The classic Brandy Alexander cocktail is typically served at winter time, but here it gets a summer makeover, made with ice cream in place of the heavy cream. It’s a rich, decadent, and completely luscious boozy milkshake that’s so easy to make. Great for sipping all by yourself or for serving at parties.
Another must-try boozy milkshake is our Frozen Mudslide!
Fun fact: My husband’s parents used to own 2 bars in Wisconsin. Other fun fact: Every year, half the cases of Korbel Brandy being sold in the United States, are shipped to Wisconsin. Crazy. Nobody quite knows why Wisconsinities love brandy so much, but they do. The Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells serves a Brandy Alexander with ice cream that sells like hot cakes. It’s possibly the best boozy milkshake ever.
What is a Brandy Alexander?
The Brandy Alexander is a decadent dessert cocktail made from just 3 ingredients: brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Its true origin is unknown, but most claim the first Alexander drink (made with gin, instead of brandy) was created by New York bartender Troy Alexander in the early 1900’s. He was tasked with creating an all-white drink to celebrate the fictional advertising character “Phoebe Snow,” always in her white dress.
Brandy was introduced to the drink several years later and has become way more popular, so much so, that nobody even talks about the original anymore. Some compare it to a Mudslide, chocolate martini, or White Russian. It’s creamy, smooth, and luxurious.
Brandy Alexander Recipe – with Ice Cream
The original drink wasn’t meant to be heavy on the chocolate, but rather more of an accent flavor to the brandy and cream. But of course we Americans love our sweets, and what’s better than a Brandy Alexander? A Brandy Alexander with ice cream! Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe iteration:
Brandy Alexander Ingredients needed:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Brandy: Most brandies will work great in this drink, so don’t spend a fortune. However, Cognac, Korbel, or E&J are all nice options.
- Crème de cacao: This is a chocolate liqueur which comes in dark (brown) and light (clear.) We prefer the dark variety for this drink only because of color. They both taste delicious, so either work.
- Vanilla ice cream: We’re replacing the heavy cream with vanilla ice cream. Buy a good quality brand you love.
- Fresh whipped cream: Skip the Reddi Whip and make whipped cream from scratch for this sophisticated milkshake.
- Nutmeg: A little fresh nutmeg finishes the drink off.
This dreamy concoction couldn’t be easier to make, too. Some go heavy on the brandy, but the classic recipe is equal parts of everything. Since we turned this drink into a milkshake, we add extra ice cream.
Decadent and so delicious, this dessert-in-a-glass is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a great choice for a holiday party in the winter and a pool party in the summer!
I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Brandy Alexander Milkshake
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brandy (such as Cognac or Korbel)
- 2 ounces creme de cacao (we used dark)
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- homemade whipped cream
- nutmeg
Instructions
- Place brandy, creme de cacao, and ice cream in a blender.
- Blend until combined and smooth.
- Pour into dessert glasses and pipe fresh whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Serve with a straw and enjoy!
Nutrition
Other Notes
Awesome receipe!!! I had one of the best Brandy Alexander in CO and I have been trying to duplicate it. You have it soo very close!!!
This was very good
I made this drink. Everyone really enjoyed it
Made my first one the other day it was good. My question is, is it suppose to be like a milkshake or more of a much thicker?
Love this recipe and wonder how it could be ok for teens and children? What to use in place of liquor and in place of Cream de Cacao? In what proportions? Thank you!
Hi Penny! There aren’t any sufficient substitutions without it just becoming a vanilla milkshake, sorry. It’s meant to be a grown up drink.
I’ve been a Celebrity Chef since 2015. I’ve had the honor of serving the White House, Pentagon, Oscars, Primetime Emmys, Grammys and doing private dining for some of entertainment’s greatest.
I am constantly in test kitchens throughout the country creating new dishes, pushing awesomeness to extremes, and searching for ways to bend minds. Today … I discovered bellyful.net. Specifically, the Brandy Alexander Milkshake. You know what I did to make the shake better? Nothing! It is p-e-r-f-e-c-t-I-o-n in a glass. I will be creating and filming these. Way to rock!
Now my all time favorite drink!
We had last minute company for dinner and I made this quick and easy recipe for dessert. What a hit! This is definitely a keeper and one I will serve often. Put these shakes in crystal brandy sniffers and they looked elegant. Thanks bunches for the recipe!
Texture and taste blend so well, every sip: delicious!