Two-Ingredient Godfather Cocktail With Scotch and Almond Liqueur

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It needs only two main ingredients and takes just 3 minutes to prepare.
• Sweet, nutty amaretto softens the smoky warmth of Scotch without hiding its character.
• Stirring with ice creates a smooth, chilled, velvety texture.
• The whisky-to-liqueur ratio is easy to adjust for a sweeter, drier, or smokier drink.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 orange for an optional fresh twist
• Dairy: None needed
• Pantry: Scotch whisky, amaretto almond liqueur, and ice

Full Ingredients

For the Cocktail

• 2 ounces Scotch whisky, preferably a blended Scotch or gently smoky single malt
• 1/2 ounce amaretto almond liqueur
• 1 cup ice cubes, for stirring
• 1 large clear ice cube, for serving

Optional Garnish

• 1 strip orange peel, about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the serving glass

Fill a 10-ounce rocks glass with ice and cold water. Let it stand for 2 minutes while you measure the cocktail ingredients. Chilling the glass helps the finished Godfather stay near its ideal serving temperature of 35 to 40°F (2 to 4°C).

Step 2: Measure the Scotch and amaretto

Pour 2 ounces of Scotch whisky and 1/2 ounce of amaretto into a mixing glass. This 4-to-1 ratio keeps the whisky at the center of the drink while adding enough almond liqueur to round out smoky, malty, and oaky flavors.

Step 3: Add ice

Fill the mixing glass about three-quarters full with ice, using approximately 1 cup. Plenty of ice chills the cocktail quickly and gives you better control over dilution.

Step 4: Stir until properly chilled

Stir the cocktail smoothly and continuously for 20 seconds. The outside of the mixing glass should feel very cold. Stirring, rather than shaking, preserves the drink’s clear appearance and creates a silky, velvety texture.

Step 5: Prepare the rocks glass

Discard the ice water from the chilled rocks glass. Add one large fresh ice cube. A large cube melts slowly, so the cocktail stays cold without becoming watery too quickly.

Step 6: Strain, garnish, and serve

Strain the cocktail over the large ice cube. If using the orange garnish, hold the peel over the drink with the colored side facing down, gently squeeze it to release the fragrant citrus oils, and rub it around the rim before placing it in the glass. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Choose the Scotch to suit your taste: A blended Scotch makes a smooth, approachable Godfather, while an Islay single malt produces a much smokier drink.
• Measure carefully: Amaretto is sweet and flavorful, so an extra splash can quickly overpower the whisky.
• Use fresh, solid ice: Ice that has absorbed freezer odors can affect this simple cocktail noticeably.
• Stir instead of shaking: Stirring provides controlled dilution and keeps the cocktail clear rather than cloudy or foamy.
• Check allergen information: Amaretto recipes vary by producer, so check the bottle label if tree nuts are a concern.

Variations

• Drier Godfather: Use 2 1/4 ounces Scotch and 1/4 ounce amaretto for a more spirit-forward cocktail with restrained sweetness.
• Sweeter Godfather: Use 2 ounces Scotch and 3/4 ounce amaretto for a softer drink with a more pronounced marzipan flavor.
• Smoky Godfather: Use 2 ounces peated Islay Scotch with 1/2 ounce amaretto to create a bold contrast between campfire smoke and nutty sweetness.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A finished Godfather is best served immediately because melted ice will continue to dilute it. To prepare ahead, combine the Scotch and amaretto without ice in a sealed glass container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or colder for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, stir one 2 1/2-ounce portion with 1 cup fresh ice for 20 seconds, then strain it over a large fresh ice cube. Cut the orange twist shortly before serving so it remains fragrant and moist.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 184 kcal | Carbs: 8g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 0mg | Cholesterol: 0mg