This Godfather cocktail with bourbon combines the warm flavor of whiskey with sweet, almond-flavored amaretto, two drops of Peychaud's bitters, and an orange peel finish. Stir it over ice and serve in a rocks glass for a simple after-dinner cocktail that takes just 5 minutes. My version uses equal parts bourbon and amaretto, so expect a sweeter sip; the notes below explain how to dial that sweetness back.
A Steakhouse Cocktail to Make at Home
Every February, my husband and I toast another year together. On one anniversary night at a local steakhouse, we discovered a Scotch-and-amaretto Godfather on the menu. That simple pairing stayed with me. This tested version uses bourbon, with a little bitters and orange peel to finish.
The traditional Godfather pairs Scotch whisky with amaretto. Bourbon makes this a variation of that classic, and the whiskey you choose changes its character. I keep the Scotch option in the substitutions so you can make either version.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Bourbon: The whiskey base for this tested version.
- Amaretto: Sweet almond-flavored liqueur; the equal-parts recipe is intentionally sweet.
- Peychaud's bitters: Use drops, not dashes.
- Orange peel: One fresh strip for the fragrant finishing oils.
- Ice: For chilling in the mixing glass and serving in the rocks glass.
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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- For a traditional version: Replace the bourbon with Scotch.
- For a less sweet cocktail: Reduce the amaretto to 1 fluid ounce and keep the bourbon at 2 fluid ounces.
- Another aromatic bitters: You can substitute it if needed, though the flavor will change slightly.
Tools That Make It Easier
I use these tools when I make a Godfather cocktail: a mixing glass, a jigger or fluid-ounce measure, a bar spoon, a cocktail strainer, a rocks glass, and a vegetable peeler. A sealed container is useful for the optional make-ahead base.
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How to Make a Godfather Cocktail with Bourbon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the ice: Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice. Place a large ice cube or several smaller cubes in a rocks glass.
Step 2 - Measure and stir: Measure 2 fluid ounces bourbon and 2 fluid ounces amaretto into the mixing glass, then add 2 drops Peychaud's bitters. Stir for 20-30 seconds to chill the mixture and allow a little ice to melt.
Step 3 - Strain: Strain into the prepared rocks glass.
Step 4 - Finish with orange: Hold the orange peel over the drink and gently twist it to release its oils. Rub the colored side along the rim, then add the peel to the glass.
Tips for a Well-Chilled Godfather
- Measure the bitters carefully: Two drops is a small addition; pouring in two dashes changes the recipe.
- Keep the serving ice separate: Stir with mixing ice, then strain over the ice already in the rocks glass.
- Finish over the drink: Twist the orange peel above the glass before rubbing it along the rim and dropping it in.
Can You Make a Godfather Cocktail Ahead?
For advance preparation, combine the bourbon, amaretto, and bitters in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Add ice and stir just before serving; garnish with freshly cut orange peel.
Wait to add the ice until serving. Otherwise, the stored mixture will continue to dilute as the ice melts.
What to Serve with a Godfather Cocktail
Salted nuts, aged cheddar, or dark chocolate make easy companions for this sweet, almond-flavored drink. For a larger snack spread, see my How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board for a Crowd. A Old Fashioned Cheese Ball brings another savory cheese option, while Candied Pecans offer a sweeter nut pairing.
How to Make an Epic Charcuterie Board for a Crowd
Old Fashioned Cheese Ball
Candied Pecans
Godfather Cocktail FAQs
How is a Godfather different from an Old Fashioned? A Godfather uses amaretto as its sweet liqueur. An Old Fashioned adds a sweetener and bitters to the spirit. The almond flavor is what gives this Godfather its distinct character.
Does the garnish add juice to the drink? This recipe uses fresh peel for its aromatic oils. It does not include juice; keep it out of the mixing glass.
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More Recipes You Might Like
For another whiskey drink, try my Bourbon Old Fashioned or Classic Whiskey Sour. If you enjoyed the original post's French Martini suggestion, that fruity option is still a lovely change of pace.
Bourbon Old Fashioned
Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe
French Martini
Recipe
PrintGodfather Cocktail
This bourbon Godfather cocktail combines sweet amaretto, aromatic bitters, and fresh orange oils for a rich, nutty drink you can stir together in five minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 fluid ounces bourbon
- 2 fluid ounces amaretto
- 2 drops Peychaud's bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
- Ice, for mixing and serving
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice. Place a large ice cube or several smaller cubes in a rocks glass.
- Measure the bourbon and amaretto into the mixing glass, then add the bitters. Stir for 20-30 seconds to chill the mixture and allow a little ice to melt.
- Strain into the prepared rocks glass.
- Hold the orange peel over the drink and gently twist it to release its oils. Rub the colored side along the rim, then add the peel to the glass.
Notes
Substitutions: Replace the bourbon with Scotch for a more traditional version. For a less sweet drink, reduce the amaretto to 1 fluid ounce. If needed, substitute another aromatic bitters; the flavor will change slightly.
Serving suggestions and pairings: Serve with salted nuts, aged cheddar, or dark chocolate.
Storage: For advance preparation, combine the bourbon, amaretto, and bitters in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Add ice and stir just before serving; garnish with freshly cut orange peel.
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