Godfather Cocktail - A strong yet Approachable Scotch-Based Cocktail

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Godfather Cocktail - A strong yet Approachable Scotch-Based Cocktail

The 1970s was a time in the history of bar culture filled with sweet drinks with suggestive names. The Godfather rises above all else as a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail.

With just 2 ingredients, whiskey and amaretto, this strong yet pleasantly sweet cocktail is worthy of your next drink.

Why is it called godfather?

Although the creator of this drink is lost to cocktail history, bartenders and drink historians tend to agree that the Godfather was named after the popular movie and novel.

At one point, a story surfaced that the Godfather was actor Marlon Brando's favorite drink, but that rumor quietly faded.

Ingredient tips

There is no hard and fast rule as to what type of whiskey works best in a groomsman, but I do recommend a blended whiskey.

I prefer blended whiskey rather than mixing it into a cocktail and reserve single malt whiskey for neat drinking.

That said, don't go for a bottom shelf bottle. The Famous Grouse and Monkey Shoulder are good options.

Both are blends, moderately priced and bottled that I would be happy to drink neat as well.

As for amaretto, a sweet, nutty-flavored liqueur made from stone fruit pits, Disaronno works well here alongside smoky whiskey.

The last few decades have also seen smaller batches, artisan brands spring up, and it's worth checking to see if your local store carries them.

Look for Gozio or Luxardo amaretto.

The perfect balance

Balance is the key to enjoying this cocktail.

The whiskey can range from pleasantly smoky to very aggressive; note that the amount of amaretto you add is just right to cope with the whiskey while still blending harmoniously.

Amaretto is supposed to sweeten the drink, but going too far will result in a sweetened cocktail.

On the other hand, not adding enough will cause the whiskey to overpower the drink, making adding the amaretto useless.

The proportions I give in this recipe should add enough sweetness to complement the whiskey, but you are free to taste and adjust to suit your palate.

Godfather Cocktail Variations

The Godfather cocktail is also part of a family of other "god" cocktails, and adjusting the base liquor will result in variations. Here are a few:

  • Godmother Cocktail: Swap the whiskey for vodka for a variation that focuses more on the amaretto component
  • Godchild (First Version): Swap the whiskey for brandy for this smoother, lighter-bodied cocktail.
  • Godchild (second version): Vodka replaces whiskey (similar to Godmother) with the addition of cream for a more dessert-heavy cocktail.
  • Brooklyn Godfather: Bourbon replaces whiskey and adds extra flavor with sweet and dry vermouth
  • French Connection: Cognac becomes the base spirit here for a fruitier and spicy version that brings out some of the vanilla notes of the amaretto.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of blended whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce amaretto

Method

Add the ingredients and stir:

In a mixing glass 2/3 filled with ice, pour the whiskey and amaretto. Stir to cool and dilute the drink for about 20 seconds.

Strain and serve:

Strain into a highball glass with 1 large or 2-3 small ice cubes. Serve immediately.

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James Morgan

James is a kitchen enthusiast who enjoys preparing fresh, flavorful meals. He loves experimenting with seasonal ingredients and creating delicious dishes to share with his family. For him, cooking is more than a task; it’s a passion that connects him with others.

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