GODFATHER
The Godfather: A 1970s Cinema-Inspired Classic
The Godfather cocktail emerged in the 1970s, coinciding with the release of Francis Ford Coppola's iconic film The Godfather in 1972.
While the exact creator remains unknown, the drink became popular in American bars during the decade when simple two-ingredient cocktails appealed to mainstream drinkers, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail combines Scotch whisky with amaretto, an Italian almond-flavored liqueur. This pairing creates a sweet, nutty profile that softens Scotch's smokiness and makes it more accessible to drinkers who might find straight whisky too intense, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Godfather spawned several variations during the 1970s, including the Godmother (vodka and amaretto) and the French Connection (cognac and amaretto). These drinks reflected the era's preference for straightforward cocktails that required minimal bartending skill and could be made quickly.
The cocktail's popularity declined in the 1980s and 1990s as vodka-based drinks dominated bar culture. However, the Godfather maintains a nostalgic appeal and occasionally appears on contemporary cocktail menus as a retro choice. The drink works well as a digestif due to amaretto's sweetness and almond character complementing Scotch's warming qualities.
RECIPE:
1.5 oz Scotch whisky
3/4 oz amaretto
Method:
Add Scotch and amaretto to a rocks glass with ice.
Stir gently to combine and chill.