Amaretto Alexander

Amaretto Alexander Recipe from Italy - Ingredients: Amaretto, Half-and-Half, Crème de Cacao, Vanilla

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Amaretto Alexander is a luxurious, creamy cocktail that combines the sweet, almond-flavored liqueur of amaretto with the rich, velvety texture of ice cream and the subtle chocolate notes of white crème de cacao. This indulgent drink is perfect for special occasions or as a decadent dessert to cap off a fine meal. Its smooth texture and complex flavor profile make it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.

History

The Amaretto Alexander is a variation of the classic Alexander cocktail, which traditionally uses gin, crème de cacao, and cream. The exact origins of the Alexander are somewhat murky, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. The introduction of amaretto in place of gin gives the Amaretto Alexander a distinctly Italian twist, with the almond-flavored liqueur adding depth and sweetness to the drink. Over the years, this version has gained popularity, becoming a beloved choice for its unique flavor and creamy consistency.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of amaretto liqueur
1 pt (473 ml) of half-and-half
6 oz (170 g) of white crème de cacao
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) of vanilla ice cream

How to prepare

In a blender, combine amaretto, crème de cacao, and half-and-half.
Place a scoop of ice cream in each sherbet glass and transfer the remaining mixture to the blender.
Blend the ingredients until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the sherbet glasses and serve.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the half-and-half with almond milk and choose a low-fat or dairy-free ice cream. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender. For a nut-free version, use a non-nut-based liqueur such as chocolate liqueur.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect Amaretto Alexander, consider chilling the glasses before serving to keep the drink cool. Use high-quality amaretto and white crème de cacao to ensure the best flavor. When blending, aim for a smooth, milkshake-like consistency without overmixing, as this can cause the ice cream to melt too quickly. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with grated chocolate or a maraschino cherry.

Serving Suggestions

The Amaretto Alexander is best served in chilled sherbet glasses to maintain its cool temperature. It makes an excellent dessert cocktail or a luxurious treat for special occasions. Serve immediately after blending to enjoy its creamy texture at its best.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing an Amaretto Alexander is blending. Ensure that the blender is powerful enough to mix the ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency without overworking the ice cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If amaretto is not available, almond extract mixed with a neutral spirit like vodka can be used as a substitute. Similarly, dark crème de cacao can replace white crème de cacao for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

While the Amaretto Alexander is best enjoyed fresh, the amaretto, crème de cacao, and half-and-half mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Add the ice cream and blend just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. A maraschino cherry on top adds color and a classic cocktail finish.

Pairing Recommendations

The Amaretto Alexander pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, almond-flavored pastries, or as a standalone dessert. Its sweet, creamy profile also complements the richness of cheesecake or the lightness of fruit tarts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This cocktail is not suitable for storage or reheating due to its ice cream content. It should be prepared fresh and consumed immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Amaretto Alexander contains approximately 450 calories. The majority of these calories come from the high sugar and fat content of the ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Amaretto Alexander contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugars in the amaretto, crème de cacao, and ice cream. While delicious, this cocktail is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Fats

This cocktail is relatively high in fats, with about 16 grams per serving. The fats primarily originate from the half-and-half and the ice cream, contributing to the drink's creamy texture. Opting for low-fat versions of these ingredients can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

The Amaretto Alexander provides a modest amount of protein, with about 4 grams per serving. This protein comes from the half-and-half and the ice cream.

Vitamins and minerals

While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, the Amaretto Alexander does contain small amounts of calcium and vitamin D from the half-and-half and ice cream. However, these amounts are not substantial enough to contribute significantly to your daily nutritional needs.

Alergens

The primary allergens present in this cocktail are dairy (from the half-and-half and ice cream) and nuts (from the amaretto, which is almond-flavored). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this drink.

Summary

The Amaretto Alexander is a high-calorie, indulgent cocktail that offers a rich blend of flavors. While it contains some protein and calcium, it is also high in sugars and fats, making it a treat best enjoyed occasionally.

Summary

The Amaretto Alexander is a sumptuous, creamy cocktail that combines the sweet almond flavor of amaretto with the richness of ice cream and the subtle notes of chocolate from white crème de cacao. While it is high in calories, sugars, and fats, it makes for a delightful treat on special occasions or as a luxurious dessert cocktail. With its smooth texture and complex flavor profile, the Amaretto Alexander is sure to impress those with a penchant for indulgent drinks.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Claire at her beautiful countryside home. As soon as I stepped inside, the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods hit my nose, making my mouth water.

Claire greeted me with a warm hug and a knowing smile. "I've been waiting for you to come over so I can show you this amazing new recipe I discovered," she said, leading me to her cozy kitchen. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, she began to gather the ingredients for what she called an "Amaretto Alexander."

I watched intently as she measured out the amaretto liqueur, cream, and nutmeg, blending them together with ice in a shaker. The smell of the sweet almond liqueur mixed with the creamy richness of the dairy was intoxicating. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After a few vigorous shakes, Claire poured the mixture into two chilled glasses and garnished them with a sprinkle of cinnamon. She handed me one of the glasses and raised her own in a toast. "To good friends and even better cocktails," she said, clinking our glasses together.

I took a sip of the Amaretto Alexander and was immediately transported to a place of pure bliss. The smooth, velvety texture of the drink combined with the warm, nutty flavors of the amaretto created a symphony on my taste buds. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

As I savored the last drop of my cocktail, I begged Claire to share the recipe with me. She laughed and agreed, pulling out a worn and stained index card from her recipe box. "This has been in my family for generations," she explained. "I'm honored to pass it on to you."

I carefully copied down the ingredients and instructions, making sure to capture every detail of the recipe. I thanked Claire profusely and promised to make the Amaretto Alexander for my own family and friends.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating the cocktail. I followed the recipe to the letter, taking my time to measure out each ingredient with precision. As I shook the shaker, I could hear Claire's voice in my head, guiding me through the process.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I poured the Amaretto Alexander into a glass, garnished it with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and took a tentative sip. It was perfect. The flavors were just as I remembered, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon in Claire's kitchen.

Since that day, the Amaretto Alexander has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I have shared it with countless friends and family members, each one falling in love with its unique and decadent taste. It has become a symbol of friendship and tradition, a reminder of the bond I share with Claire and the joy of discovering new recipes.

As I sit here, sipping on a glass of Amaretto Alexander, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and experiences that led me to this moment. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others and create lasting relationships. And for that, I will forever be thankful. Cheers to good friends, delicious cocktails, and the joy of discovery.