A simple and tasty Godfather Cocktail recipe. Popular since the 1970s, this delicious drink pairs nutty sweetness with a spicy scotch finish.
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The Godfather Cocktail Recipe
This 1970s cocktail is named after the much-loved Oscar-winning film “The Godfather” starring Marlon Brando. And although it is made with just two ingredients its complexity and nuanced flavor will make you think otherwise!
The Godfather is a mixed drink made with whiskey and amaretto. The Amaretto, which is an almond-flavored liqueur, softens the whiskey but doesn’t mask it. So you are left with a whiskey-forward drink that you can sip slowly.
Traditionally the whiskey used to make A Godfather is a blended Scotch whiskey. This adds flavors of honey, heather, and soft smoke to the drink. But some people like to use a single malt or even bourbon whiskey which adds baking spice notes which also works well.
The smooth-sipping Godfather makes for a great nightcap or companion to a rich and creamy dessert such as cheesecakes or tiramisu. And for non-Scotch lovers, it’s the perfect intro to Scotch because the sweet nuttiness of amaretto complements the oaky, smoky notes of a good scotch.
Love whiskey cocktails? Then check out our list of THE BEST SUMMER WHISKEY COCKTAILS!
Godfather Cocktail Ingredients
The Godfather Drink is a two-ingredient cocktail recipe. The ingredients you will need to make one are Amaretto and whiskey.
With just two ingredients, it’s easy to experiment and find the version of this cocktail that you like best. Play around with finding your preferred ratio of whiskey to amaretto. As well as try it out using different varieties of whiskey to find which you like best.
The amaretto sweetens the drink, but going too far will result in an overly sweet and sugary cocktail. On the opposite side, not adding enough amaretto will allow the scotch to overpower the drink and ruin the beautiful balance.
The ratio I give in this recipe should add the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the scotch. But you can taste and adjust it to suit your personal preference.
Want to learn more about whiskey pairings? Check out our WHAT TO MIX WITH WHISKEY guide!
Which type of scotch is best for a Godfather Cocktail?
While blended Scotch whisky is often preferred, as well as the traditional choice, single malt scotch is also a great option for this drink. Find out about the differences below so you can decide which type of scotch you would like best to make a Godfather Cocktail.
- Blended Scotch: Blended Scotch has a smooth flavor, similar to bourbon, but with more of a spicy finish. As its name suggests, it is made by blending two types of whiskey together. A blended Scotch combines barrel-aged malt whisky and grain whisky.
- Single Malt Scotch: Single Malt Scotch is usually a more expensive style of whiskey. ‘Single’ malt whisky is the product of an individual distillery. Malt whisky is made only from malted barley, in two or three copper pot stills, by a batch process.
How to Make a Godfather Cocktail
It is easy to make a Godfather Cocktail and there is no need for any bar equipment. It is a simple process to produce a complex cocktail. To make one, follow the steps below or find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
STEP ONE
Fill a large glass or jar with ice.
STEP TWO
Add the whiskey and amaretto stir and allow to chill and dilute for 30 seconds.
STEP THREE
Strain into a lowball serving glass that has one or two ice cubes in it.
STEP FOUR
Add an optional garnish and enjoy immediately.
Optional Garnish Ideas
- Lemon peel
- Orange peel
- Zest twist
- Lemon or orange slice
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Due to the simplicity of this cocktail, the ice you use is very important. Use the cleanest water possible and avoid using ice that has been in the freezer for too long or near foods with heavy aromas, such as fish.
- The Godfather is a perfect drink for large ice balls or large cubes. These will melt more slowly than standard-sized ice cubes and prevent your drink from becoming too diluted too quickly.
- To take this cocktail up a level, you could add a splash of single malt scotch on top of the drink before serving it.
- Choose a high-quality Amaretto as the flavor will really shine in this cocktail.
- This cocktail is made up of two spirits only so drink this cocktail responsibly.
Godfather Cocktail Variations
The Godfather cocktail is also part of a family of other “god-” cocktails, and adjusting the base liquor will result in delicious variations. These include:
- Godmother Cocktail: Vodka and amaretto.
- Godchild (first version): Brandy and Amaretto.
- Godchild (second version): Vodka and amaretto with cream for a more dessert-like cocktail.
- Brooklyn Godfather: Bourbon and amaretto with both sweet and dry vermouth.
- Godfather Sour: Whiskey, amaretto, egg white, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- French Connection: Cognac and amaretto.
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Godfather Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 lowball serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce scotch whiskey
- ½ ounce amaretto
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a large glass or jar with ice.
- Add the whiskey and amaretto stir and allow to chill and dilute for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a lowball serving glass that has one or two ice cubes in it.
- Add an optional garnish and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Due to the simplicity of this cocktail, the ice you use is very important. Use the cleanest water possible and avoid using ice that has been in the freezer for too long or near foods with heavy aromas, such as fish.
- The Godfather is a perfect drink for large ice balls or large cubes. These will melt more slowly than standard-sized ice cubes and prevent your drink from becoming too diluted too quickly.
- To take this cocktail up a level, you could add a splash of single malt scotch on top of the drink before serving it.
- Choose a high-quality Amaretto as the flavor will really shine in this cocktail.
- This cocktail is made up of two spirits only so drink this cocktail responsibly.
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