How to Make Alexander Coffee: A Classic Iced Drink Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple iced coffee into something more indulgent—something with depth, warmth, and a touch of the unexpected—Alexander coffee might be your answer. This classic iced cocktail-style coffee blends espresso, cream, sugar, and a pair of liqueurs for a bold yet smooth drink with real personality. It’s not just iced coffee with booze—it’s a thoughtfully layered drink built for flavor contrast.

To make an Alexander coffee, you’ll need 20g of coffee, 160cc of brewed coffee, plus milk, sugar, and two kinds of liquor: 5cc each of white brandy and dark cocoa liqueur. Combined, it makes one rich, balanced iced coffee drink.

What Is Alexander Coffee?

Alexander coffee is a chilled coffee cocktail that blends brewed coffee with milk, sugar, and a combination of liquors—typically a clear brandy and a dark cocoa or chocolate liqueur. Unlike a standard iced latte or espresso tonic, it adds alcoholic depth alongside creaminess, creating a dessert-like yet boozy coffee experience. It balances bitterness, sweetness, and boozy warmth in a way that feels both retro and refined.

Why Add Liqueur and Cream to Iced Coffee?

Coffee on ice can taste sharp or thin, especially if brewed strong. Adding milk or cream smooths the texture and tempers acidity, while sugar balances bitterness. Liqueurs like brandy and cocoa liqueur introduce complexity: the brandy adds a warming, oaky note; the cocoa liqueur brings chocolate richness. Together, they elevate iced coffee from a simple refresher into a nuanced, adult drink. Whether you prefer creamy richness, boozy depth, or both, Alexander coffee lets you customize the feel.

Alexander Coffee Ingredients (Makes 1 Serving)

• 20g coffee beans
• 160cc brewed coffee (from those beans)
• 20g milk or milk powder (referred to as "" in the source, typically non-dairy creamer or milk powder)
• 20cc fruit sugar
• 5cc white brandy
• 5cc dark cocoa or chocolate liqueur
• Ice cubes (to fill shaker)

How to Make Alexander Coffee: Step-by-Step

Follow this method to build the drink properly and get the right texture and flavor balance:

1. Brew the Coffee: Use 20g of coffee beans to brew 160cc of coffee. Any standard brew method is acceptable as long as you hit the volume. Let it cool slightly.
2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a container, combine the brewed coffee with 20g of milk (or milk powder), 20cc of fruit sugar, and allow the mixture to cool. This sweetened coffee-milk base forms the drink’s core.
3. Prepare the Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker about 5–6/10 full with ice cubes.
4. Add Liquids to Shaker: Pour in the cooled coffee-milk-sugar mix, then add 5cc of white brandy and 5cc of dark cocoa or chocolate liqueur.
5. Shake Well: Seal and shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled and combined.
6. Serve: Strain or pour directly into a serving glass. Serve over ice if desired, though the recipe implies it's typically enjoyed straight from the shaker pour. Enjoy your Alexander coffee.

Alexander Coffee Variations & Notes

The original recipe uses ""—a term that can mean either non-dairy creamer or milk powder. Either works, but they deliver slightly different mouthfeels. Non-dairy creamer tends to be thinner and sweeter, while milk powder creates a denser texture. Likewise, the choice of brandy and cocoa liqueur can shift the drink’s profile. Use what you have, but aim for clear brandy and a deep, chocolate-forward liqueur for authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alexander coffee made of?

Alexander coffee is made with 160cc of brewed coffee (from 20g of coffee beans), 20g of milk or milk powder, 20cc of fruit sugar, 5cc of white brandy, and 5cc of dark cocoa or chocolate liqueur. These ingredients are mixed, cooled, then shaken with ice and served.

Can I use dairy milk instead of milk powder or creamer?

The original recipe calls for "," which usually means non-dairy creamer or milk powder. However, you can substitute fresh dairy milk if preferred, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different—likely thinner and more liquid.

What kind of liqueurs are used in Alexander coffee?

The recipe specifies 5cc each of white brandy and dark cocoa or chocolate liqueur. White brandy is typically a clear, fruity distilled spirit, and the cocoa liqueur should have a strong chocolate flavor to complement the coffee.

Do I need to use a shaker for Alexander coffee?

Yes. The recipe instructs to shake the combined ingredients with 5–6/10 full ice in a (cocktail shaker) to chill and mix everything thoroughly. Shaking is essential for texture and temperature.

Is Alexander coffee a type of espresso drink?

No, it is not based on espresso. It is made with brewed coffee (160cc from 20g beans), not espresso shots. It’s an iced coffee cocktail with added milk, sugar, and liqueurs.

Can I make Alexander coffee without alcohol?

The recipe as written includes brandy and cocoa liqueur. While you could omit them, it would no longer be an Alexander coffee. Consider it a coffee cocktail that relies on those elements for its signature profile.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Alexander Coffee

For an Alexander coffee with depth, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—a bright Ethiopian with blueberry and floral notes that hold up against the liqueurs. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Classic Blend for a balanced, chocolatey base that complements the cocoa liqueur. Or use their Black Cocoa Blend for direct cocoa resonance. All work well as brewed coffee bases for this cocktail. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.