Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to take a classic cocktail and give it a cozy, caffeine-infused twist, this Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully smooth drink that combines the rich flavors of coffee and brandy with creamy, chocolatey notes—perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing friends at your next get-together. I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening, and what struck me was how effortlessly it feels both indulgent and comforting at once.

What makes this Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe really special is how balanced it is—you get the warmth from the brandy, the bittersweet depth of the coffee, and a hint of herbal sweetness from the Amaro Averna. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with just a few ingredients you might already have at home. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your winter cocktail rotation all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work so beautifully together because each one adds its own layer of flavor and texture without overpowering the others. The key is using quality brewed coffee and fresh creaminess from the half and half to give the drink that signature smoothness.

• Strong brewed coffee: Use freshly brewed and cooled coffee to get the best bold, aromatic flavor. Avoid instant coffee here—it just won’t have the same depth.
• Brandy: A medium-bodied brandy works wonderfully. I’ve tried both VS and VSOP and both give a lovely warmth without dominating the cocktail.
• Creme de cacao: This chocolate liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and rich cocoa flavor that’s essential in balancing the bitterness from the coffee.
• Half and half: Gives that luscious creaminess to the drink. If you want a richer result, a splash of heavy cream can also work in a pinch.
• Amaro Averna: This herbal Italian liqueur brings a slight citrus and botanical note that makes this twist on the classic Alexander so unique and memorable.
• Ice: Essential for chilling the drink without watering it down too quickly.
• Whole coffee beans: Used as garnish to amplify that coffee experience visually and aroma-wise.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy hint on top—don’t skip this final touch; it’s what really makes the drink feel complete.

Variations

I love how versatile the Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe can be—mixing it up with some tweaks based on what you have at hand or your mood gives it even more personality. Feel free to experiment because every variation can bring out a slightly different character in this smooth cocktail.

• Variation: Swap out the creme de cacao for chocolate syrup if you want a more accessible option; it’s sweeter but still delicious. I did this once when I was in a pinch, and honestly, it still worked great!
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut or almond cream instead of half and half for a dairy-free version that still delivers creaminess and flavor.
• Extra kick: Add a dash of espresso or coffee liqueur if you want a stronger coffee hit. Just be cautious not to overpower the delicate balance.
• Seasonal twist: In fall and winter, I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon along with nutmeg to evoke those cozy spices.

How to Make Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe

Step 1: Brew and chill your coffee

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee—something about this cocktail calls for bold, rich coffee to shine through. Once brewed, let it cool completely or even chill it in the fridge. This step is crucial because warm coffee will dilute the drink and mess with the texture.

Step 2: Combine ingredients in a shaker

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of the cooled coffee, 1 ounce of brandy, 3/4 ounce of creme de cacao, 1/2 ounce of half and half, and 1/4 ounce of Amaro Averna. This mix is where magic starts to happen—make sure you have all the right proportions for that perfect harmony of flavors.

Step 3: Shake it like you mean it

Seal your shaker and give it a good, vigorous shake for about 20 seconds. What you want is for the drink to chill well and the creaminess to mix seamlessly. Don’t overdo it, or the half and half might separate a little. When you’re done, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

How to Serve Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish mine with three whole coffee beans placed right on top—they look charming and add an inviting aroma every time you sip. Freshly grated nutmeg is a must for me; it gives that warm, spicy kick that feels just right with the drink’s sweetness. Sometimes, on extra special nights, I’ll scatter a tiny sprinkle of cocoa powder too.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts—think a rich flourless chocolate cake or even warm chocolate chip cookies. You could also serve it alongside a cheese board with aged cheddar and figs if you want to go savory and sweet. Trust me, the flavors will dance together so nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe in vintage coupe glasses with a cinnamon stick perched on the side. It adds a little flair and makes it feel extra festive. Another favorite trick is rimming the glass with cocoa powder mixed with a touch of sugar for a sweet surprise with every sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to make a batch and don’t finish it all, store leftover Coffee Brandy Alexander in an airtight bottle in the fridge. It tends to keep well for about two days. Just give it a gentle shake before serving again, since the creaminess can settle or separate slightly.

Freezing

Freezing this cocktail isn’t my go-to since the dairy can change texture after thawing. I tried it once for a party prep and found the creaminess became grainy. So, I recommend enjoying fresh or storing chilled for best taste and consistency.

Reheating

This drink is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t ideal. However, if you want a warm twist, you could try heating the coffee separately and then mixing in warmed brandy and liqueurs, but you’ll lose that creamy, chilled cocktail vibe. I’d suggest just making a fresh batch for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Brandy Alexander Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like a little hug in a glass—perfect for those moments when you need comfort but still want to feel a bit fancy. I love sharing it with friends who usually aren’t big on traditional cocktails, and surprisingly, they always come back for seconds. So, whether you’re a cocktail pro or just looking for a new, cozy drink to warm up your evenings, give this one a try. You’ll find it’s easier to make than you think, and once you do, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t discovered it sooner.

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