Brandy Alexander With Ice Cream

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Thick, smooth and strong, the Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream is the perfect decadent cocktail to enjoy after a good meal.

The Brandy Alexander, a creamy and smooth mixture of brandy, heavy cream and crème de cacao, first appeared in the early part of the 20th century. It is a variation on the gin-based Alexander cocktail, which was created by New York bartender Troy Alexander. Over time, the Alexander evolved into the more well-known brandy-based iteration. This resulted in a more full-bodied, sweet and richer flavor. By the middle part of the last century, the Brandy Alexander became the more common take on the original.

When John Lennon went on what rock history dubbed his “Lost Weekend” in 1974, the Brandy Alexander was the ex-Beatle’s cocktail of choice. This period in the musician’s life was a notorious one, where he basically cut loose with friends on the West Coast, overindulging in whatever substance came his way. He never seemed to be anywhere without a Brandy Alexander in his hand, which he affectionately called his “milkshakes”. Lennon’s “weekend” lasted more than 18 months. Talk about a long one.

Tonight’s recipe replaces the heavy cream in the Brandy Alexander with vanilla ice cream. Hence its name, the Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream. Thicker, creamier and sweeter than its original counterpart, this version of the drink is no less potent. You can play around with flavors like strawberry, chocolate, or even get crazy with a scoop of Neapolitan, but a classic vanilla bean will help keep the sweet, grape-tinged flavor of the brandy sitting comfortably amongst the crème and cream.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Brandy Alexander With Ice Cream?

For a Brandy Alexander with Ice Cream, you’ll need a few boozy ingredients to complement the creamy deliciousness of the vanilla treat. The main elements you’ll need are a bottle of brandy and crème de cacao, which is a chocolate-flavored liqueur that is more sweet than creamy, despite its name. DeKuyper makes a dark variety of it, and Tempus Fugit and Dapper Barons produce a top-shelf version, and both are excellent. For the brandy, or cognac, brands such as Hennessy and Courvoisier are easy to find and very reliable.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Take a martini glass or a cocktail coupe and pop either in your freezer for up to thirty minutes. This will frost and chill your glassware, so when you pour your drink in, every sip will be extra cold and smooth. Garnish with a little grated nutmeg or chocolate shavings on top.

WHAT IS THE BEST ICE CREAM TO USE IN THIS RECIPE?

I suggest seeking out locally sourced and produced ice creams in your county or state. It’ll be fresh, delicious and you’re supporting your community. Here in Los Angeles, I’m a big fan of Supercool, which mostly caters events now. If you’re anywhere that is serving up some Supercool, don’t miss out.

Similar Cocktails To The Brandy Alexander With Ice Cream

Dessert and alcohol? Together?! Yes, please! There’s no finer and decadent combination than the creamy goodness of sweet flavors mixed with your spirit of choice. As we get older, some of the things we loved as kids often disappear from our lives, or are considered childish. But we can still enjoy some summertime confections, albeit with a grown-up ingredient or two.

• Spiced Coconut Rum Shakes – Coconut sorbet adds a smooth texture to this tropical treat.
• Dirty Monkey – This creamy and chocolate banana-based beverage is a vacation favorite.
• Orange Creamsicle – If you love an Orange Julius, this cocktail will be your latest obsession.
• Frozen Mudslide – Vanilla ice cream makes this Mudslide a popular one.