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Godfather vs Godmother
The same amaretto-and-spirit build, Scotch against vodka.
Which should you make?
The whole difference is whether you want to taste the base spirit. Scotch argues with the amaretto and gives you something with smoke and grip; vodka gets out of its way and gives you an almond drink with strength. The Godmother is the easier one to like, the Godfather the more interesting one.
| Attribute | Godfather | Godmother |
|---|---|---|
| In a word | sweet, soft, light — a spirit and modifier drink served over ice. | very sweet, soft, light — a spirit and modifier drink served over ice. |
| Structure | Spirit and modifier | Spirit and modifier |
| Family | Not in a standard family | Not in a standard family |
| Smells of | Oak, Smoke | Nutty |
| Technique | Building in the glassThe drink changes as you go: strongest at the first sip, longest and most diluted at the last. That drift is a feature of a long drink and a fault in a short one. | Building in the glassThe drink changes as you go: strongest at the first sip, longest and most diluted at the last. That drift is a feature of a long drink and a fault in a short one. |
| Base spirit | whisky | vodka |
| Strength | strong | strong |
| ABV | 36% | 36% |
| Calories | 165 kcal | 160 kcal |
| Sweetness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Sourness | 0/5 | 0/5 |
| Bitterness | 1/5 | 0/5 |
| Prep time | 2 min | 2 min |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Equipment | Jigger, Bar spoon | Jigger, Bar spoon |
| Occasions | nightcap, everyday | nightcap, everyday |
| Alcohol-free option | No | No |
Choose the Godfather if you prefer a drier, less sweet drink.
Choose the Godmother if you'd rather keep the calories down and you prefer a sweeter drink.
Can you make both?
Both need: Amaretto.
- Only the Godfather
- Blended Scotch whisky
- Only the Godmother
- Vodka
These are close enough that one extra purchase puts both within reach.
What actually separates them
base spirit
Godfather is built on whisky, Godmother on vodka. If you only own one of the two, that settles it.
Effectively identical on: sourness, strength.