The Godmother Cocktail

While almost any vodka will make a great godmother, this is one of those simple drinks where a nice vodka can really shine. There are just two ingredients, so each is very important and any impurities in either spirit will definitely come through.

The best godmother will come from a top-shelf vodka. Any of the fantastic craft vodkas available on the market today are excellent choices as well. It doesn't have to be your best vodka, just something that's smooth and has a clean taste.

That doesn't mean that the godmother cannot be a drink for the frugal drinker. It's actually a fantastic choice when money's a little tight. The key to making it just as tasty as any top-shelf vodka is to be selective on which cheaper vodka you buy. There are a number of budget-friendly vodka brands available that are almost as smooth as any premium brand. Choose wisely and you'll have a great drink.

For the best godmother, don't discount your amaretto, either. This is one of the liqueurs that is essential to a well-stocked bar and you'll find it useful in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks. Since it is so important, there's no need to skimp on quality. This is especially true for the godmother because the amaretto is the primary flavoring ingredient of the drink.

You will find bottles of amaretto at the store for $10 or less. As with many liqueurs in that price range, these tend to be very syrupy and leave a lot to be desired in the taste department. If you really want great tasting drinks, spend a little more on a premium amaretto such as Disarrono, Lazzaroni, Luxardo, or Marie Brizard. Since amaretto is rarely poured over an ounce, you'll find that it lasts quite a while and that the taste is worth the extra cost.

Of course, if you're the crafty kind, you can make your own amaretto. It requires just a few common ingredients and very little time. The godmother just happens to be one of the best drinks to show off the fruits of your labor as well.