Godfather

What is a Godfather Cocktail?

Introduction

Scotch may be famous for its robust flavors, but its heart and soul lie in its subtlety. Here’s a drink for Scotch lovers and non-Scotch drinkers alike. The Godfather cocktail is a delicious introduction to Scotch. With just two ingredients, it is a must-try for all cocktail lovers out there.

• What is a godfather cocktail?
• What is in a godfather cocktail?
• What does the godfather cocktail taste like?
• Where was the godfather cocktail invented?
• How do you make a godfather cocktail?
• What are the variations of a godfather cocktail?
• What are the frequently asked questions?

What is a Godfather cocktail?

A Godfather cocktail is a simple, classic drink made with Scotch whiskey and amaretto. It is one of the most famous drinks of all time. It’s incredibly easy to make and is suitable for beginners. 

It became popular during the 1970s, when cocktails were strong and sweet, often including amaretto liqueur. One theory is that people started calling it The Godfather because the movie with Marlon Brando came out in 1972. In the movie, his character drinks Scotch whisky often, and there’s an Italian liqueur in this drink that could be referencing the Italian-American mafia family.

What’s in a Godfather cocktail?

The Godfather cocktail is made up of only two ingredients: whiskey and amaretto. The hint of amaretto adds a sweet, nutty component to this cocktail and makes it more drinkable than straight-up whiskey. It is usually served on the rocks with no or little garnish.

The popularity of blended Scotch whisky has led bartenders to experiment with the drink and come up with new ways to enjoy it. Even though no one is sure where the drink came from, it is thought that it became popular around the same time as The Godfather, a well-known movie about organized crime.

What does the Godfather cocktail taste like?

The Godfather’s ingredients are alcohol-based, so it has a stiffer texture than some other cocktails. The flavor of red wine is featured in The Godfather because of its health benefits. The Scotch whisky gives the cocktail a smoky flavor that is well balanced by the sweetness of amaretto liqueur. 

In this two-ingredient cocktail, the cherry and nutty flavors of the amaretto play well with the smoky notes of Scotch. The result is a slightly sweet drink that goes down easily. But the Godfather cocktail should be sipped slowly because its strong flavors might be too much for some people.

Where was the Godfather cocktail invented?

Many people believe Don the Beachcomber invented the Godfather cocktail in California in the 1930s. Others believe it was Trader Vic who created it, also in California.

In the 1940s, a bartender mixed scotch whiskey and amaretto liqueur to make the classic drink. Marlon Brando, who played Vito Corleone in The Godfather, was a fan. Donato Antone created another variation in the 1950s by substituting cognac for scotch. One other idea is that a bartender named Walter Chell came up with it in the 1970s.

How do you make a Godfather cocktail?

With only two ingredients, the Godfather cocktail is easy to make. You won’t need a shaker or a mixer to create this drink. All that is needed is a stir, and you’re good to go. 

To create your godfather cocktail, mix the scotch and the amaretto in a glass. Add ice, and your Godfather cocktail is ready to drink.

To make it more unique and add flavors, you can opt to add a single-malt scotch on top. You can also opt to add a garnish, like a lemon peel. 

What are the variations of the Godfather cocktail?

A variation on the Godfather cocktail could include a different type of whisky or amaretto liqueur. You could also play around with the ratio of whisky to amaretto, depending on your preferences.

Others add cola to the mixture. Some people add maraschino cherries as a garnish. Others switch up the whisky by using bourbon as the base alcohol. Regardless of its many variations, a true Godfather Cocktail will make you feel as if you’re back in the 1920s. 

What are the frequently asked questions?

Is the Godfather a common drink?

The Godfather is a common drink. It is a sweet, aromatic drink made from the infusion of rose water and mint in vodka, typically drunk straight or over ice. It is less expensive to drink at home than at a restaurant, but it is also very strong in flavor.

What kind of scotch is used in The Godfather cocktail?

The Godfather cocktail is traditionally served with a high-quality Scotch whiskey—usually a blended Scotch. Blended Scotch has a smooth, spicy finish. It’s made by blending malt whisky and grain whisky, which gives it more of a bourbon-like flavor with a slightly spicy finish.

Single-malt whisky is also used by some. In general, single-malt Scotch is more expensive than blended Scotch. Pour some single-malt scotch on top of the Godfather cocktail to take it to the next level.

History of the Godfather Cocktail

The origins of the Godfather drink have not been determined. One thing is certain: it is one of the “gangster drinks” or “criminal cocktails,” along with the Godfather and the French Connection. According to A Couple Cooks, the popularity of this drink skyrocketed in the 1970s, around the time The Godfather won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Although the cocktail has little to do with Italy, the use of amaretto liqueur ensures that the name is appropriate.

There is also the idea that bartender Donato Antone came up with the Godfather cocktail in the 1950s. The Cocktail Society says that Donato came up with a number of cocktails, such as White Russians, Harvey Wallbangers, Kamikazes, and The Rusty Nail. Experts, however, strongly disagree with this theory because there is no evidence that he made these cocktails. 

According to legend, Marlon Brando, who played Don Corleone in The Godfather films, enjoyed what became known as “The Godfather drink.” The amaretto liqueur in the drink gives it an Italian taste, which is where the name comes from. Don Corleone could be sitting at his desk, martini in hand, planning wedding favors for his daughter. [source: MoneyInc]

Conclusion

The Godfather is a simple drink that not only lets you try Scotch for the first time but also encourages you to try new flavors. It’s worth a try for Scotch lovers and non-Scotch drinkers alike.