Godfather

The Godfather is a classic duo cocktail that elegantly combines the smoky, peaty notes of Scotch whisky with the sweet, nutty almond flavor of amaretto liqueur. Served on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass, it's a deceptively simple drink that offers a complex and satisfying taste experience. It is a popular choice for a digestif or a slow-sipping nightcap, appreciated for its balance and warmth.
Godfather

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Godfather is classified as a classic cocktail and a digestif. Its simple two-ingredient composition places it in the duo category of mixed drinks. It is highly regarded for its elegant simplicity and is typically served after a meal.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a standard Old Fashioned or rocks glass. It is a relatively strong, spirit-forward cocktail with an estimated ABV of 25-30%.
Serving size
Approximately 75 ml / 2.5 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink's name is widely believed to be a nod to Marlon Brando, the star of the iconic film "The Godfather," who was reportedly fond of the cocktail. Its creation is often attributed to the 1970s, coinciding with the movie's immense popularity and the rise of amaretto in the American market. It became an instant classic due to its simplicity and delicious flavor.
Origin
United States, 1970s.

Godfather

The drink is universally known as the Godfather. It has no significant alternative names or translations, reflecting its straightforward and iconic status in the cocktail world.
Original name
Godfather
Alternative name
The Godfather

Characteristics overview

The Godfather has a rich amber color with aromas of whisky and almond, offering a smooth, silky texture. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of smoky Scotch and sweet, nutty amaretto, with a warming, lingering aftertaste.
Flavor
Smoky, Nutty, Sweet, Almond, Oak, Caramel
Aroma
Whisky, Almond, Marzipan, Sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, Boozy
Aftertaste
Warming, Smooth, Lingering sweetness
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Amber, Golden-brown, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Rich
Seasonality
Warming, All-season, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by sweetness from the amaretto and a strong alcohol presence from the Scotch. It has very low bitterness and no sourness, resulting in a bold yet smooth profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To make a Godfather, you only need two key ingredients: a good quality Scotch whisky and a sweet Amaretto liqueur. The drink is built directly in the glass, making it incredibly simple.
  • Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A blended Scotch is common, but a single malt can be used for a more complex flavor.
  • Amaretto Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    The ratio can be adjusted to taste, from 1:1 for a sweeter drink to 4:1 for a drier one. This 4:1 ratio is a common modern preference.

Ice type

  • Cubed or a single large cube/sphere

Mixing equipments

You'll need a jigger to accurately measure the spirits and a bar spoon to gently stir them together in the glass. No shaker is required for this classic stirred cocktail.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

Preparation is simple: fill a glass with ice, add the Scotch and amaretto, and give it a brief stir to combine. Garnish with a citrus peel if desired.
1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes or one large ice cube to chill the glass.
2. Pour the Scotch whisky and amaretto liqueur directly over the ice.
3. Gently stir the ingredients in the glass for about 10 seconds to combine and chill.
4. If using a garnish, express the oil from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

Garnishing

The Godfather is often served without a garnish to keep it simple. However, an expressed orange or lemon peel can add a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Orange peel twist (optional)

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, but it is not nut-free due to the amaretto liqueur. Individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A serving of the Godfather contains around 190 calories and 8 grams of sugar, almost entirely from the amaretto liqueur. The carbohydrate content is relatively low for a cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 7-9 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Godfather is an excellent after-dinner digestif or a relaxing nightcap. Its sophisticated yet approachable character also makes it suitable for cocktail parties or quiet evenings at home.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Nightcap
  • Casual sipping
  • Cocktail party

Pairing suggestions

The Godfather pairs wonderfully with desserts like dark chocolate or almond biscotti, which complement its nutty sweetness. It is also an excellent companion to a mild cigar or a bowl of mixed nuts for a relaxing experience.
  • Dark chocolate
  • Almond biscotti
  • Mild cigars
  • Nuts, such as almonds or walnuts

The Godfather: A Drink You Can't Refuse

The Godfather is a timeless and effortlessly cool cocktail that blends the robust character of Scotch whisky with the sweet, almond notes of amaretto. Its creation in the 1970s, likely named after the famous film, cemented its place in cocktail history. Simple to make yet complex in flavor, it is the perfect digestif or nightcap for those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink. It is a testament to the idea that sometimes, two ingredients are all you need to create something truly memorable.

Variations

Godmother

Uses vodka instead of Scotch whisky for a cleaner, less smoky profile.

Similar Cocktails

Rusty Nail

Uses Drambuie, a Scotch-based honey and herb liqueur, instead of amaretto.

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