History

The exact origin of the Alexander isn’t fully clear, but we do know that it was created in the early 1900s as a gin-based cocktail, and simply called an Alexander. By 1916, brandy was introduced as a substitute, and the sweeter, smoother taste it imparts became the more popular version by 1930. The recipe is simple: in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz brandy, 1 oz crème de cacao and

1 oz cream. Shake until frothy and strain into a coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.