Alexander

The Alexander cocktail—often seen as the older sibling of the Brandy Alexander—first made its appearance in the early 20th century, and like many great drinks of the era, its origins come with a side of mystery and a dash of debate.

📜 The Original:

The earliest known version of the Alexander used gin as its base spirit, combined with white crème de cacao and heavy cream, shaken until frothy and served up, often with a dusting of nutmeg. This predates the Brandy Alexander, which swaps gin for—you guessed it—brandy.

🎩 Cocktail Royalty:

The Alexander is believed to have first emerged around 1915–1920, possibly created by Troy Alexander, a bartender at Rector’s, a famous restaurant in New York City. Legend has it he crafted the drink to serve at a dinner celebrating Phoebe Snow, a fictional character used in advertising campaigns by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The idea was to create a white, elegant cocktail to match Phoebe’s pristine image.

🍸 Evolution:

Over time, the Brandy Alexander became more popular, particularly in mid-century America, due to its warmer, smoother profile. But the original gin-based Alexander remained a classic in its own right, loved by those who appreciate its unique blend of botanicals, chocolate, and cream—a surprisingly balanced trifecta.

So while it might not be as widely ordered today, the Alexander remains a charming relic of the golden age of cocktails—proof that even a gin drink can feel like dessert in a glass.