Godfather Cocktail Recipe

Godfather Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol:27%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Godfather cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 1970s. It is said to have been named after the famous movie 'The Godfather' and was a favorite of Marlon Brando, who played the lead role. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, yet smooth and sophisticated drink.

  • Origin: 1970s
  • Named after: The Godfather movie
  • Popular with: Marlon Brando

How Godfather Tastes?

The Godfather cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the amaretto. It is a strong and warming drink, perfect for sipping slowly.

Interesting facts about Godfather

  • The Godfather is often served as an after-dinner drink or digestif.
  • It is sometimes made with bourbon instead of Scotch whisky.
  • The Godmother is a similar cocktail, made with vodka instead of whisky.

Ingredients

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky is the backbone of the Godfather cocktail, providing a robust and smoky base that balances the amaretto's sweetness. The 2 oz measurement is a generous pour that allows the whisky's rich flavors to shine through without being overpowering. If you skimp on the Scotch, your drink might lean too sweet, overshadowing the complexity of the spirit.

Emma Rose

Amaretto

Amaretto brings a sweet, almond-like flavor to the cocktail, rounding out the Scotch's more assertive notes. At 1 oz, it complements rather than competes, creating a harmonious blend. Too much amaretto can make the drink cloyingly sweet, while too little might not be enough to make its presence known.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice is essential not only for chilling the drink but also for dilution, which helps to mellow the cocktail's flavors and increase its drinkability. Skipping the ice would result in a warmer and more concentrated concoction that might not be as refreshing or well-balanced.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Godfather Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of Scotch whisky and 1 oz of amaretto to the mixing glass.
  3. Stir the ingredients together until well combined and chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Enjoy your Godfather cocktail!

Pro Tips

  • Use quality Scotch whisky for the best flavor.
  • Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting the drink too much.
  • Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cold for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese: A rich and creamy Gorgonzola or a sharp aged Cheddar complements the nutty and warm flavors of the Godfather cocktail.
  • Chocolate: Dark chocolate or chocolate-based desserts with a hint of caramel play well with the sweetness of amaretto.
  • Smoked Meats: The smoky nature of Scotch whisky pairs nicely with smoked salmon or thinly sliced prosciutto.
  • Nuts: A bowl of roasted almonds or cashews can enhance the almond notes from the amaretto.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A freshly brewed espresso or black coffee can cut through the sweetness and provide a contrasting flavor.
  • Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water as a palate cleanser between sips keeps the flavors fresh and pronounced.

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What you could change in Godfather

  • Bourbon can be used instead of Scotch whisky for a sweeter taste.
  • Disaronno can be used as a substitute for amaretto.
  • If you prefer a lighter drink, you can add more ice to dilute the cocktail.

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And of course - twists🍹

The Godmother

Ingredients: Vodka, Amaretto, Ice

Recipe:

  1. Replace Scotch whisky with vodka for a smoother, less smoky profile.
  2. Adjust the ratio if you desire a stronger almond flavor, but maintaining balance is key.

The substituting vodka will create a less complex, cleaner-tasting cocktail that suits those who prefer a lighter spirit over the boldness of Scotch.

The Mafia

Ingredients: Bourbon, Amaretto, A dash of bitters, Ice

Recipe:

  1. Swap Scotch whisky for bourbon for a sweeter, more vanilla and caramel influenced profile.
  2. Add a dash of bitters to enhance the flavor complexity.

This twist will offer a bridge between the classic Godfather and the Old Fashioned, satisfying enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of bitterness.

The Consigliere

Ingredients: Scotch whisky, Amaretto, Espresso shot, Ice

Recipe:

  1. Add an espresso shot to the original recipe for a caffeine kick and deeper flavors.
  2. Ensure the espresso is freshly made and cooled before adding to prevent dilution from heat.

The espresso amplifies the Godfather's character, adding a roasted element that complements the whisky's smokiness.

In case you forgot basics how to make Godfather

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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Frequently Asked Questions on Godfather

What type of glassware is preferred for serving the Godfather cocktail?

Although any glass can be used according to personal preference, traditionally, the Godfather cocktail is served in an old-fashioned glass, also known as a lowball or rocks glass.

Is ice necessary for making a Godfather cocktail?

While you can make a Godfather without ice, cocktail experts recommend using it to chill the drink properly and to dilute the strength of the alcohol slightly.

Is the Godfather cocktail sweet or bitter?

The Godfather cocktail is known for being quite balanced. The amaretto provides a sweet and slightly nutty flavor that nicely offsets the smokiness of the Scotch whisky.

Why is it called the 'Godfather' cocktail?

It's believed that the Godfather cocktail was named after the iconic movie 'The Godfather'. The drink was reportedly a favorite of Marlon Brando, who played the lead role in the film.

Can I use another alcohol instead of amaretto for the Godfather cocktail?

While amaretto is the traditional choice for a Godfather cocktail, you could swap it out for another similar liqueur if you prefer. However, it's important to note that changing the liqueur will alter the cocktail's classic flavor.

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