Alexander

Alexander Cocktail

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A decadent gin-based cocktail with crème de cacao and cream, finished with freshly grated nutmeg for an elegant and luxurious drinking experience.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (120ml)
  • London Dry Gin 
    30 ml
  • White Crème de Menthe 
    30 ml
  • Cream 
    30 ml
  • Nutmeg 
    1 pinch
Recipe credit: Hugo Ensslin's Recipes for Mixed Drinks (1915)

Instructions

Step

Chill a coupe glass in the freezer or with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add 30ml London dry gin, 30ml white crème de cacao, and 30ml fresh heavy cream to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with fresh ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to properly emulsify the cream and chill the mixture.

Step

Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer into the chilled coupe glass to ensure smooth texture.

Step

Finish by grating fresh nutmeg directly over the surface of the cocktail for aromatic garnish and serve immediately.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Alexander is an elegant gin-based cocktail from the early 20th century that combines London dry gin with white crème de cacao and fresh cream in perfect harmony. This sophisticated drink represents the golden age of cocktail culture, offering a luxurious and creamy experience with herbal gin notes balanced by chocolate liqueur richness and velvety cream texture.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (120ml)
Calories
245
ABV
20.5 %
Alcohol
19.5 g
Carbs
8.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
8.2 g
Fat
9.8 g
Protein
1.2 g
Sodium
15 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Dairy

Tips & Notes

  • Always use fresh, high-quality heavy cream rather than half-and-half for the richest, most luxurious texture and mouthfeel.

  • Shake harder and longer than usual when working with cream - the vigorous agitation is essential for proper emulsification and smooth integration.

  • Chill your coupe glass thoroughly beforehand as cream-based cocktails warm up quickly and benefit from maximum initial temperature contrast.

  • Grate nutmeg fresh for each cocktail rather than using pre-ground - the aromatic oils dissipate quickly and fresh provides much more impact.

  • Consider a dry shake first (without ice) followed by a wet shake (with ice) for maximum cream emulsification and foam development.

Yes, substituting cognac or brandy creates a Brandy Alexander, which is equally classic and popular. Use the same proportions and method, though you may prefer brown crème de cacao with darker spirits.

White crème de cacao is clear and maintains the pale color of gin-based Alexanders, while brown has added caramel coloring and slightly richer flavor. Both work well, with white preferred for visual appeal in gin versions.

Use fresh, cold cream and shake vigorously with plenty of ice. The alcohol content in this recipe is not high enough to curdle properly fresh cream, but avoid using cream that’s near expiration or has been temperature-abused.

Cream cocktails are best served immediately after preparation. The texture and temperature are optimal when fresh, and the nutmeg garnish loses its aromatic impact quickly. Mix individual servings as needed.

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Grasshopper

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • London Dry Gin
    30 ml
  • White Crème de Menthe
    30 ml
  • Cream
    30 ml
  • Nutmeg
    1 pinch

Method

  1. Chill a coupe glass in the freezer or with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add 30ml London dry gin, 30ml white crème de cacao, and 30ml fresh heavy cream to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with fresh ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to properly emulsify the cream and chill the mixture.
  4. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer into the chilled coupe glass to ensure smooth texture.
  5. Finish by grating fresh nutmeg directly over the surface of the cocktail for aromatic garnish and serve immediately.