The Godfather

The epic, Oscar-winning mobster film The Godfather inspired this classic 1970s drink. Although it’s not as popular as other drinks that you can readily get at the bar, this one is a true winner and well-worth seeking out.

Although it’s completely sophisticated, it’s also exceptionally easy to make and contains only two ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Despite the deceptively simple preparation, this cocktail tastes completely elegant.

You only need two ingredients to whip up this classic drink in a matter of minutes; amaretto and whiskey. However, you can use virtually any type of whiskey, many people like blended scotch. If you want to switch it up a little bit, you can use bourbon or a single malt whiskey. If using bourbon, you can expect a spicier, headier drink. Traditional single malt or blended scotch will give you a drink that tastes like standard scotch flavors, specifically heather, smoke, and honey.

A Splash of Sweetness

The other key to this classic drink is Amaretto, which hails from Italy and is a mixture of stone-fruit pits and almonds. Amaretto is a delicious aperitif and can also be added to your favorite cocktail for a sweet and heady mix. Although it can be totally sophisticated, occasionally, Amaretto has a bad reputation because it’s used for a variety of cocktails that people associate with college drinking, like Amaretto Sours. Rest assured, you can easily elevate it, though!

Truthfully, no home bar is complete without a bottle of Amaretto. When combined with whiskey, Amaretto tones down the harsh taste but still lets some of the primary notes shine through. The result is a delicious drink that tastes just like whisky but a little sweeter and softer.

Make It Your Way

Although most recipes call for equal parts Amaretto and whiskey, our cocktail is courtesy of Michael Dietsch’s book Whiskey: A Spirited Story with 75 Classic & Original Cocktails and uses the Amaretto as a secondary flavor, allowing the whiskey to truly shine. If you like your cocktails a little drier and more sophisticated, you will probably really appreciate this blend.

Of course, you can always add or subtract Amaretto from the recipe to taste and really make it your own. One of the other great things about this drink is that you can customize the ingredients for each guest, making it specifically to their liking.

Ultimately, the simplest drinks are often the best ones, as this classic take on whiskey and Amaretto proves. The Godfather is a classic drink for the ages and one that will surely impress and delight your dinner guests. If you want to whip up an unexpected and lovely cocktail, give this one a try. You probably have all of the ingredients that you need for it right in your home bar.