Godfather
Straightforward, strong and a little sweet: stirred whisky meets the soft marzipan of amaretto.
Ingredients
- Scotch, Scotch whisky, blended or single malt50 ml
- Amaretto25 ml
- Orange, to garnish (optional)1 strip
Method
- Fill a rocks glass with large ice cubes.
- Pour the whisky and amaretto straight over the ice.
- Stir gently for about 15 seconds, so the drink chills and combines.
- Twist a wide strip of orange peel over the glass to release its essential oils, then let it drop into the drink to garnish.
About this drink
The Godfather takes its name from the 1972 film, and Marlon Brando is said to have been fond of exactly this pairing of Scotch whisky and amaretto. It is one of the best examples of how far you can get with just two ingredients and a few ice cubes. The 2:1 ratio of whisky to amaretto has stuck as the classic because it balances smoke and nuttiness so elegantly.
Questions and answers
What is a Godfather?
Scotch whisky and amaretto stirred over ice: a simple, spirit-forward drink in which the almond sweetness softens the whisky's smoky edge.
Which Scotch whisky suits a Godfather best?
A blended Scotch with moderate smoke is the standard. A heavily peated Islay whisky can overpower the amaretto's sweetness, while a very mild whisky can drown in it.
