As January (and National Irish Coffee Week) comes to a close we have reason to celebrate. January 31st is National Brandy Alexander Day. Yes, another one of those random cocktail holidays to make life more enjoyable. This decadent concoction is reported to have been created during the wedding reception of Princess Mary and Lord Lascelles in London in 1922. Unless you're a royal history buff you won't know or care who these people are. The Brandy Alexander actually gained popularity after making its film debut as the proverbial apple in two 'road to ruin' films; The Days of Wine and Roses and Too Much, Too Soon. In both films the innocuous tasting Brandy Alexander is offered to a young girl whose life then consequently goes down hill. That sounds like a good of enough reason to try one, if you ask me. Below is the recipe. If you dare.
Brandy Alexander
- 1 1/2 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Dark Crème de Cacao
- 1 oz Half-and-half or Heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp grated Nutmeg
While the Brandy Alexander is considered a dessert cocktail here's a variation on the recipe to make an actual dessert.
Brandy Alexander Ice Cream
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons Crème de Cacao
- 4 tablespoons brandy
Mixing instructions:
Whisk egg yolks, sugar and flour together until pale and thick. Place milk and cream in a heavy saucepan and heat until very hot, but do not allow to boil. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Whisk the milk mixture into egg mixture and return mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a metal spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into glass bowl, cover and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least three hours. Makes about a quart.
The alcohol in the mixture will slow the freezing process and the ice cream will be very soft. For a firmer product, make a day ahead and place the bowl with the freshly made ice cream back in the freezer, allowing it to firm up overnight.
Page credit to: http://www.examiner.com/bartender-in-national/random-cocktail-holiday-3-national-brandy-alexander-day
