Homemaking
Brandy Alexander Recipe
Quick Answer
This Brandy Alexander is a blended dessert cocktail made with vanilla ice cream instead of the traditional cream and creme de cacao. It combines brandy, Baileys Irish Cream, and a full quart of vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy drink that works as both a cocktail and dessert. Serves 4 in about 5 minutes.
Once upon a time there was a deliciously sweet scoop of vanilla ice cream named Alexander. He spent most of his days at children's birthday parties, carnivals, and beach-side bungalows. It's safe to say, his life was a little boring. He knew that something in his life was missing, his soulmate. He searched high and low for his one true love. Year after year would find himself on another meaningless date, one day it was with a waffle cone, the next it was a bowl of hot fudge. He was so desperate to find his perfect match he even found himself on a date with a slice of birthday cake. Nothing sparked. But he knew that he was destined to find her. Alexander was looking for something different. Something, or someone, with a wild side. He just about gave up hope until one day, he met Brandy.
Brandy was mature, robust, and spent her days in bars and cocktail parties, places Alexander had never gone before. It was love at first sight, or should I say, bite. Their love was unparalleled. Together, they were a perfect match. Brandy's sophisticated demeanor gave Alexander just what he needed to step out of his comfort zone. It wasn't long after they knew they would spend the rest of their lives together. And thus, the Brandy Alexander was born.
What Is a Brandy Alexander?
A traditional Brandy Alexander is a shaken cocktail made with brandy, creme de cacao, and heavy cream, strained into a chilled glass and dusted with nutmeg. It's rich, chocolaty, and has been a classic after-dinner drink since the early 1900s.
This version takes a different approach. Instead of shaking with cream and creme de cacao, it uses a full quart of vanilla ice cream as the base, blended together with brandy and Baileys Irish Cream. The result is something closer to a boozy milkshake than a traditional cocktail, thicker, creamier, and sweet enough to replace dessert entirely. If you love the idea of an elevated cocktail that doubles as dessert, this is it.
How To Make a Brandy Alexander
This Brandy Alexander recipe is so simple to make you'd be surprised you haven't tried making it before. Unlike the classic shaken version, this one goes straight into a blender. The ice cream melts into the spirits and creates a smooth, creamy drink in under a minute. It's a perfect option for dessert lovers who want something that feels special without any effort. I like to add a rim of cocoa powder and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.
Recipe
Brandy Alexander
A blended dessert cocktail made with vanilla ice cream, brandy, and Baileys Irish Cream. Richer and creamier than the classic shaken version.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brandy
- 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream Liquor
- 1 Quart Vanilla Ice Cream
- ½ oz Grand Marnier (optional topper)
- Dash cocoa powder and cinnamon (optional rim and topper)
Instructions
- Blend the first 3 ingredients in a powerful blender until the ice cream has been fully mixed with the liquid. It should be smooth without clumps.
- Run the rim of your glass in a small bit of Baileys. Dip the rim into the cocoa powder.
- Pour the mixture equally into 4 glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon. Add a splash of Grand Marnier on top if desired.
Brandy Alexander Tips
Use a full quart of ice cream. Don't scale it down. The ice cream is doing the job of both cream and sweetener here, and less will produce a thinner, less creamy result.
Let the ice cream soften slightly. Five minutes on the counter before blending makes a noticeably smoother drink and is easier on your blender.
Grand Marnier is optional but worth it. A small float on top adds a citrus note that cuts through the richness and elevates the presentation.
Make it ahead. Blend the base and keep it in the freezer for up to an hour before serving. Stir before pouring if it firms up.
This is one of those recipes that works as well on a holiday table as it does on a regular weeknight. Serve it alongside chocolate chip blondies or banana bread for a full scratch-baked dessert spread that feels genuinely special without much effort.
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Brandy Alexander FAQ
What makes this Brandy Alexander different from the classic version?
The classic Brandy Alexander is shaken with brandy, creme de cacao, and heavy cream, then strained into a cocktail glass. This version uses vanilla ice cream as the base instead, blended with brandy and Baileys Irish Cream. The result is thicker, sweeter, and closer to a boozy milkshake than a traditional cocktail.
Can I use a different ice cream flavor?
Yes. Vanilla is the classic pairing, but coffee or chocolate ice cream both work well and add their own flavor dimension. Avoid anything with large mix-ins that might not blend smoothly.
What kind of brandy should I use?
Any mid-range brandy works here. The ice cream and Baileys carry a lot of the flavor, so you don't need to use an expensive bottle. A standard VS or VSOP cognac or domestic brandy is fine.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings using one quart of ice cream. Scale up proportionally for a larger group, blending in batches if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Blend the mixture and store it in the freezer for up to an hour before serving. It will firm up slightly, so give it a quick stir before pouring. Don't store overnight or the texture will become too icy.
What glass should I serve a Brandy Alexander in?
A snifter is the traditional choice and works well for this version too since the wide bowl shows off the creamy color and cinnamon rim. A rocks glass or stemless wine glass also works for a more casual presentation.
