If you’ve come to this blog entry hoping to find quaint stories about my Italian Godmother sipping lemonade, you’re going to be disappointed. You see, today’s entry will introduce 2 cocktails, a godmother and Italian lemonade, and although Zia, my Godmother, might enjoy them, she really has little to do with either. No, these cocktails came to me by way of my Trusty Traveling Companion, a man who at one time was a rather celebrated bartender in these parts. And with this being an Italian recipe blog, you couldn’t find a better place to present 2 amaretto cocktails. Not only that, since it was he who introduced me to these cocktails, I asked that he supply the images that accompany this post, thereby introducing them to you.
He introduced me to the first cocktail, a godmother, during our first trip together, in Italy. Even if a bit “potent,” it quickly became a favorite and we spent many a cocktail hour sipping godmothers as we penned postcards to friends and family back home. Heaven knows how many actually made it to their destinations but we sure did have a good time writing them. He introduced me to the second cocktail, Italian lemonade, earlier this Summer. Think of it as a godmother-light and, being a bit diluted by the lemonade, it will make a great drink for a Labor Day barbecue or picnic.
Oh! For those of you who googled “Italian godmother lemonade” and, disappointed, found yourselves at this blog but continued to read to this point anyway, I’ve a treat for you. “Justin Bieber,” “Lady Gaga,” “Casey Anthony,” and “nude pictures of “. See? Now you have plenty of misdirected company, each of whom probably far more disappointed than you.
* * *
Godmother Recipe
Ingredients
- Amaretto di Saronno
- Stolichnaya Vanilla Vodka
- lemon slices and/or mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Combine equal amounts of amaretto and vodka into a cocktail shaker, mix well, and pour into ice-filled “rock” glasses. Add garnish, if desired.
* * *
Italian Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
Amaretto di Saronno- Premium Vodka
- Lemonade (pink optional)
- Fresh berries, lemon slice, or mint for garnish (optional)
Directions
- These are best made by the pitcher, or a similarly large amount, following a 7:2:1 ratio. That’s 7 parts lemonade and 2 parts vodka for every 1 part amaretto. Mix thoroughly, pour over ice into tall glasses, and add the garnish of your choice.
* * *
Notes
Pictured, the Italian Lemonades have been served in tall glasses, the rims of which have been dipped in colored sugar. This sugar can be found among the cake decorating supplies of your local grocery or made at home. Just combine 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring. Once you have the sugar, place it in a bowl just wide enough to fit the top of the glass. Start with a clean, dry cocktail glass. Use a lemon slice to moisten its rim and then invert and dip the glass momentarily into the sugar. Remove the glass from the sugar, set upright, and fill with ice and the cocktail, being careful not to over-pour or in any way disturb the sugar-coating.
* * *
from the Bartolini kitchens 
I think Ritchey and I need to have a godmother tonight! It will be the perfect way for him to unwind after a hard week – and with something new! Thank you!
LikeLike
Prego e Saluti! 🙂
LikeLike
I just love the pink lemonade with the colored sugar! That drink would by far be my favorite and I could probably drink them way too easily. I mean…that sugar!!!! But I have to say my favorite picture is of the Italian godmother. I love the postcards in the shot and can almost picture myself there. Love the SEO words thrown in the post too!
LikeLike
Thanks, Kristy. He really did a good job with the pics, didn’t he? Both cocktails are good but I’m partial to the godmothers — for sipping only! Oh, but they go down so easy!
LikeLike
Fab, fab! My godmother Zia Luciana loved a drink (or 5) so she would have appreciated these. Love the totally over the top colour of the pink one. Which reminds me…must go and dig out my feather boa to wear while drinking one of these!
LikeLike
I wish I could’ve met your Zia Luciana. We would’ve gotten along just fine. Please, please, PLEASE! If you break out the feather boa, post a pic — maybe a new gravatar image? — so that we can all revel in your fabulosity. And thanks, Tanya, for my first good chuckle of the day. Have a great weekend & Saluti!
LikeLike
These are amazing and I have all the ingredients. Great stuff. Your post had me laughing too. Some of the google search terms I see are too funny. To get to my site, someone once typed: I ate too much spaghetti carbonara.
LikeLike
Oh, Greg, try a godmother. The 1st one tastes like a potent piece of candy. The 2nd is just candy — and it’s all downhill — or uphill — from there. And I get those weird search terms, too. We should collect them all and write a post listing them. I’ll be sure to check out your archives, though, the next time I overindulge on spaghetti carbonara. Too funny!
LikeLike
Perfect timing for entertaining on this long weekend, John. Thanks for the refreshing recipes!
LikeLike
These have served me well, Eva, and it’s time they served the World! have a great weekend!
LikeLike
the Godmother is for me, if only for the NAME! I shall stock up .. grazie! c
LikeLike
No need to stock up too much, Cecilia. It only takes a couple. Trust me.
LikeLike
Just came across your blog…this drink sounds delicious, and great story! Love that you included the random search terms at the end. You’re right, the “Beliebers” might be a bit upset/confused when they’re directed here, ha!
LikeLike
Yes, they may come but, as we all know, we bloggers have special powers over the Comments Sections of our blogs. So, let them come! 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Mi sono fatta due risate!!!! Great post!!!! Brilliant writing and those Godmother cocktails are way hotter than Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga!!!
LikeLike
Of course the cocktails are hot. It’s the amaretto! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Oh John, you made my weekend just a bit happier….or is that tipsier? The lemonade is perfect for this weekend, I’ve never tried amaretto in lemonade! The Godmother sounds like something I had long ago so I’m excited to try that one!! Now, between you and I, I’m really not a drinker. I can tolerate one drink, two max! But that one drink is all I need and I love to make sure it’s a fabulous tasting drink!! Have a great Labor Day weekend!
LikeLike
If you’re limited to one cocktail, Linda, I think either one of these will do ya just fine. Beyond that and you’re on your own. 🙂 Have a great weekend and holiday!
LikeLike
Nice recipes and story John! you are hilarious! I googled “Justin Bieber,” “Lady Gaga,” ”Casey Anthony,” and “nude pictures of … but no luck 😉
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I’m happy you enjoyed the post and hope that one day you’ll try the cocktails. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
very colorful, bet it tastes good
LikeLike
Nuttin better!
LikeLike
What a giggle – fun read! I will have to be greedy and take both cocktails – just for research purposes that it.
Have a fantastic weekend.
🙂 Mandy
LikeLike
Greedy? Heavens, no! There is nothing greedy about scientific research. In fact, you may find that you need 2 of each in order to collect enough data. By the way, you didn’t drive to the “laboratory”, did you? Hope yours is a great wekend, too!
LikeLike
We’re not calling it Labor Day weekend at our place…It’s August Recovery Day. I just might have to re-think my mixed-drink ban for one of these.
Amaretto has a special place in my taste-memory. Growing up, my best friend’s mom was from Verona…when Mama cooked, she would let us run a finger around the neck of the bottle – “Just a taste now, girls!”
LikeLike
Great memory. “Mama” sounds like any one of the women in my extended family. You on the Eastern Seaboard have earned the right to not only call Labor whatever you wish but to use as many expletives as you deem fit to describe August, 2011. It’s in the Constitution or Federalist Papers somewhere.Trust me. 😉
LikeLike
Mmmm… I love the pink Italian lemonade! Looks like such a refreshing drink. 🙂
LikeLike
That is is, Christina, and you can easily vary its strength by adjusting the amount of vodka. That’s why they make such a great backyard barbecue drink. Speaking of which, have a great holiday weekend!
LikeLike
You made me chuckle with your clever writing. No Amaretto at the cottage so I can’t have one of your cocktails at the dock. When I get back to New Hampshire, I’ll have a Godmother on the front porch and think about you or Lady Gaga…no definitely you. Great post.
LikeLike
Thank you, Karen. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. That’s the thing about godmothers. Whether you’re writing post cards while abroad or at home sitting on your front porch, you’ll find a godmother is perfect for the occasion — with or without Lady Gaga.
LikeLike
It’s times like these when I truly dislike living in Utah…a great drink mix is presented to me, I have no vodka, and the state liquor stores are closed. Lucky me.
LikeLike
Well, if it makes you feel better, this afternoon with a godmother in-hand, I’ll look to the West and drink to your health. And, if as I suspect, that does nothing for you, then, Buddy, head for the border!
LikeLike
This is my kind of drink!! I often make a drink with vodka, fresh lemons, sugar, and tonic water. If I say something outlandish on social media, this is what I am under the influence of! I have some amaretto on my shelf that is calling my name now…
– Michael
LikeLike
Yeah, Michael, I know exactly what you mean! Some of those sites should require a password and a breathalyzer test to get in. How do you keep amaretto on a shelf? It disappears pretty quickly around here.
LikeLike
I know I don’t have any vodka about but I hope I still have the amaretto packed away safely somewhere. Yummmmmmmmmmm!!!
LikeLike
Godmothers are tasty cocktails, that’s for sure. The first one may taste a little strong but, after that one, the rest are mighty easy to go down. Almost too easy. 😉
LikeLike
Pingback: My Kind of Town, Chicago is….Flat Ruthie Sings | Cardboard Me Travels
I keep telling myself I need to try a Godmother, because it’s all ingredients I like so very well, but do I ever remember to order one? No, I do not! My own godmother would roll in her grave at the perfidy of it. So now I’ll just have to make my own, now that you’ve given me a dandy recipe for it. Godma Nancy would approve! The lemonade sound tasty as heck too, but more ideal for cooling a blistering Texas summer day, so I’ll keep that one handy for later. Thanks for the tips!
LikeLike
You really must try a Godmother, Kathryn. It’s my cocktail of choice, depending upon the setting, and it never disappoints. If you do order it when out, just be prepared to give the wait person the recipe because so few have heard of it. Believe me, it’s their loss!
LikeLike
No disappointment here John! I had never heard of the Godmother drink and I love it.
I am thinking of Christmas Eve with the mint sprigs and a candy cane in it!! Amaretto and vanilla vodka.., yum!!
Then I scrolled down to the lemonade; WOW! Love the pink lemonade and the colour. And I absolutely love the sugary rim!! Love the pictures of both 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Judy, for always being so complimentary and encouraging. Both cocktails are great, though I’m quite partial to the Godmothers. They served me well on many a trip overseas. My Traveling Companion & I would joke that we should send the woman at Frankfurt airport’s Duty Free shop a Christmas card. Whenever our flights connected in Frankfurt, we would be sure to buy amaretto and vanilla vodka before boarding our next flight. 🙂
LikeLike
Too funny John! The Godmother sounds splendid. I definitely need to get out more 🙂
LikeLike
Well, if you do get out, Judy, and you happen to find yourself in the Frankfurt Airport, please stop by the Duty Free shop and tell Hilda that John says ‘Hi!”. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t know which I like better, amaretto and lemonade or your Internet misdirection LOL. On a random side note, we didn’t know who Justin Bieber was until a year ago when Joan Rivers was critiquing him on Fashion Police and then for the longest time the hubby thought his name was “Justin Beaver.” Yes, we live in a cave, but a very happy one 🙂
LikeLike
You’ll look fondly upon those BB (Before Bieber) days. Innocence lost, indeed. 🙂
On the other hand, you’re living in an area where you could last this long without knowing of Bieber or his Belibers? Heaven on Earth.
LikeLike
You had me at cocktail – great recipes. No godmother, but my paternal grandmother is known to drink (several) scotch cocktails in the evening. She is now 98 years old. 🙂
LikeLike
Glad you like the recipes. Your Grandmother has a new fan. I bet she’s really something!
LikeLike