This after dinner cocktail is a remake of a classic simple brandy cocktail. A hint of coffee and a waft of chocolate accentuate the silky cream and mellow brandy in this coffee Alexander. It's a luscious yet serious creamy libation to savour.
If you're feeling extravagant, try serving it with a slice of chocolate salami alongside.
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Why I love this twist on the classic
Appearance: It's easy to dress this simple brandy cocktail up, especially if you are serving it in place of dessert. Try threading fancy chocolates onto a cocktail pick, adding a chocolate wafer or even topping it with a cloud of whipped cream.
Taste: Expect the warming notes of brandy to shine alongside sweet nuances of coffee and chocolate. It's creamy, but not ridiculously so, making this drink a lovely example of a brandy and coffee cocktail.
Unique: Think you know the classic version? Well, perhaps you do but it's time to shake things up a bit. Coffee is the perfect way to do so.
Jump to:
Combining the flavours of brandy and coffee is not a new pairing. It's a popular choice, especially in hot coffee drinks. But I've taken it in a cool and creamy direction to make a knockout after dinner cocktail that could easily take the place of dessert.
Like the look of this simple brandy cocktail? Then you'll probably enjoy my Baileys espresso martini and my coffee crème Drambuie cocktail too.
Ingredients notes
The classic brandy Alexander contains:
- Cognac or brandy - the best your budget allows.
- Brown crème de cacoa
- Cream (I use unsweetened single cream with 18% fat content)
My coffee Alexander after dinner cocktail contains all three of these ingredients plus an additional ingredient:
I substitute ¾ of the crème de cocoa for the coffee liqueur. This simple swap means that the sweetness and creaminess of the cocktail are both unaffected. There's still a hint of chocolate in the mix, but the flavour of coffee with brandy definitely comes through brightly.
Step by step instructions
- Step 1: Add a large handful of ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in the brandy, coffee liqueur and creme de cacao.
- Step 2: Now add the cream, secure the lid on theshaker and shake vigorously for 30-40 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well chilled and suitably diluted.
- Step 3: Double strain the drink into a cocktail glass and garnish with a grating of nutmeg. Add optional embellishments if desired.
Expert tips
- Chill your serving glass in the freezer for around 15 minutes before pouring your drink. This way your brandy and coffee cocktail will stay deliciously cold as you drink it.
- Use plenty of ice in the cocktail shaker in order to chill and dilute your drink sufficiently.
- You can also use double cream (heavy cream) for a more indulgent version of this drink.
- Strain the drink through a fine-meshed sieve to stop small pieces of ice making their way into you glass.
Frequently asked questions
Brandy refers to a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice. It can be produced using grapes or other fruit. (think of the apple brandy Calvados for example). It can also come from anywhere in the world.
Cognac, however, is a brandy that must be made from white grapes and it must come from the Cognac region in Southwest France where the natural growing conditions, or terrior, are known for their superiority. Cognac must be aged for at least 2 years in French oak.
In a nutshell, Cognac is brandy but not all brandy is Cognac.
Yes, you can. The flavour profile suits most dark spirits. Simply replace the brandy with an equal measure of bourbon or dark rum.
This is not an ideal substitution. Single cream has a fat content of around 18% in the UK. Half and half is an American product combining cream and milk with a fat content of only 12%. The equivalent to single cream in the US is light cream, which also has a fat content of around 18%.
Serving suggestions
- Nutmeg: Keep your garnish in line with the classic and go with a light dusting of grated nutmeg on your coffee Alexander.
- Cantuccini biscuits: These are great for dipping into your drink.
- Chocolate covered wafers: Lean into the chocolate undertones present and add a sense of fun using goodies such as Kinder Bueno bars.
- Espresso brownies: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, these make the perfect partner served on the side of this simple brandy cocktail.
More after dinner cocktails
Find plenty more creamy after dinner cocktails in my collection of inventive and delicious drink recipes. Here are a few delights:
Have you made this after dinner cocktail? Please let me know if you enjoyed it by leaving a review. Don't forget to mention how you decided to garnish it.
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📖 Recipe
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After Dinner Cocktail - Coffee Alexander
Ingredients
- 30 ml Brandy
- 15 ml Coffee Liqueur
- 5 ml Crème de Cacao Dark
- 20 ml Cream Single (18% fat)
Garnish
- Ground Nutmeg
- Chocolate stick/ wafer if desired
Instructions
For Both Cocktail Variations
- Put a handful of ice into a cocktail shaker.
- Add all liquid ingredients, push on the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to mix the ingredients together and ensure the drink is well chilled and sufficiently diluted.
- Strain into a cocktail glass, sprinkle with a little grated nutmeg and add any chocolate embellishments as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Jane Coupland
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I've just revisited to take some step by step images and I'd forgotten how lovely it is.
Betty Davies
My Dad loves brandy so decided to make this for him on his birthday. It was a real treat and he loved it so much! Thank you!
Jane Saunders
Lucky Dad! Thanks for the thumbs up 🙂