Alexander
A rich and creamy classic combining gin, white crème de cacao and cream, finished with freshly grated nutmeg.
Drink details
Glass
Coupe Glass
Ice
No Ice
Method
Shaken
Strength
Medium
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Gin
30 ml
Crème de Cacao
White
30 ml
Heavy Cream
30 ml
Garnish
Nutmeg
Freshly grated
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Add the gin, white crème de cacao and heavy cream to a shaker filled with ice.
- 2
Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled and creamy.
- 3
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- 4
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
About the Alexander
The Alexander is a classic early twentieth-century cocktail made with gin, white crème de cacao and cream. It predates the better-known Brandy Alexander, which replaces the gin with brandy. The Alexander balances the botanical character of gin with the gentle chocolate sweetness of crème de cacao and the richness of cream, creating an elegant dessert-style cocktail that is both indulgent and refined.
What does an Alexander taste like?
The Alexander is rich, creamy and gently sweet, with a distinctive balance of botanical, chocolate and warm spice notes. Gin provides a dry, aromatic backbone, while white crème de cacao adds subtle chocolate sweetness without overpowering the drink. Heavy cream gives it a smooth, silky texture, and freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, fragrant finish.
Tips for making an Alexander
Use white crème de cacao to preserve the Alexander's classic pale appearance and keep the chocolate flavor delicate. Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to thoroughly chill the drink and give it a smooth, creamy texture, then double strain into a well-chilled coupe. Grate a little fresh nutmeg over the finished cocktail for the best aroma.
Substitutions & Variations
No gin?
Brandy or cognac is the best-known alternative. Replacing the gin with brandy creates the Brandy Alexander, a classic variation with a richer, rounder character and less of the botanical profile found in the gin-based Alexander.
No white crème de cacao?
Dark crème de cacao can be used instead. It will give the Alexander a deeper chocolate flavor and a darker appearance, while keeping the overall character of the drink similar. If you want to stay closest to the classic pale Alexander, white crème de cacao is the better choice.
No heavy cream?
A lighter cream can be used for a less rich Alexander. The drink will still be creamy, but the texture will be thinner and less silky. Avoid using milk if possible, as it does not provide the same body and luxurious texture as cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Alexander the same as a Brandy Alexander?
No. The original Alexander is made with gin, while a Brandy Alexander replaces the gin with brandy or cognac. The gin-based Alexander has a drier, more botanical and aromatic character. A Brandy Alexander is generally richer and rounder, with the fruit, oak and warming notes of the brandy complementing the crème de cacao and cream. Although closely related, they are distinct cocktails.
Should I use white or dark crème de cacao in an Alexander?
White crème de cacao is the classic choice for an Alexander. It provides the required chocolate character while preserving the cocktail's traditional pale, creamy appearance. Dark crème de cacao can also be used, but it will give the drink a darker color and usually a deeper, more pronounced chocolate character. If you want to stay closest to the classic Alexander, use white crème de cacao.
Why is my Alexander too thick or too thin?
The type of cream and the amount of dilution both affect the Alexander's texture. Heavy cream gives the drink a richer, fuller and silkier texture, while a lighter cream produces a thinner result. Shaking vigorously with plenty of ice is also important. This chills and aerates the cream while introducing enough dilution to prevent the cocktail from feeling excessively heavy. If the drink is too thick, a slightly longer shake can provide a little more dilution. If it is too thin, check that the cream is sufficiently rich and avoid over-diluting the cocktail.
Why is nutmeg used on an Alexander?
Freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, fragrant spice aroma that complements the gin, chocolate and cream. Because the garnish sits on the surface of the cocktail, its aroma is noticeable as you bring the glass to your nose and take a sip. Only a small amount is needed. Too much nutmeg can overpower the Alexander's delicate balance, so a light grating over the finished drink is sufficient.
Is an Alexander a dessert cocktail?
Yes, the Alexander is commonly considered a dessert-style or after-dinner cocktail because of its creamy texture and gentle chocolate sweetness. However, it is not simply a sweet, heavy drink. Gin provides botanical aromas and a relatively dry backbone that balances the crème de cacao and cream. This gives the Alexander a more refined and aromatic character than many richer dessert cocktails.
