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!
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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.
Contents
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.
Brandy Alexander Recipe with Vanilla Ice Cream
A decadent take on the classic Brandy Alexander, with the added richness of extra ice cream and homemade whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brandy (such as Cognac or Korbel)
- 2 ounces crème de cacao
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Homemade whipped cream (for topping)
- Nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Glass: Start by choosing your favorite cocktail glass. There's no need to chill it since the ice cream will keep the drink sufficiently cold.
- Blend the Base: In a blender, combine 2 ounces of your chosen brandy, 2 ounces of dark crème de cacao, and 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream. This mix is going to be rich and indulgent, perfect for a dessert cocktail.
- Achieve the Perfect Consistency: Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth. You're looking for a creamy, shake-like texture.
- Pour Into Glass: Once blended to perfection, pour the mixture into your glass. The consistency should be thick and smooth, akin to a luxurious milkshake.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. This adds an extra layer of decadence to your drink.
- Finish with Nutmeg: Lightly sprinkle nutmeg over the whipped cream. It's the perfect spice to complement the creamy, brandy-infused blend.
- Enjoy Your Creation: Your sumptuous Brandy Alexander is now ready. Sip and enjoy this creamy, dreamy cocktail, ideal as a dessert or a special treat.
Notes
The best part about a rich drink such as this is that you don't need the high shelf stuff.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 423Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 60mgSodium 107mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 1gSugar 38gProtein 5g
Nutrition automatically generated.
The Final: Brandy Alexander with Vanilla Ice Cream (and Whipped Cream!)