LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2019

CREAMY COCKTAILS

The Brandy Alexander The holiday season is not complete without our annual tree-trimming party, and the cocktail of choice is always the rich yet bracing Brandy Alexander.

History The exact origin of the Alexander isn’t fully clear, but we do know that it was created in the early 1900s as a gin-based cocktail, and simply called an Alexander. By 1916, brandy was introduced as a substitute, and the sweeter, smoother taste it imparts became the more popular version by 1930. The recipe is simple: in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz brandy, 1 oz crème de cacao and 1 oz cream. Shake until frothy and strain into a coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg.

Coffee twist

While we usually stick to the clas- sic, we have been known to whip up a Coffee Alexander, combining 1 oz brandy, ½ oz coffee liqueur, ½ oz crème de cacao and 1 oz cream.

Celebrity endorsement: The Brandy

What is Crème de Cacao? Made from cacao beans, this liqueur brings beautiful and rich chocolate flavour—along with wonderful viscosity—to many classic and contemporary cocktails.

Alexander is said to have been one of John Lennon’s favourite drinks.

Brandy or Cognac?

Garnishes A great garnish can add a unique touch to a cocktail. Add a dollop of whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon or a candied orange peel.

All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac. While brandy is a spirit distilled from grapes (or other fruits), Cognac is distilled from specific grapes, from a specific region, before being carefully aged and blended. You can use either in this recipe, but Cognac can be expensive, and we find St. Remy VSOP Brandy ( LCBO 8888, $27.20) is perfect. For a spicier variation, try using Metaxa Seven Star Brandy ( LCBO 116038, $31.95); the distinct blend of botanicals makes a uniquely flavoured version.

COFFEE PHOTO ©ISTOCK.COM/DIMITRIS66

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HOLIDAY 2019 FOOD & DRINK