Godfather Cocktail Recipe: 3 Godfather Cocktail Variations

A Godfather cocktail is a mixed drink featuring equal parts Scotch whisky and Italian amaretto liqueur stirred over ice in a rocks glass. Amaretto, made from green almonds or ground apricot kernels, is an Italian liqueur known for its sweet, floral almond flavor.

Like other Scotch cocktails like the Rusty Nail, which combines Drambuie and Scotch whisky, or the Rob Roy, a blend of whisky and sweet vermouth, the Godfather is a straightforward recipe that relies on quality ingredients. The key to this cocktail is good Scotch: Whether that’s a blended whisky or a single-malt is up to the drink maker, who can also tweak the ratio to personal preference.

The Godfather is an example of a “duo”: A family of drink recipes that feature a spirit combined with a liqueur. This simple format lends itself to easy riffs and substitutions. Here are a few of the best-known Godfather variations:

1. 1. The French Connection: The French Connection is a classic cocktail with equal parts cognac and amaretto liqueur. Named after William Friedkin’s neo-noir film The French Connection (1971) starring Gene Hackman, it’s a potent brandy cocktail meant to be sipped slowly as a nightcap or after-dinner drink. A French Connection is usually served over ice in a rocks glass or neat in a brandy snifter.
2. 2. The Godchild: Swap the grown-up whisky for heavy cream, and you’ve got the Godchild, a sweet drink with a low ABV, or alcohol by volume, which is the amount of ethanol in a given volume of liquid.
3. 3. The Godmother: The Godmother pairs vodka with amaretto instead of whisky. This variation is lighter than the traditional Godfather thanks to the vodka, which offers a neutral flavor that elevates the amaretto. Learn how to make the Godmother.