The Bourbon Alexander is a dessert cocktail that makes you feel like you’re in a black-and-white film. This Bourbon Alexander recipe swaps the brandy in a classic Brandy Alexander for bourbon, and it’s creamier, warmer and a bit more cheerful.
It’s rich, sweet and very easy to drink, which is both its charm and its danger.
1
serving3
minutesBourbon, dark crème de cacao and cream, shaken and served up with nutmeg. Rich, creamy and chocolatey.
Ingredients
45 ml (1½ oz) bourbon
30 ml (1 oz) dark crème de cacao
30 ml (1 oz) double cream
Ice
Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish
Method
- Chill a coupe glass.
- Add the bourbon, crème de cacao and cream to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 12 seconds.
- Strain into the coupe and grate nutmeg over the top.
Thomas’s tip
- Use dark crème de cacao. It’s richer than the clear version and gives the drink its chocolate flavour.
What does a Bourbon Alexander taste like?
Creamy chocolate and vanilla up front, with bourbon caramel and oak behind and nutmeg on top. It’s smooth, sweet and rich, like a liquid chocolate truffle.
Tips for a better Bourbon Alexander
Shake hard to get a thick, creamy texture.
Grate the nutmeg fresh. It makes a big difference.
Bourbon Alexander variations
Use rye for a drier drink. Add a splash of coffee liqueur. For a coffee version, try the Bourbon White Russian, or a boozy dessert cousin in Bourbon Chocolate Milkshake.
Best whisky for a Bourbon Alexander
A sweet, easy bourbon works best, because the drink is creamy. Look for 40% to 45%.
Bourbon Alexander: quick answers
What is in a Bourbon Alexander?
Bourbon, dark crème de cacao and cream, shaken and served up.
How is it different from a Brandy Alexander?
It uses bourbon instead of brandy, so it’s sweeter and more caramel.
Is it sweet?
Yes. It’s a dessert drink.
Use dark crème de cacao. It’s richer than the clear version and gives the drink its chocolate flavour.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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