The Story Behind The Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander, also known as Alexander #2, is an evolution of the original Alexander, a drink that called for a mix of gin, crème de cacao, and cream. The original is thought to have existed in the early 20th century, as it was initially published in 1916 in the book, “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.”
Post-Prohibition in the 1930s, brandy came back into vogue as the favored spirit for the Alexander cocktail as it was once again available, reliable, and of quality, and thus the cocktail as we know it was born. It is commonly served as an after-dinner cocktail as it is rich, sweet, and practically dessert in a glass with its chocolate, dried-fruit profile balanced with cream. As soon as the cold weather hits, this cocktail and its many variations begin to appear on bar menus around the world.
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