The Godfather: Improved & True with Progressive Amaretto and Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky
The roots of mixology were sown in 1806, when a New York bartender crafted the first-ever cocktail comprising of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters for a local newspaper editor. This marked the start of mixology as a profession, leading to "The Golden Age of Cocktails" between the 1860s and the Prohibition era (1920 to 1933), which is characterised by bartender experimentation and the birth of classic cocktails.
During this time, the Godfather emerged - a simple creation with just two ingredients: Scotch whisky and amaretto. Its origins are unclear, but counts itself amongst the three ‘gangster cocktails’ alongside the Godmother and French Connection. The mysterious Godfather gained popularity im the 1970s, an era marked by cocktails featuring potent yet sweet profiles often incorporating amaretto.
Naturally the classic is often linked to the 1972 film "The Godfather," where actor Marlon Brando played Italian-American mafia boss Don Vito Corleone, a character that frequently indulged in Scotch throughout the movie. This is believed to have influenced the cocktail's nomenclature, referencing the addition of the Italian liqueur.
When Jigger & Pony first opened in 2012, Singapore's cocktail culture was budding, with new age, bespoke-style cocktail bars. In a bid to bring the classics to the scene, the team kickstarted our journey building the bar programme focused on these cocktails. In recent years, the bar team has mastered the art of improving these timeless concoctions while remaining true to the original’s essence.
Godfather: Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky, akai umeshu, Empirical Spirits The Plum, I suppose
Harmonising tradition with innovation, we begin by looking at individual components of the Godfather, finding ways to innovate each element. This process mirrors the larger pursuit of pushing boundaries and examining sustainability in the bar industry. Yet, our commitment to authenticity remains a guiding principle that withstands the test of time.
In the Godfather, the amaretto - a type of sweetened distilled spirit - brings a bitter almond flavour derived from almonds, apricot pits (which has a unique almond taste), peach stones, or a combination. For our Godfather in IDENTITY, we sought to enhance the taste of amaretto, creating our own “progressive” version by mixing akai umeshu (Japanese red plum liqueur) with Empirical Spirits’ The Plum, I Suppose, containing apricot kernels, to achieve similar notes.
Staying true to the traditional recipe, we balance our amaretto with Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky. The modern whisky imparts a smooth, malty character to the cocktail, accompanied by gentle vanilla undertones and a lively hint of citrus aroma. Garnished with a pink almond praline in place of the traditional orange peel twist, it enhances the Godfather’s visual appeal and amplifies the cocktail's harmonious blend of bittersweet and nutty flavours.
Presenting to you, our Improved & True Godfather.