I have no idea why the Brandy Alexander is often associated with sophistication; I don’t even know what separates a “sophisticated” drink from the rest. But it is undoubtedly a good and highly popular drink, and I can guess why.

It evokes sensations of warmth and comfort — sweet, chocolatey, and strong but smooth — and it is so easy to make. Just pour all the liquid ingredients into a glass, stir and top with grated nutmeg.

While pre-grated nutmeg is available in the spice section of the grocery, nothing gives this drink better flavor and aroma than freshly grated nutmeg.

Whole nutmegs are sold in some groceries but you’ll likely have an easier time finding them in gourmet shops. Just position your microplane grater over your drink and grate a nutmeg directly into it.

Just who the Alexander is for whom the drink was named is a mystery. There are at least three claimants to the honor, one of them being Alexander II of Russia, great-grandfather of Anastasia whom everyone in Generation Y is familiar with because of the 1997 animated musical fantasy.

Brandy Alexander

Connie Veneracion

With only four ingredients and no blending nor shaking required, brandy Alexander is quick and easy to make for a crowd (yes, I'm thinking of Christmas and New Year!). Just have your microplane grater handy because you really want to garnish the drink with freshly grated nutmeg.