The History of The Godfather Cocktail
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A cocktail without a mixer is like fish without chips; salt without vinegar; Bert without Ernie – it just doesn’t work. Unless you are the Godfather, in which case, the rules no longer apply. A wicked mix of scotch whiskey and amaretto, this classic cocktail was once extremely popular but seemed to fall out of favour after the 1970’s. Could we see a revival of this once-beloved beverage?
Whisky glass
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<p>The Godfather is a simple yet classic cocktail that exudes sophistication and subtle complexity. A harmonious blend of the sweet, almond-flavored liqueur Amaretto with the rich and robust notes of whiskey, this drink provides a smooth and warming sipping experience.</p><p>Typically served in a whiskey glass, the Godfather strikes a fine balance between sweetness and the potent character of whiskey, making it a beloved choice for relaxing evenings or as a digestif. Its appeal lies in the effortless combination of just two ingredients, allowing the distinctive flavors to meld together while maintaining their individual profiles.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Godfather
-
- Add the ingredients over ice to a whisky glass
-
- Give the mixture a stir and serve
Movie-Star Beginnings?
If you ask the Disarrono team where the Godfather cocktail came from, they will give you a very credible, but unproven, answer. They believe it was a favourite of the great Marlon
Brando, who, of course, played Vito Corleone in the movies of the same name. It
is not a drink created by Disarrono, however, and nobody is too sure who first
came up with the potent combination.
There is another theory that it was actually created back in the 1950’s, by a bartender called Donato
Antone. He also claims to have invented a whole list of other cocktails,
including the Harvey Wallbanger, the White Russian, the Rusty Nail and the Kamikaze.
However, historians have been unable to find any proof of him making The
Godfather or many of the other drinks Antone has put his name to, so this story
is largely discounted.
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>It is thought that this drink was created within an American Naval base in Japan during World War II. It was actually originally a shot, but it became so popular that it was adapted into cocktail form.</p><p>Today, bartenders may serve it either way. An incerdibly tasty drink epitomizes everything that you would want in a cocktail.</p><p>It includes two sources of alcohol, requires a shaker and is presented in an elegant cocktail glass.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Kamikaze
-
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
-
- Shake well then strain into chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve
Whisky glass
Microbadges
<p>The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that beautifully marries the honeyed, herbal sweetness of Drambuie with the rich, robust flavors of whiskey. Drambuie itself is a liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices, which complements the whiskey base to create a layered and complex drink.</p><p>Typically served in a whiskey glass, the Rusty Nail is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that has a warming and smooth taste profile. Its simplicity in preparation belies the depth of flavor it offers, making it a longstanding favorite among whiskey aficionados.</p><p>Perfect for sipping slowly, this cocktail often evokes a feeling of old-world elegance and comfort.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Rusty Nail
-
- Mix the ingredients directly in an old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes
-
- Stir and serve
Lowball / rocks glass
Microbadges
<p>The White Russian is a classic cocktail that is known for its smooth and creamy texture. It is believed to have originated in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1960s.</p><p>The drink is made with a simple combination of vodka, cream, and coffee liqueur, which creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The base spirit of vodka provides a subtle hint of alcohol, while the cream adds a velvety texture and sweetness.</p><p>The coffee liqueur brings a bold and robust coffee flavor, balancing out the creaminess of the other ingredients. This cocktail is often served on the rocks, making it a refreshing and delectable choice for any occasion.</p><p>Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or a dessert cocktail, the White Russian is a beloved classic that continues to delight taste buds all over the world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a White Russian
-
- In a lowball glass with ice add the vodka and coffee liqueur
-
- Give the mixture a stir to combine the ingredients before floating the cream on top
-
- Stir slowly and serve
Highball glass
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<p>The Harvey Wallbanger is reported to have been invented in 1952 by three-time world champion mixologist Donato 'Duke' Antone (Paolantonio), the brother-in-law of New York state Senator Carlo Lanzillotti.</p>
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Harvey Wallbanger
-
- Add all the vodka and orange juice to a highball glass with ice and stir
-
- Carefully float the Galliano on top
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- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, and serve
Finding Fame
In Hollywood, it seems as though everyone, and everything, is after their five-minutes-of-fame. With links,
however tenuous they may have been, to a world-famous actor and a
mafia-connection that makes it a great theme drink, the Godfather found its
place in the 70s and was actually very popular. The sweet, nutty texture of the
amaretto helped to make the strong, bitter whiskey taste a little more
palatable when poured over ice and was a great after-dinner digestif.
When the limelight started to fade on the simple concoction, bartenders found ways to diversify.
Soon, cocktail lists also featured variations for the whole mafia family.
Patrons could enjoy The Godmother, a mix of vodka and amaretto; The Godson,
scotch, amaretto and cream; and The Goddaughter, vodka, amaretto and cream. Other
variations included the French Connection, which replaced scotch for cognac and
the Godfather II, which prefered bourbon.
Lowball / rocks glass
Microbadges
<p>The French Connection is a sophisticated and smooth cocktail that epitomizes the spirit of France with its choice of spirits. It combines the sweet almond-flavored liqueur Amaretto with the rich and complex flavors of Cognac, resulting in a harmonious blend that's both warming and aromatic.</p><p>This cocktail is typically served in a lowball glass, providing an elegant presentation that matches the refined character of its contents. The French Connection is favored for its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a cocktail experience that is both indulgent and straightforward.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a French Connection
-
- Pour all ingredients directly into lowball glass with ice cubes
-
- Stir gently and serve
Drink Responsibly!
One thing to note about the Godfather, is that it was only ever made to be sipped slowly, so that the consumer could savour every mouthful. The extremely high alcohol content makes it too rich and difficult to drink quickly anyway, but hardcore drinkers should take it easy.
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