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In Mario Puzo's novel, The Godfather, don Vito Corleone says to his godson, Johnny Fontaine, he'll make a certain movie producer an offer he can't refuse. Now, a cocktail, called the Godfather, is offering a flavor delight few can refuse.

The Godfather, the cocktail, is a marriage of sweet Italian amaretto and bourbon built over ice cubes. Now, depending on whom you ask, the whiskey must be American bourbon and the amaretto imported from the old country. But to others, the cocktail must have Scotch whisky and the imported amaretto.

No matter what is used, the result is a sweet drink with a slightly sour bite built over ice cubes with a twist of orange. The amaretto is important, and Italy makes the finest. It imparts a delicate almond flavor, which is absorbed completely by the sweet woody taste of the bourbon or the malty tang of Scotch. (Please do not use a single malt Scotch because adulterating single malt with anything, even water, is a sin.) So, the final flavor hints of almonds but is not dominated by it.

That the cocktail in linked to the novel is not clear, except that the prevailing ambience of Puzo's book is Italian, or to be precise, Sicilian. Amaretto is their national liqueur.

Next time you have a party, break out a good Kentucky bourbon, a blend is recommended, or a fine blended Scotch, join either to the best amaretto you can find, and enjoy the taste along with the feeling that you can make an offer no one can refuse.

THE GODFATHER

1 1/2 oz. of Scotch or bourbon
1/2 oz. of Amaretto

Blend (build) over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass, add a twist of orange peel, and serve.

Learn more about this author, Frederick Fuller.
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