alexander

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

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌælɪɡˈzændɚ/
  • (æ-tensing, rhotic) IPA^(key): [ˌælɪɡˈzeəndɚ]
  • (æ-tensing, non-rhotic) IPA^(key): [ˌælɪɡˈzeəndə]
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌalɪɡˈzɑːndə/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• Hyphenation: Al‧ex‧an‧der
• Rhymes: -ɑːndə(ɹ), -ændə(ɹ)

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

• “Alexander, n.².”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, September 2012.
• Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “Alexander”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

• Alexandre