Our Cocktail of the Month reworks the classic Alexander with aged rum and Downton Nocino, combining green walnut, maple sweetness and warming spice in a creamy after-dinner cocktail.
History: The Rum Walnut Alexander is a variation on the Brandy Alexander, replacing brandy and crème de cacao with aged rum and walnut liqueur. Jon Howard of Henley in Nashville created this version, which Imbibe published in November 2017. Cream gives the drink its characteristic texture, while grated nutmeg adds an aromatic finish.
Downton Twist: For our version, we are using our Nocino, made with green walnuts, maple syrup, coffee, orange, cardamom and vanilla. Its walnut bitterness and gentle sweetness give the cocktail depth without losing the character of the rum.
Aged rum brings oak, caramel and mellow spice. Whipping cream creates a smooth texture and softens the walnut bitterness.
A small measure of demerara syrup rounds out the drink. We use less than the original recipe to allow for the maple sweetness already present in our Nocino.
Freshly grated nutmeg completes the serve, adding a fragrant spice that complements the walnut and vanilla.
It is a rich, creamy after-dinner cocktail. Walnut, caramel, subtle coffee and warming spice, with a gently bittersweet finish.
Ease of Making: Easy.
Glass Type: Coupe.
Taste: Walnut, caramel, maple, gentle coffee and warming spice.
Recipe:
- 60ml aged rum.
- 30ml Downton Nocino.
- 30ml whipping cream.
- 5ml demerara syrup.
- Freshly grated nutmeg to garnish.
Method:
- Prepare the demerara syrup by dissolving equal weights of demerara sugar and hot water. Allow to cool.
- Add the rum, Nocino, whipping cream and syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously for approximately 15 seconds.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe.
- Finish with a light grating of fresh nutmeg.
Variations:
- For a sweeter serve, increase the demerara syrup to 10ml.
- For a lighter texture, replace the whipping cream with single cream.
- For a brandy variation, replace the aged rum with the same measure of Cognac.
