The Godfather is one of the simplest cocktails ever made — Scotch and amaretto over ice. Two ingredients. Nothing else. Here's the non-alcoholic version that keeps it just as simple.
What You Need
- 1.5 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
- ¾ oz non-alcoholic amaretto (Lyre's Amaretti or almond syrup thinned with a little water)
- Ice — one large cube preferred
- Rocks glass
How to Make It
- Add a large ice cube to your rocks glass.
- Pour No. 86 over the ice.
- Add the non-alcoholic amaretto.
- Stir gently for 10 seconds.
- No garnish needed — the drink speaks for itself.
The Ratio
2:1 (spirit to amaretto) is the standard starting point. If you want it nuttier and sweeter, go 1:1. If you want the whiskey to dominate, go 3:1. The Godfather is a forgiving drink — adjust to taste and don't overthink it.
Finding NA Amaretto
Lyre's Amaretti is the best non-alcoholic amaretto available. It has genuine almond and marzipan character with the right sweetness level. If you can't find it, orgeat syrup (almond syrup used in Mai Tais) diluted slightly with water works as a substitute — use ½ oz orgeat in place of ¾ oz amaretto since orgeat is sweeter and more concentrated.
Why It Works
The almond sweetness of amaretto pairs naturally with No. 86's vanilla and oak notes — they're in the same warm, nutty flavor family. The Godfather is essentially No. 86 with its own flavor profile amplified. It's a dessert drink that doesn't taste like dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Godmother?
The same drink with vodka instead of Scotch. The Godfather uses whiskey. No. 86 in this recipe plays the whiskey role with more character than vodka would bring to the Godmother.
Is this a dessert drink?
It leans sweet, so yes — it works well after dinner. But at a 2:1 ratio with a good NA whiskey, it's not cloying. Think of it as a spirit-forward drink with a nutty finish rather than a sugary dessert cocktail.
Can I add bitters?
Yes — a single dash of Angostura bitters (All the Bitter makes a great non-alcoholic version) cuts the sweetness slightly and adds complexity. Optional but worth trying.
Two ingredients. No explanation needed.
No. 86 and amaretto — the Godfather, without the Scotch.
→ Shop No. 86 — from $35.99
Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic whiskey — built for cocktails like this one.