Godfather Cocktail

When The Godfather premiered in the 1970s, it was an instant success, winning three Oscars, building the path for two other franchise movies in its wake and even inspiring a namesake cocktail. While the drink’s origins are unclear, the Godfather cocktail is a smoky and sweet cocktail that’s quite simple to prepare. The two ingredients you’ll need are a good Scotch whisky and amaretto liqueur.

Given its ingredients, it should come as no surprise that this is a strong drink best suited for slow sipping. The smoky flavor of Scotch whisky blends beautifully with the sweet and slightly bitter almond taste of amaretto. This is definitely a cocktail for Scotch lovers, so be sure to use a quality mid-range blended or single malt Scotch for the best flavor.

Why is it called a Godfather cocktail?

The origin of the Godfather cocktail recipe is about as murky as a mob boss’s tax records. The cocktail became popular in the 1970s around the same time that the movie The Godfather premiered. The Italian amaretto liqueur brand Disaronno even claimed that the Godfather cocktail was a favorite of actor Marlon Brando, who portrayed the infamous Vito Corleone in the film.

Ingredients for a Godfather Cocktail

• Scotch whisky: Scotch whisky is a type of whisky that’s made with malt or grain. Scottish law requires this whisky to be aged in an oak barrel for at least three years. This produces a full-bodied spirit that’s best sipped neat, or with a little amaretto.
• Amaretto: Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur. It’s sweet and, when served neat or paired with Scotch whisky, makes an excellent after-dinner drink. Buy it from the store or make your own amaretto at home.
• Ice: A single large ice cube in the glass makes for an impressive presentation. Use silicone ice molds to make spheres or cubes. Bonus: Larger ice cubes melt slowly, so they won’t water down the drink as quickly as small or crushed cubes.
• Orange twist: An orange twist creates the perfect garnish for a Godfather cocktail recipe. Use a vegetable peeler to carve off a bit of the orange’s skin, then twist the peel over the drink to release the orange’s natural oils into the cocktail. Place the orange twist on top.

Directions

Step 1: Give it a stir

Combine the Scotch and amaretto in a mixing glass with ice. Stir everything together until the liquid is chilled.

Step 2: Pour over ice

Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass with ice.

Step 3: Garnish

If desired, garnish with an orange twist and serve immediately. Cheers!

Recipe Variations

• Soften the sweetness: If you’d prefer a less-sweet cocktail, increase the Scotch to 1-1/2 ounces and reduce the amaretto to 1/2 ounce.
• Change it to a godmother, godson or goddaughter cocktail: A godmother cocktail uses vodka instead of the Scotch. Add cream to a Godfather and you have a godson. Likewise, add cream to a godmother cocktail and you get a goddaughter.

Can you make a Godfather cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a Godfather cocktail recipe ahead of time. The day before serving, stir the Scotch and amaretto together in a Mason jar, then twist on the lid and store the cocktail in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, take the lid off and stir the cocktail once more. Pour it over ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Godfather Cocktail Tips

What is in a Godfather cocktail?

A Godfather cocktail contains Scotch whisky and amaretto. Stir them together with ice and strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish the drink with an orange twist.

What is the difference between a Godfather cocktail and an old-fashioned?

The difference between a Godfather cocktail and an old-fashioned is their specific ingredients. While an old-fashioned contains bourbon and cubed sugar, a Godfather cocktail is mixed with Scotch whisky and a liquid sweetener.

Is a Godfather cocktail strong?

Yes, a Godfather cocktail is strong. There are only two ingredients, and both contain alcohol, so there’s nothing to dilute it other than one large, slowly melting ice cube.

What do you serve with a Godfather cocktail?

A Godfather cocktail’s sweet and spicy flavor profile tends to lend itself best to desserts that would match the almond-y amaretto. Serve Godfather cocktails with tiramisu, chocolate mousse, amaretto cake, chocolate cake, ricotta cheesecake, baklava or cannoli.