NATIONAL BRANDY ALEXANDER DAY

NATIONAL BRANDY ALEXANDER DAY

Falling on the last day of January, National Brandy Alexander Day celebrates the creamy, brandy-based evolution of the original gin-based "Alexander." Often considered the sophisticated cousin of the White Russian or the Mudslide, the Brandy Alexander has earned it's place as a decadent, dessert-style cocktail.

#NationalBrandyAlexanderDay

The Brandy Alexander is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the "Dessert Cocktail" category. While many modern drinks are sugary syrups disguised as cocktails, the Brandy Alexander is prized for being velvety, boozy, and surprisingly sophisticated. Often described by Brandy Alexander drinkers as a "Liquid Truffle," the drink provides a unique flavor of an oaky flavor with a slightly hidden fruity taste.

Influencers of the Brandy Alexander

Like many classics, the Brandy Alexander has several people competing for the birth right of the cocktail. Some say the Brandy Alexander is named after Grover Cleveland Alexander, the legendary Philadelphia Phillies pitcher of the 1915 World Series. The British claim the cocktail was created for the wedding of Princess Mary (daughter of King George V) and Viscount Lascelles in London. Another legend credits Troy Alexander, a bartender at Rector’s in New York City, as the creator to launch the campaign for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.

Despite not knowing who created the Brandy Alexander, it offers the perfect sophistication in wealthy social circles and simplicity as an after dinner drink after a delicious meal. During the 1920s, many socialites incorporated the Brandy Alexander into as a wedding cocktail. In the 1970s, rockstars like John Lennon, gave it a "cool" (if slightly chaotic) reputation. Today, Modern Mixologists use high-end craft ingredients to give the drink an elite option for patrons.

CELBRATING NATIONAL BRANDY ALEXANDER DAY

National Brandy Alexander Day is the perfect celebration to lean toward a cozy evening, a sophisticated dinner, or enjoying at a social with friends. You might consider hosting a vintage-themed dinner party and setting out different types of brandy and cognac, along with different creams (heavy cream, oat milk, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato) and having your guests make their own version of a Brandy Alexander. Since the Brandy Alexander was a staple of mid-century American supper clubs, have guests dress in "smart casual" or retro attire.

Share your recipes, photos, and recommendations for the perfect Brandy Alexander on social media using the hashtag #NationalBrandyAlexanderDay.

Who Created National Brandy Alexander Day?

While the person who first penned National Brandy Alexander Day into the calendar remains anonymous, their timing was impeccable. By placing it on January 31st, they created the perfect bridge for those finishing 'Dry January' to transition back into the world of craft cocktails with a drink that feels more like a celebratory dessert than a standard pour.