The 1970s were what many call the "dark age of cocktails" - an era of syrupy, liqueur-rich concoctions with terrible names like the pink squirrel, the grasshopper, and the Harvey Wallbanger. Of course, the 70s did produce the occasional cocktail that was a touch sweet yet still sophisticated. Case in point: The Godfather, the favored cocktail of Marlon Brando (that alone is reason enough to try it).

The Godfather consists of a 5:3 ratio of scotch to amaretto, but it's easily adjusted to suit individual tastes. Amaretto is very sweet, so If you want a drier cocktail, try a 2:1 ratio, and if you have a sweet tooth you could go so far as to use equal parts scotch and amaretto. I like mine served straight up with a few Luxardo maraschino cherries, but the traditional way to serve it is over ice. Either way, it's a drink you can't refuse.

For a 5:3 ratio (double if necessary):

1 1/4 ounces scotch

3/4 ounce Disaronno amaretto

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, shake, then strain into a coupe or pour into a lowball glass over ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries or an orange slice, if desired.