The Decadent Brandy Alexander Recipe With Vanilla Ice Cream

So I was at the State Store the other day, and I bought some crème de cocoa. I thought it would make a great little dabble for our after-eating coffee for our annual Christmas party. Enter this delicious brandy Alexander recipe with vanilla ice cream. It is so naughty for Santa!

What I Love About This Brandy Alexander Recipe

I am not an alcohol drinker. The most I imbibe is a quarter (yes, a quarter) of what would be a typical glass of wine every so often. And when I say “every so often,” what I really mean is every other month.

But I do like the specialty drinks. Fruity, sweet, chocolatey. The more sugary the better. Kind of how I like my coffee. So on special occasions, like a Christmas party (at my own house or with a designated driver, y’all, I’m totally not into driving drunk), I will have something like that.

This drink is just enough alcohol but loads of yummy stuff like vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. It’s so not good for you. But it’s also a great drink to serve at a dinner or holiday party.

FAQs

1. What Exactly Is a Brandy Alexander? A Brandy Alexander, traditionally, is a cocktail made from equal parts of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and cream. However, in this naughty twist, cream gets the boot, and in comes vanilla ice cream. The result? A decadent, dessert-like drink that blends the warmth of brandy with the sweet, rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla.

2. Can I Make a Brandy Alexander Without Alcohol? Sure thing! For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the brandy and crème de cacao with non-alcoholic substitutes like chocolate and vanilla syrups. The result won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a delightful, creamy dessert drink.

3. What’s the Best Brandy to Use? While you could use any brandy, cognac or Korbel are recommended for their smoothness and depth of flavor. Cognac, especially, adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to this already opulent drink.

4. Is There a Vegan Alternative? Absolutely! Swap out the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free alternative. There are numerous excellent plant-based ice creams out there that can do the trick. Just make sure to choose one with a rich vanilla flavor to keep the spirit of the drink intact.

5. Can I Use Regular Cocoa Instead of Crème de Cocoa? Technically yes, but it’s a bit tricky. Regular cocoa lacks the sweetness and liquid consistency of crème de cacao. You’d need to adjust by adding simple syrup or another sweetener and possibly a bit of liquid to get the right consistency.

6. What’s a Good Food Pairing with a Brandy Alexander? Think light and non-competitive with the drink’s richness. A simple fruit platter or delicate pastries can complement the drink well. Avoid anything too heavy or overpoweringly flavorful.

7. How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture? The key is in the blending. You want to blend the ice cream, brandy, and crème de cacao until smooth. Over-blending can make it too runny, while under-blending might leave you with ice cream lumps. Aim for a creamy, milkshake-like consistency.

8. Can I Prepare This Drink in Advance? Not really. It’s best served immediately after blending to maintain its creamy texture and to prevent it from melting. However, you can pre-measure your ingredients to speed up the process when it’s time to serve.

9. What’s the Ideal Glassware for a Brandy Alexander? A coupe glass or a martini glass adds a touch of elegance and is traditionally used for this cocktail. However, if you’re going for a more casual vibe, any glass will do.

10. How Can I Garnish My Brandy Alexander? A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top adds a lovely aromatic touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate shavings can elevate it to dessert status.

 

The Final: Brandy Alexander with Vanilla Ice Cream (and Whipped Cream!)