In a cocktail shaker, combine the brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. Fill with ice. Shake until the outside is frosty, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Grate fresh nutmeg on top for garnish, if desired.
Notes
* You can use dark crème de cacao or light crème de cacao depending on your preference.
You can swap heavy cream for half and half. I would not suggest swapping for milk as it is too thin to give this drink its creamy and rich taste.
To make the drink even colder, you can chill your coupe glasses in the freezer beforehand.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid to shake the drink together. Then, strain the cocktail through a mesh strainer into your glass.
Avoid adding crushed ice to the shaker as the ice will melt quicker, which will water down the Brandy Alexander.
I recommend using whole nutmeg and not ground nutmeg as whole freshly grated nutmeg is stronger tasting and has much more flavor. It really enhances the cocktail’s flavor, so I don’t recommend skipping the garnish.
If you do not have nutmeg but also want a warm-spiced flavor for garnish, swap for a bit of cinnamon.