alexander

See also: Alexander

English

an alexander made with gin

Etymology

Unknown. Apparently from either the given name or the surname Alexander, but the connection is unclear. Attested since the early 20th century.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌælɪɡˈzændɚ/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌælɪɡˈzɑːndə/
• (æ-tensing, rhotic) IPA^(key): [ˌælɪɡˈzeəndɚ]
• (æ-tensing, non-rhotic) IPA^(key): [ˌælɪɡˈzeəndə]
• Hyphenation: Al‧ex‧an‧der

Noun

alexander (plural alexanders)

1. A cocktail made of cognac or gin, white crème de cacao, and light cream.
   • 1914, Jacques Straub, Drinks, Hotel Monthly Press, page 17:

     Alexander cocktail
     3/4 jigger rye whiskey.
     1/4 jigger Benedictine.
     Twist orange peel on top. Stir.

   • 1933, Julien Proskauer, What'll You Have ?: A Not Too Dry Text Book about Cocktails, →OCLC, page 80:

     Alexander Cocktail
     1/3 Creme de Cocoa
     1/3 Gin
     1/3 Sweet Cream

Derived terms

• Brandy Alexander

 

References

• “Alexander, n.².”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, September 2012.
• Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “Alexander”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.