Alexander Cocktail No. 2

Pro tips

• Chill your coupe or cocktail glass beforehand; this drink tastes best ice-cold and benefits from a frosted glass.
• Measure ingredients by weight or jigger for consistency — the 1:1:1 ratio is crucial to balance sweetness and creaminess.
• Shake hard for 10–12 seconds to fully emulsify the cream and chill the drink; under-shaking results in a separated, thin texture.
• Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to catch any ice chips and ensure a silky pour.

Substitutions

• Dark crème de cacao → white crème de cacao (creates original Alexander; this is Alexander No. 2)
• Sweet cream → half-and-half (lighter, less rich but still creamy)
• Five Star brandy → VSOP or comparable brandy (avoid brandy stronger than 40% ABV)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · coupe glass or cocktail glass · fine-mesh strainer

What is the difference between Alexander Cocktail and Alexander No. 2?

Alexander No. 2 typically uses white (clear) crème de cacao rather than dark crème de cacao, resulting in a lighter color and slightly different flavor profile.

Should I shake or stir an Alexander Cocktail?

Shake with ice — the cream and liqueurs need vigorous mixing to emulsify properly and chill the drink thoroughly.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

No; mix each drink fresh to order. Pre-mixing will cause separation and degradation of the cream component.

What type of brandy works best?

Use a smooth, approachable brandy like Five Star grade; avoid overly bold or aged varieties that compete with the crème de cacao and cream.

Is heavy cream or light cream better?

Heavy cream (whipping cream) creates the richest mouthfeel; half-and-half is a lighter alternative but produces a thinner texture.