A frozen Brandy Alexander turns a classic cocktail into a creamy, dreamy after dinner drink that could easily pass as dessert. With blended ice cream, smooth brandy and chocolate liqueur, every sip feels rich and festive. It's the perfect way to toast the season and end the night on a sweet note.
I'm from Wisconsin, so an after dinner cocktail during the holidays can only mean one of two things: a frozen Brandy Alexander or a Tom and Jerry. If there's ice cream in the freezer, it's always the frozen Brandy Alexander. After beer, cheese and butter, ice cream is practically a food group in Wisconsin. So even when it's snowing outside, a frozen Brandy Alexanders by the fire is a perfect end to holiday gathering.
Fun facts: brandy is made by distilling wine and has been around since the 15th or 16th century. However, the Brandy Alexander cocktail didn't become popular until the early 20th century. A Brandy Alexander is traditionally made with brandy or cognac, crème de cacao and cream. It's a smooth and timeless classic cocktail. But swap that cream for ice cream, and you've got a frozen Brandy Alexander that is creamy, nostalgic and completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- Brandy
- Creme de Cacao
- French vanilla or vanilla ice cream
- Optional: ground nutmeg
- Optional: Pirouette cookies as stir sticks
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Brandy - if you don't have brandy, you could substitute cognac as that's the most similar. But, if you don't want to head to the store, you could also substitute a dark rum or a bourbon.
- Creme de Cacao - creme de cacao isn't as easy to find these days, so you could substitute any chocolate liqueur or even something like Kalhua for a mocha twist.
- Nutmeg - if you don't want to use nutmeg, you could sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon or even pumpkin pie spice on top. It just adds an another layer of flavor on top, but it's not necessary to sprinkle anything on top!
- Gluten free - skip the Pirouette cookies as stir sticks, and this recipe is gluten free. The cookies just add a fun touch, but you could skip them. However, you could also use a non-edible festive stir stick, straw or spoon as well.
- Vegan - for vegan cocktails, use a dairy free, vegan ice cream and make sure the liquors you choose are vegan. Most Brandys and Creme de Cacaos are vegan, but if you are a strict vegan, it's always best to check.
Equipment
A blender or food processor is needed to make frozen Brandy Alexanders.
Storage
If you want to save any unfinished frozen Brandy Alexanders, my suggestion is to freeze it. The consistency will harden but it won't get super hard like ice cream. When you're ready to drink it, just let it sit on the counter until it warms up enough to stir and pour or spoon into a glass.
Next Level Tips
- You can change the alcohol strength by reducing the amount of alcohol or adding more alcohol. Just be aware the amount of liquid also affects the consistency. One and a half shots of each alcohol to 3 cups of ice cream is a nice medium. If you want less alcohol, start with 1 shot of each alcohol. If you want a stronger cocktail, use 2 shots of each alcohol.
- Use your favorite glass for these cocktails. I use low ball glasses, and I've seen them in martini glasses too. My mom didn't have low ball or martini glasses, so we drank these out of coffee mugs at Christmas. When you're surrounded by family and friends, the type of glass isn't important!
- I'm not a fan of single use plastics, so I try not to use stir sticks or straws. That's where the cookies comes in! You can eat the pirouette when you're done, if it lasts that long! My cookie is usually very short by the time I've finished my cocktail. But don't worry if your grocery store doesn't carry Pirouettes or Piroulines, my dad served these cocktails with a spoon. And I turned out just fine! You can also blend the mixture a little longer for a thinner consistency that doesn't need a stir stick. You always have options!
FAQ
I'm sure there are people who could spend all day debating the differences between the Pirouettes and Piroulines, but I think you should go with the cookie that you like and the one that you can easily find. For me, they aren't usually found side by side, so I buy what's available. They are both tall, skinny cookies that are delicious and can act as a festive stir stick.
That's a personal choice, just like the brand of ice cream you buy is a personal choice. I like the deeper, caramel-y flavor and the consistency of French vanilla, but you can use vanilla or actually any flavor of ice cream. Regular vanilla ice cream is a bit lighter and has a more pure vanilla flavor.
Pairing
These are my favorite light desserts to serve with frozen Brandy Alexanders:
Frozen Brandy Alexander
Equipment
- 1 blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 ½ shots brandy
- 1 ½ shots creme de cacao
- 3 cups French vanilla or vanilla ice cream
- ground nut meg optional
- Pirouette cookies optional
Instructions
- Add the brandy, creme de cacao and ice cream into a blender. Blend on medium low just until all the alcohol and ice cream has combined into a smooth and creamy, yet still frozen, consistency.
- Pour or spoon the blended ice cream cocktail into glasses of your choice. Optional: top with ground nutmeg (or grated nutmeg seeds) and a Pirouette cookie as a stir stick for an added special touch.
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Jet says
This felt like dessert and a cocktail in one. Thanks for the great tips!
Tracy @ Next Level Baker says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Jen says
We had an unusually warm streak, but wanted to feel cozy and like it was fall. These were perfect! Added a pinch of cinnamon too.
Tracy @ Next Level Baker says
Happy you liked them! Yes, cinnamon works great too!