Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a classic dessert cocktail made from brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. While none of its ingredients are high in purines, the alcohol content makes it a poor choice for anyone managing gout. Alcohol, including distilled spirits like brandy, increases uric acid production and reduces how efficiently your kidneys excrete uric acid, which can trigger a gout flare.

The crème de cacao adds a significant amount of sugar, and heavy cream contributes saturated fat. Excess sugar can worsen insulin resistance, which indirectly raises uric acid levels, while a heavy fatty drink offers no nutritional benefit for gout management.

If you choose to have one, do so only rarely and in a small serving, while staying well hydrated. However, for most people with gout, any alcohol-based cocktail, especially one sweetened with liqueur, carries more risk than reward. Water, herbal tea, or a low-sugar non-alcoholic option are safer alternatives on a gout-friendly diet.