The Godfather

I’m gonna make ‘em a cocktail they can’t refuse.

Say hello and kiss the ring of the Don of cocktails, The Godfather. As you might be able to guess, this cocktail gets its namesake from the award-winning movie franchise, “The Godfather.” It was invented around the same time the movie premiered, but unlike the movie, has lost some of its fame over the years, which in our opinion is a crime worth going to the mattresses over. 

The Godfather is a deceptively simple cocktail: There are no fancy techniques and only two ingredients. You simply pour whiskey and amaretto into a glass, stir, add an ice cube, and done. You’re ready to pet a cat in a leather chair and hand out favors. But with the right ingredients and ratio, that simple little cocktail is something special. 

Traditionally, this recipe calls for a one-to-one ratio of Scotch and Amaretto – a sweet Italian liqueur that’s made form almonds, apricots, peaches, or all of them mixed together. And although we love an equal ratio cocktail, there’s always room for interpretation. Modern variations on the cocktail promote a three-to-one ratio of Scotch to Amaretto or even a swap from Scotch to bourbon. The whiskey selection will of course change the flavor profile with Scotch bringing a heavier, smokier presence and bourbon providing a sweeter, spicier drink. Either way, we recommend a high quality, high proof whiskey to stand up to the sweetness of the Amaretto. The final, boozy cocktail is dry, but still sweet enough to be enjoyed after dinner with a cannoli. 

All around, the Godfather is a fantastic cocktail that’s easy to make, easy to adapt, easy to serve, and easy to enjoy. So when someone comes to you today, the day of your daughter’s wedding, you’ll know exactly which cocktail to make.