Variations of the Classic Alexander

Though the classic Alexander originally contained gin as the primary base spirit, it is most commonly mixed with Brandy in today’s cocktail culture and ordered as a Brandy Alexander. As was the case with many classic cocktails, the Alexander was born out of necessity so to speak. Prohibition made way for back alley haphazard poor quality style gin which left a rather bad taste in many people’s mouths. The bad taste didn’t stop the masses from drinking, but it did set the wheels in motion for more creative mixing.

This little cocktail is so popular it has its own holiday. January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day.

Alexander

1 ounce Gin

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Notation: Some books reference the gin version of this drink as an Alexandra while others call it an Alexander, each with varying measurements.

Cherry Vanilla Alexander – adapted by Cheri Loughlin from the classic Brandy Alexander

3/4 ounce Brandy or Cognac

1/2 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1/2 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1/4 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and frothy. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry. Notation: Half & Half may be substituted for the heavy cream. Additional variations to the classic Brandy Alexander can be made by decreasing the Crème de Cacao and supplementing a favorite flavor such as amaretto, hazelnut, raspberry… the possibilities are endless. Experiment with something new!

Alexander Frappe

1 ounce Brandy, Cognac or Gin

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Large Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Place liquids and ice cream in blender. Blend to smooth consistency. Pour into large chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

The spirited cocktail calendar mentions January 31 as National Brandy Alexander Day. The Brandy Alexander is said to have been one of John Lennon’s favorite cocktails. More variations include a Coffee Alexander which exchanges coffee liqueur for the base spirit and the non-alcoholic Lennon’s Milkshake. Find more interesting daily cocktail holidays by following the link.

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

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