Godmother
Vodka and amaretto — the Godfather's Scotch replaced by vodka, letting amaretto's almond character from the 1970s–1980s DiSaronno marketing take full center stage.
- 1Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass
- 2Add vodka and amaretto
- 3Stir gently to combine
- 4Serve without garnish
Share this page
The Godmother is a vodka-based variation of the Godfather, which combined Scotch whisky with amaretto in equal measure and took its name from Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 film The Godfather. Where the Godfather uses Scotch's peaty, complex character, the Godmother substitutes vodka, allowing amaretto's sweet almond flavor — derived from apricot pits and bitter almonds — to take the full center stage without competition from the base spirit. Amaretto di Saronno, produced in northern Italy since the 16th century according to legend, became a global liqueur phenomenon after aggressive marketing campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s introduced it to American bars. The Godmother emerged during this same period as bartenders explored vodka-amaretto pairings, creating a drink whose smooth, sweet almond profile appealed to drinkers who found Scotch too challenging.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Godmother at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.