The Godson

April is still early in the season, and the Farm is being readied for the months ahead. Brush is being cleared, ground being tilled, and on those chilly Spring nights, we stoke the fire to keep us warm. When we sit down to create a cocktail, we look to these moments for inspiration.

Our drink this month is a variation on and a descendant of the classic Godfather, which is classified as a duo (basically any drink with only two ingredients, usually a base spirit and a liqueur). In this case, it's Scotch and Amaretto served on the rocks. I say variation because a Godson is actually those prior two ingredients combined with light cream, but we liked the name and see it as a descendant of the original. Besides, Godcousin doesn't have a nice ring to it.

I've chosen the Aberlour 10 year, a Speyside Scotch with rich, dried cherry notes and a touch of smoke to balance the sweet, luxurious almond quality of the Amaretto. Sweet, rich and slightly smoky, we need some acidity to brighten the palate. Moro blood oranges make the perfect partner as they have their roots in Italy just like Amaretto di Saronno, and of course, the Godfather himself. A dash each of Fee Brothers Cherry and Old Fashioned Bitters and we have a finished cocktail, the Godson. Float a dried blood orange slice on top and you'll be sitting fireside on a cool Spring night in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 ounces Aberlour 10 year
  
• 1/2 ounces Amaretto
• Squeeze of blood orange half
• Dash of Fee Cherry & Old Fashioned Bitters

To make:
Add all ingredients to shaker glass. Stir 40 revolutions until glass is very cold. Julep strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with dried blood orange slice.