Thursday, January 31, is National Brandy Alexander Day–and that’s a welcome alternative to the usual red wine that we usually turn to as our Escape from Babydom. It seems kind of sophisticated to unwind with one of these after everyone’s safely tucked away for the evening. This sweet brandy-based cocktail is made with dark crème de cacao and heavy cream for an out-of-this-world yummy treat. We’re offering a few variations on this special drink, but the original cocktail came to be back in 1922 at the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles in London. The Brandy Alexander of today is usually a spin-off of a gin-based predecessor simply called the “Alexander.” It takes some prep, but it’s not like you’re slaving over a hot stove… [image via flickr]
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. brandy
1 ½ oz. dark crème de cacao
2 oz. heavy cream
Combine all ingredients and shake vigorously in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with ground nutmeg.
Now, that recipe is reminiscent of the original drink at Princess Mary’s wedding in 1922. Since that time, there have been several variations on the drink–and we’re partial to the one which includes ice cream!
Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream
2 oz. brandy
2 oz. crème de cacao
Fill a blender half full with ice cream and add the brandy and crème de cacao. Blend until smooth. This recipe serves two, but why not whip up a whole blender full and invite a few of the girlfriends over to help you celebrate this national holiday? Just make sure you have enough ice cream on hand and double the recipe.
And why stop at drinks? The Brandy Alexander is a hit with plenty of people. It only makes sense to get as much of it as you can. This recipe takes the beloved Brandy Alexander and transforms it into a spoonable, delicious ice cream. However, here’s a word of warning: this ice cream is so scrumptious, you just might find you’ve eaten the entire quart yourself!
Ingredients
5 egg yolks
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons Kahlua
4 tablespoons brandy
Directions
Whisk egg yolks, sugar and flour together until pale and thick. Place milk and cream in a heavy saucepan and heat until very hot, but do not allow to boil. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Whisk the milk mixture into egg mixture and return mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a metal spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Pour into glass bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least three hours.
To make the ice cream, pour the chilled mixture into the frozen bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Makes about a quart.
And don’t be spending National Brandy Alexander day alone. Invite your friends, enjoy some drinks and make it a mom’s day off. Happy National Brandy Alexander Day!
