Quality of liquor during the days of Prohibition wasn’t quite on par with what it is today. The use of heavy cream and sweetening agents played a huge part in helping mask the undesirable flavor found in inferior spirits. Quality of liquor has certainly changed in modern times, but many still prefer sweetened cocktails to disguise the taste of the liquor they consume. Some things never change. The original Alexander calls for gin by design, but this classic cocktail has been recreated numerous times with different spirits. Some books refer to the gin version as an Alexandra with variations in measurements.
January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day.
Alexander
1-1/2 measure Gin
1 measure White Crème de Cacao
1 measure Heavy Cream
Grated Nutmeg Garnish
Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg if desired. Notation: Another variation is Alexander’s Sister which exchanges Green Crème de Menthe for the Crème de Cacao.
Alexander’s Big Brother reaches a bit farther off the classic path.
Alexander’s Big Brother
2 measures Gin
1/2 measure Blue Curacao
1/2 measure Heavy Cream
Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
More variations include the Brandy Alexander, which is said to have been among John Lennon’s favorite cocktails and inspired the non-alcoholic Lennon’s Milkshake. The Cherry Vanilla Alexander and Alexander Frappe bring fruit and ice cream to the classic for more varied flavor. January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day. Cheers!
Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.
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