
4. Seal the shaker tightly and vigorously shake for approximately 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and a beautiful frothy texture has formed.
5. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the concoction straight up into a pre-chilled cocktail glass, ensuring no ice chips make their way into your drink.

The History Behind the Recipe

The Alexander's exact origins are beautifully shrouded in delightful mystery, much like many of the great cocktails of its era. Rumor has it that this sophisticated concoction first graced the palates of discerning drinkers in the early 20th century, perhaps around the turn of the Prohibition era, making it one of those delightful miscellaneous classics. Some whisper it was created to commemorate a celebratory event, or perhaps named after a prominent figure like the famous Russian Czar Alexander II, or even a popular New York City restaurant critic, Alexander Woollcott. Regardless of its precise birth story, one thing is certain: the Alexander quickly cemented its place as a timeless classic, celebrated for its elegant simplicity and irresistible creamy charm, becoming a beloved choice for its harmonious blend of Cognac and sweet liqueurs.

Presentation and Visual Appeal

When expertly poured into a beautifully chilled cocktail glass, the Alexander presents itself with an inviting, opaque pale tan or light brown hue, a visual testament to its creamy texture and the rich brown crème de cacao. Its surface often hints at a delicate, appealing froth from the vigorous shaking, promising a velvety smooth sip. Traditionally, it's crowned with a subtle, delicate dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, which adds a warm, spicy visual accent and an enticing aroma that perfectly complements the drink's rich profile. It’s a drink that looks as comforting and luxurious as it tastes, a true feast for the eyes before it even touches the lips.

Pro Tips and Variations

For the ultimate Alexander experience, always serve this delightful drink in a properly chilled cocktail glass. A simple trick is to place your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before mixing. While fresh cream provides the classic richness, you can experiment with light cream or even half-and-half for a slightly lighter touch, if preferred. The traditional garnish for an Alexander is a delicate dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, which adds a wonderful aromatic complexity and visual appeal. For a touch of extra decadence, try a few chocolate shavings instead! This shaken cocktail is specifically designed to be served up, meaning without ice in the serving glass, allowing its smooth, creamy texture and balanced flavors to shine unadulterated. It truly embodies the essence of classic cocktails.

This cocktail embodies the essence of classic mixology – simple ingredients combined with expert technique to create something truly extraordinary.