Scotch lovers will enjoy the Godfather cocktail for its elegant simplicity. Made with just scotch and amaretto, this two-ingredient drink is bold, smooth, and gently sweet — a timeless sipper you’ll return to again and again.
I haven’t watched The Godfather films in full — only a few clips shown during awards broadcasts — yet the cocktail that borrows the name has become one of my favorites. Despite not being a film buff, I’ve happily sipped this drink all the way to the bottom of the glass.
The History
The exact origin of the Godfather cocktail is unclear, but its name almost certainly nods to the iconic film series. The drink rose to popularity in the 1970s, around the same time the first Godfather movie reached theaters, which likely influenced how it came to be known.
Helpful tips
- Use the best scotch you can reasonably afford and pair it with a quality amaretto such as Disaronno for a balanced flavor.
- Monkey Shoulder is an excellent choice for this cocktail if you want a smooth, wallet-friendly blended malt. For a more traditional single malt experience, consider a dram like Glenfiddich.
- The Godfather uses a 1:1 ratio of scotch to amaretto, which makes it easy to remember and scale.
- You can build and stir the drink in a rocks glass or shake it in a cocktail shaker. Shaking briefly chills and integrates the ingredients; stirring keeps the texture silkier. Either method works.
- This smoky, mellow cocktail is ideal as a nightcap or a slow sipper during a relaxed evening.
- Garnish is optional; a lemon twist can add a bright aromatic top note if you prefer.
- Large ice cubes are recommended to chill the drink without diluting it quickly.
How to make a Godfather cocktail
Pre-step
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and prepare two rocks or double old-fashioned glasses with one large ice cube each.
Step one
Gather the ingredients: scotch and amaretto.
Step two
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) of scotch.
Step three
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) of amaretto.
Step four
Pour both measured ingredients into the shaker, cap it, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain or pour the contents evenly into the two prepared glasses over the large ice cubes.
Optional: express a lemon rind over each glass and drop the twist in as a garnish.
Two Godfather cocktails, ready to sip.
I hope you enjoy this Godfather cocktail as much as I do. It’s an easy, memorable classic with great flavor contrast between smoky scotch and sweet almond liqueur.
Leave a comment and tell me which classic cocktail you love most.
Other popular classic cocktails
- Dirty martini
- Old fashioned
- Daiquiri
- Rob Roy
- Vodka gimlet
May all your dishes and drinks be delish!
Godfather Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces scotch
- 3 ounces amaretto
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add 3 ounces scotch and 3 ounces amaretto, cap the shaker, and shake for 15 seconds.
- Place a large ice cube in each rocks glass and divide the mixture evenly between the two glasses.
- Sip, enjoy, and relax.
Equipment
Notes
- Stick to a 1:1 ratio for a balanced drink and scale by volume to make more servings.
- Choose large ice cubes to reduce dilution and keep the drink cold longer.
- Optional garnish: lemon twist for a bright citrus aroma.
Nutrition
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Calories: 237 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 13 g
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Sugar: 13 g
Originally published February 2017.