The Godfather Is A Cocktail You Can't Refuse

February 14, 2026 | By Benjamin Smith
The Godfather Is A Cocktail You Can't Refuse

Everything You Need To Know About The Godfather

Just like The Godfather 1 and Godfather 2 films, this simple yet satisfying two-ingredient cocktail is a classic that everyone should experience. It gained popularity around the same time the exploits of the Corleone family captured the popular imagination and features Scotch whiskey, the ultimate status of any self-respecting Mafia don, and amaretto, the bittersweet Italian liqueur. Enjoy it as an after-dinner drink, or as a contemplative sipper, just like Michael Corleone would while he ponders the machinations of his empire.

The Godfather

Prep Time3 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritScotch Whisky

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 0.75 oz Amaretto Liqueur
  • Orange Twist, for garnish
The Godfather Is A Cocktail You Can't Refuse

Instructions

  1. Pour Scotch and amaretto into a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir gently, enough to chill but not enough to dilute.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  4. If garnishing, express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and then drop it in.
Pro Tip
The key to a good Godfather is the balance between the smoky, peaty (or malty) notes of the Scotch and the sweet, almond flavor of the Amaretto. The ratio can be adjusted to personal preference; a 2:1 Scotch to amaretto ratio is common for a drier drink, while 1:1 can be used for a sweeter cocktail.

The Godfather Riff

For variations, some enjoy a slightly different profile by using bourbon instead of Scotch, in which case the drink is sometimes called a "Godmother," or a "French Connection" if made with Cognac instead of Scotch.

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