The cocktail notebook · Brandy & grape spirit
Alexander
Cocoa, cognac and rich cream. A advanced comparison study made by shake and strain.
- Base
- cognac
- Method
- Shake & Strain
- Glass
- Cocktail coupe
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. Fresh cream requires venue cold-chain controls.
Alexander recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | cognac |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | brown crème de cacao |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | fresh dairy cream |
Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: Light fresh nutmeg dusting.
Learning bar service? Find the Alexander in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass and confirm the exact products and any dietary requirements.
- Measure all recipe ingredients into a shaker with fresh ice.
- Shake to mix and chill; strain into the chilled serving glass; fine strain herbs or chilli where needed.
- Apply the specified garnish using clean tools; serve promptly.
Why it works: Use the specified brown cacao liqueur and chilled cream. Distinguish dairy cream from a sweet liqueur whose name includes crème.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Offer a separately tested substitute or another drink, checking equipment and ingredient labels.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Cocoa, cognac and rich cream. Offer a separately tested substitute or another drink, checking equipment and ingredient labels.
Dietary and product checks
Contains dairy; follow cold storage and cross-contact procedures. Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Offer a separately tested substitute or another drink, checking equipment and ingredient labels.
Where does the Alexander come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: Use the specified brown cacao liqueur and chilled cream. Distinguish dairy cream from a sweet liqueur whose name includes crème.
Alexander questions
What is the key decision in this study?
Use the specified brown cacao liqueur and chilled cream. Distinguish dairy cream from a sweet liqueur whose name includes crème.
The guest requests a dairy-free drink.
Offer a separately tested substitute or another drink, checking equipment and ingredient labels.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Alexander is an optional reference recipe in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service. Useful cream-and-cocoa reference; overlaps required dairy handling.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.