BRIEFS logo BRIEFS

Brandy Alexander and Mary Tyler Moore

01/28/2017 , 2m, 58s

In memory of the great Mary Tyler Moore, I'm reposting on the Brandy Alexander. In the pilot of The Mary Tyler Moore show, Mary asks for a Brandy Alexander. Not exactly what Mr. Grant had in mind.

Love Is All Around


The Alexander was invented in the early 20th century by Troy Alexander at Rector's in New York City. The original gin gave way to brandy, resulting in the Alexander #2, aka the Brandy Alexander.

The recipe I'm using calls for a 1:1:1 ratio of brandy, creme de cacao, and cream. You'll also find references to a 2:1:1 ratio which definitely seems like a good thing to try.

The nutmeg garnish is important on this one. Try to get a whole nutmeg and grate it on the cocktail. The aroma really enhances the experience.


  • 2 oz. Cognac or brandy
  • 2 oz. creme de cacao (white or dark)
  • 2 oz. heavy cream
  • fresh nutmeg

Place Cognac, creme de cacao, and cream in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass. Grate fresh nutmeg on top as garnish.


Photos by Lisa Denkinger

See photo

See photo

Rector's

The lobster palaces of New York

A little history


Rate Cocktailing on iTunes

Off to Osaka Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/