Alexander
The Alexander is a beautifully simple and decadent cocktail, blending the botanical notes of gin with the rich chocolate flavor of crème de cacao and the smooth texture of heavy cream. It is a pre-Prohibition classic that serves as a perfect after-dinner treat or dessert in a glass. Often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg, it's a sophisticated and comforting drink that has stood the test of time. While many now know its brandy-based variation better, the original gin version offers a more complex and aromatic profile.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Alexander is classified as a classic cocktail, often served as a digestif or dessert drink due to its creamy and sweet character. It's a foundational drink in the creamy cocktail category, a precursor to many similar concoctions.
Serving
The Alexander is a small, chilled cocktail served straight up in a coupe or martini glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a pleasant but not overpowering after-dinner drink.
Serving size
approx. 90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
approx. 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
The drink is believed to have been created by bartender Hugo Ensslin, who published the recipe in his 1915 book "Recipes for Mixed Drinks". It's rumored to have been created for a dinner celebrating Phoebe Snow, a fictional character used in a Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad advertising campaign. The character always wore white to promote the clean-burning coal of the railroad, and the cocktail's pale, creamy color was a fitting tribute.
Origin
The Alexander cocktail originated in the United States, likely in New York City, around 1915. It was first documented by Hugo Ensslin at the Hotel Wallick.
Alexander
The drink is most commonly known simply as the Alexander. To distinguish it from its more famous brandy-based sibling, it is sometimes called the Gin Alexander or Alexander Cocktail. The original recipe specifically called for gin as the base spirit.
Original name
Alexander
Alternative names
- Alexander Cocktail
- Gin Alexander
Characteristics overview
This cocktail has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet chocolate and cream flavor balanced by the botanical notes of gin. Its aroma is dominated by nutmeg and cacao, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.
Flavor
creamy, chocolate, sweet, botanical, juniper, nutty
Aroma
nutmeg, chocolate, cream, juniper
Taste balance
sweet, rich
Aftertaste
smooth, lingering chocolate, clean gin finish
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
opaque, creamy white, off-white
Texture
smooth, velvety, rich
Seasonality
warming, wintery, festive
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Alexander is defined by its high sweetness and creaminess, with a moderate alcohol presence. It has minimal to no bitterness or sourness, offering a smooth and rich flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires just three core ingredients in equal parts: gin, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg is essential for the garnish.
- Gin30 ml / 1 ozA classic London Dry Gin works well.
- Crème de Cacao (white)30 ml / 1 ozUse white (blanc) crème de cacao to maintain the cocktail's pale color.
- Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 ozAlso known as double cream. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Nutmeg1 pinchFor garnish. Freshly grated is highly recommended.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking)
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainers. A microplane or small grater is also needed for the fresh nutmeg garnish.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a smooth texture.
- Microplane or grater for the nutmeg.
Instructions
To prepare an Alexander, shake gin, crème de cacao, and heavy cream with ice until well-chilled. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
7. Garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top.
8. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The traditional and essential garnish for an Alexander is a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. This adds an aromatic complexity that complements the creamy and chocolate notes.
- Grated Nutmeg: A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg over the top of the finished drink.
Dietary Information
This drink contains dairy and is not vegan; the nutmeg garnish also makes it unsuitable for those with nut allergies. It is, however, gluten-free, egg-free, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Alexander is a moderately caloric and high-sugar cocktail due to the crème de cacao and cream. A single serving contains approximately 250-300 calories and 15-20 grams of sugar.
Calories
averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This creamy cocktail is perfect as a digestif after a meal or as a liquid dessert. It is also a popular choice for festive occasions and holiday celebrations, thanks to its rich and comforting nature.
- After-dinner drink
- Dessert
- Holiday gathering
- Celebration
Pairing suggestions
The Alexander pairs wonderfully with light, not-too-sweet desserts like shortbread or chocolate mousse. It can also complement a simple bowl of fresh berries. However, it is most often enjoyed on its own as a liquid dessert to cap off a meal.
- Light chocolate desserts
- Shortbread cookies
- Fresh berries
- As a standalone dessert
The Alexander: A Timeless Creamy Classic
The Alexander is a classic, creamy cocktail with roots in the pre-Prohibition era. It is a simple yet elegant mix of equal parts gin, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream, shaken and served in a chilled coupe glass. The botanical notes of the gin provide a beautiful counterpoint to the rich chocolate and cream flavors. Finished with a dusting of aromatic nutmeg, it stands as a timeless choice for an after-dinner drink or a decadent treat.