Godfather Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

With one sip, the scotch and amaretto combination in the Godfather Cocktail will make you an offer you can’t refuse.

The day was dark, and the droplets of rain that fell down on the city were so large every pelt on the top of my head felt like a water balloon exploding. It was time to find some shelter from the storm. It was time for a drink. Having no umbrella, I blinked my eyes against the wet weather and wind, searching the sidewalks ahead of me for anything that even closely resembled a watering hole. A sign came into view, hanging above a dark door. “Vito’s” it read, in an art-deco style. Why not, I think to myself.

I walk through the heavy doors, shaking off the rain. Looking around I see I’m in a 1940s style lounge… dark leather booths, frosted panel glass, and low-lit chandeliers gave the place an elegant, and slightly spooky, atmosphere. Soft music is playing, a slow and relaxing melody from the Big Band era quietly echoes through the empty establishment. The only soul in here, besides me, is the barkeep, who has his back to me.

I carefully walk down the long room, my wet steps squeaking a little. The sound catches the bartender’s attention and he turns. I stop in my tracks, gasping at the sight of this dapper and familiar looking gentleman. He resembled a bulldog, his pronounced cheeks accentuated by a pencil thin moustache. Before I can greet this imposing figure, he begins to mumble something. I can’t understand him at all, it sounds like he has marbles in his mouth. Suddenly he stops, as if the expression on my face has made him realize something. He turns and takes a bunch of cotton balls out of his mouth, his cheeks deflating a little. In a raspy voice, he finally makes sense. “Forgive me, my friend. I had some dental work done this morning… now, what can I get you on this beautifully gloomy day?”

I’m indecisive, as I wasn’t planning on having a drink, but the rain outside lured me here. I needed something that’ll warm me up a little, I tell him. He nods. “I’m gonna make you a cocktail you can’t refuse”, he says with a wink. My brow crinkles a little… that phrase he used… something about was giving me a strong sense of déjà vu. I watched as he poured some top shelf scotch and amaretto together and gently stirred, pouring it into the heaviest rocks glass I’ve ever seen. As I sipped slowly and relished the smoky and smooth flavors, I asked my mixologist what I owed. “That drink”, he said slowly, “is on the house. Now, one day, and that day may never come, I may ask a favor of you, my friend. Perhaps a nice review online, or even an umbrella on a rainy day such as this.”

I nodded affably. “Sure, no problem! By the way, does this delicious cocktail have a name?”

As he reverently gestured toward my glass, the bartender solemnly intoned, “That is The Godfather”.

Of course it is.

What is the Best Scotch to Use in a Godfather Cocktail?

When it comes to scotch, I always pay a little more to make sure I’m getting something good. Some bottles will be fairly expensive, such as twelve and eighteen year aged batches, but there are many great top-shelf brands that won’t break the bank. I used to avoid this liquor because I had only experienced stuff that wasn’t so great, and many had that infamous “band-aid” scent and flavor. But drinking a really good scotch is eye-opening. And for the Godfather, treat yourself to something nice. You won’t be disappointed.

What kind glass and garnish does a Godfather need?

Pour your Godfather into a sophisticated rocks glass and over a large cocktail ice cube. No garnish for this one, capiche?

Did Marlon Brando really invent this cocktail?

It is attributed to the Oscar winning actor and star of The Godfather film. The movie was such a phenomenon, and remains iconic to this day, that all manner of references have been made in popular culture to it throughout the years. This drink is just one example.

Similar Cocktails to the Godfather

Sometimes the simplest drinks to make are some of the best. If the Godfather was the kind of cocktail that is more your speed, simple and strong, then Twist & Toast can offer up a number of recipes that you won’t want to refuse.

• Gin & Tonic – One of the most famous two ingredient cocktails, the Gin & Tonic has stood the test of time due to its perfection.
• 7 & 7 – I talk a little about the history of this classic, two ingredient “tough guy” drink.
• Screwdriver – Vodka and orange juice make for the perfect mixture in this iconic cocktail.
• Pink Gin – One of author Ian Fleming’s favorite tipples, the Pink Gin is a simple and great sip to enjoy before a late lunch on a lazy afternoon.