Velvet Brandy Alexander Shake

Forget everything you thought you knew about the classic Brandy Alexander cocktail. While traditionally a cozy, wintertime indulgence, we’re giving it a spectacular summer makeover! Imagine a rich, utterly decadent, and delightfully luscious boozy milkshake that’s incredibly easy to whip up. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a dessert in a glass, perfect for savoring all by yourself on a warm evening or for dazzling guests at your next summer soiree. Say goodbye to heavy cream and hello to the cool, creamy embrace of ice cream, transforming this timeless cocktail into the ultimate warm-weather treat.

If you’re a fan of boozy milkshakes, you absolutely must try our Frozen Mudslide – another frosty delight that’s sure to impress!

The Surprising Wisconsin Love Affair with Brandy

Here’s a little tidbit that often surprises people: my husband’s parents once owned two bustling bars in Wisconsin, a state with an undeniable, almost legendary, fondness for brandy. In fact, it’s a widely known “fun fact” that every year, roughly half of all Korbel Brandy sold across the United States finds its way to Wisconsin. This extraordinary devotion to brandy has baffled many, yet it’s deeply woven into the state’s drinking culture. One prime example is The Del-Bar in Wisconsin Dells, famous for its Brandy Alexander made with ice cream, a drink that sells like hotcakes and is often hailed as one of the best boozy milkshakes you’ll ever taste. This deep-rooted regional preference for brandy inspired us to create a version of the classic that truly celebrates its rich, versatile spirit, especially when paired with the creamy indulgence of ice cream, making it a perfect summertime treat.

What is a Brandy Alexander Cocktail? A Classic Reimagined

At its heart, the Brandy Alexander is a sophisticated dessert cocktail known for its luxurious texture and harmonious blend of flavors. This decadent concoction typically features just three core ingredients: brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. While its exact origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, many culinary historians and cocktail enthusiasts attribute the creation of the original “Alexander” drink to a New York bartender named Troy Alexander in the early 1900s. Legend has it that he was tasked with crafting an elegant, all-white drink to commemorate the fictional advertising character “Phoebe Snow,” who was always depicted in her pristine white attire.

Initially, the Alexander cocktail was made with gin. However, it wasn’t long before brandy was introduced as a substitute, and this variation quickly eclipsed the original in popularity. The Brandy Alexander became so beloved that the gin version is rarely, if ever, mentioned today. Its rich, velvety profile often draws comparisons to other creamy, chocolate-infused libations such as a Mudslide, a chocolate martini, or even a White Russian. It’s truly a testament to the art of cocktail making, delivering a smooth, creamy, and utterly luxurious experience with every sip.

The Ultimate Summer Indulgence: Brandy Alexander Milkshake with Ice Cream

The traditional Brandy Alexander was designed to have a subtle chocolate note, merely accentuating the warmth of the brandy and the richness of the cream. However, in our quest for irresistible sweetness and a perfect summer treat, we’ve elevated this classic to new heights. What could be better than a Brandy Alexander? A Brandy Alexander made with ice cream, of course! This brilliant adaptation transforms a heavy winter drink into a light, refreshing, yet still incredibly indulgent milkshake that’s ideal for beating the heat. It maintains all the sophisticated flavors of the original while adding a delightful chill and an extra layer of creamy decadence, making it the perfect dessert cocktail for any warm-weather occasion.

Key Ingredients for This Irresistible Boozy Milkshake

Creating this dreamy, frosty concoction couldn’t be simpler. While some might be tempted to go heavy on the brandy, the classic recipe maintains a beautiful balance with equal parts of its core components. For our milkshake rendition, we adjust slightly by adding extra ice cream to achieve that perfect milkshake consistency and frosty appeal. Here’s what you’ll need to craft your own:

• Brandy: The star of the show! Most brandies will perform wonderfully in this drink, so there’s no need to splurge on an ultra-expensive bottle. Excellent choices that offer a great balance of quality and value include Cognac, Korbel, or E&J. Choose one you enjoy sipping on its own, as its flavor will shine through and form the heart of this luscious milkshake.
• Crème de Cacao: This essential chocolate liqueur provides the delightful cocoa notes. It comes in two varieties: dark (brown) and light (clear). For this Brandy Alexander Milkshake, we lean towards the dark variety primarily for its aesthetic contribution, giving the drink a richer, more visually appealing color. Rest assured, both dark and light crème de cacao taste equally delicious, so use whichever you have on hand or prefer.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: This is our secret weapon for the summer makeover! Replacing the heavy cream with good quality vanilla ice cream not only lightens the drink but also gives it that coveted milkshake texture. Invest in a premium vanilla ice cream brand you truly love, as its flavor forms the creamy base of this delightful beverage and ensures a smooth, decadent finish.
• Fresh Whipped Cream: To truly elevate this sophisticated milkshake, skip the store-bought aerosol cans. Taking a few extra minutes to make homemade whipped cream will make a significant difference in taste and texture, adding an airy, luxurious topping that perfectly complements the rich drink below and provides a beautiful contrast.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg: A final sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg is the traditional garnish for a Brandy Alexander, and it’s non-negotiable here. Its warm, spicy aroma adds an exquisite finishing touch that enhances the overall experience and provides a beautiful visual contrast, signaling a truly special dessert drink.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Brandy Alexander Milkshake

Achieving milkshake perfection is simple with a few key tips:

• Chill Your Glasses: For the ultimate frosty experience, place your dessert glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes before blending. This helps keep your milkshake colder for longer and prevents it from melting too quickly, ensuring every sip is as refreshing as the first.
• Blend to Desired Consistency: Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase. You want a smooth, thick consistency – not too watery, not too chunky. Add a splash more brandy or a tiny bit of milk if it’s too thick, or an extra scoop of ice cream if it’s too thin, until you reach your ideal texture.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: As mentioned, using good quality brandy and vanilla ice cream will truly make a difference in the final flavor. The better the base ingredients, the more delicious your milkshake will be, showcasing the nuanced flavors rather than masking them.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the homemade whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg. These aren’t just for show; they add crucial layers of flavor and texture that complete the drink, making it feel truly special and indulgent.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic Brandy Alexander Milkshake is heavenly on its own, here are a few ideas if you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on this delightful concoction:

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For an even richer chocolate experience, drizzle some chocolate syrup inside your glass before pouring the milkshake, or blend a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder with the ingredients for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
• Coffee Kick: Infuse your milkshake with a delightful mocha twist by adding a shot of chilled espresso or a tablespoon of coffee liqueur, which pairs wonderfully with brandy and chocolate.
• Spiced Holiday Twist: If you’re enjoying this during cooler months, or simply love warm spices, in addition to nutmeg, consider adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your whipped cream for an aromatic flourish.
• Different Ice Cream Flavors: While vanilla is traditional and allows the brandy to shine, you could experiment with coffee ice cream for an adult coffee milkshake, or even a hint of chocolate ice cream for a unique, richer profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Brandy Alexander Milkshake

Here are answers to some common questions about this delightful dessert cocktail, helping you master its creation and enjoyment:

• What kind of brandy is best for a Brandy Alexander?

  You don’t need to break the bank for this recipe. A good quality, mid-range brandy such as a VS or VSOP Cognac, Korbel, or E&J works perfectly. The key is choosing one you enjoy, as its smooth, fruity notes are prominent in the drink.

• Can I use light crème de cacao instead of dark?

  Absolutely! Both dark (brown) and light (clear) crème de cacao offer the same delicious chocolate flavor. The dark variety is often preferred for its richer color, but the taste will be identical with either, so use whichever you have on hand.

• Is this drink very strong?

  The Brandy Alexander Milkshake is indeed a boozy milkshake, so it contains a noticeable amount of alcohol. However, the generous quantity of ice cream helps to mellow the alcohol content compared to a traditional neat cocktail, making it smooth, creamy, and incredibly enjoyable. Always remember to drink responsibly.

• Can I make this ahead of time?

  Milkshakes, particularly those with ice cream, are best enjoyed immediately after blending to maintain their optimal frosty texture and prevent separation. While you can’t make the milkshake itself far in advance, you can prepare your ingredients, such as making fresh whipped cream, ahead of time to streamline the process.

• What’s the difference between a Brandy Alexander and a Mudslide?

  A Brandy Alexander typically features brandy and crème de cacao, combined with either heavy cream or, in our case, ice cream. A Mudslide, on the other hand, generally uses vodka, coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), and Irish cream (like Baileys), often blended with ice cream. Both are creamy, delicious dessert cocktails, but they offer distinct flavor profiles due to their different liquor bases.

Decadent and utterly delicious, this dessert-in-a-glass is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re celebrating a holiday in the winter or hosting a lively pool party in the summer! Its versatility and undeniable appeal ensure it’s a hit no matter the season or occasion.

We truly hope you adore this delicious and simple recipe! If you make it, please consider leaving a review below to share your experience. Don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delightful recipes!