Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Almond Liqueur
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the bourbon whiskey and almond liqueur over ice in a mixing glass.
- Swirl and Strain: Swirl the mixture gently and strain into a double-shot glass.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who first mixed bourbon with almond liqueur and called it the Italian Assassin. It feels like a modern bar creation, likely a riff on the popular Godfather cocktail, which pairs Scotch with almond liqueur. This drink probably popped up in the late 20th century, a simple, direct answer to a sweet tooth with a whiskey craving.
Think of it as a whiskey-forward cousin to the Godfather or the French Connection, which swap out the base spirit for Scotch or Cognac respectively. The Italian Assassin keeps it American with bourbon, giving it a sweeter, often vanilla-laced foundation that plays well with the nutty liqueur. It's a straightforward duo, not a complex symphony.
You'd order this at a dive bar with a surprisingly good back bar, or make it at home when you're tired of shaking things. It's a late-night pour, a nightcap that means business, or a simple starter when you want to bypass the whole menu.
What it tastes like
The Italian Assassin hits you with a one-two punch of sweet and strong. You get the rich, caramel, and vanilla notes from the bourbon upfront, quickly followed by the distinct marzipan-like sweetness and a slight bitterness from the almond liqueur. It's a dessert drink that doesn't forget it's still a whiskey cocktail, so expect a pleasant warmth on the way down.
Clocking in around 30-31% ABV, this isn't a session sipper. To put that in perspective, a standard shot of liquor is 40% ABV, and a strong craft beer might hit 8-10%. This drink is roughly three times stronger than a typical beer. Treat it with respect, or you'll be feeling it faster than you think.
The technique
Building an Italian Assassin is about as simple as it gets. You're just pouring two spirits over ice in a mixing glass, giving them a quick swirl to chill, and then straining. No shaking needed here; you want a smooth, un-aerated texture. Serve it neat in a double-shot glass, keeping it compact and potent.
The key here is getting it properly cold without over-diluting. Give it a good, brisk swirl with plenty of ice in your mixing glass. Don't just give it a few lazy turns. You want that chill to cut through the sweetness, but you don't want it watery.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- A mid-range bourbon with some character. Think Maker's Mark, Bulleit, or Woodford Reserve. Something with a good balance of sweet and spice.
- Skip
- Cheap rail bourbon that tastes like lighter fluid. Also skip anything too delicate or overly complex; it'll get lost.
- Why
- Bourbon brings the backbone, the warmth, and those classic caramel and vanilla notes that anchor the drink. It needs to stand up to the almond liqueur without being overwhelmed.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Disaronno is the standard for a reason, but any quality amaretto will do. Look for a rich, authentic almond flavor.
- Skip
- Anything labeled 'almond syrup' or a cheap, overly sweet knock-off. You need the alcohol content and the depth of flavor.
- Why
- This is where the 'Italian' part comes in. The almond liqueur provides the distinct nutty sweetness and a touch of bitterness that defines the drink's character and balances the bourbon.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Godfather
- The Scotch-based original.
- Swap the bourbon for Scotch whisky. You'll get a smokier, more robust, and often drier version of the same idea.
French Connection
- Cognac adds elegance.
- Use Cognac or another brandy instead of bourbon. This brings a different kind of fruitiness and a smoother, more refined feel.
Assassin's Kiss
- A hint of citrus.
- Add a dash of orange bitters or a small lemon peel expressed over the drink. It brightens the profile and adds a layer of complexity.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try Rye whiskey for a spicier kick, or Scotch for a smokier profile. Cognac also works for a smoother, fruitier take.
Amaretto is the standard, but Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) could offer a similar nutty sweetness, though with a different flavor.
A small rocks glass or even a cordial glass will do the trick. The idea is a compact, potent serve.
Any sturdy glass that can hold ice and your ingredients will work. Just make sure it's clean and you can stir effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Italian Assassin?
An Italian Assassin contains bourbon whiskey and almond liqueur, typically served over ice and strained.
Is the Italian Assassin a strong drink?
Yes, with an ABV around 30-31%, it's significantly stronger than most beers and should be sipped responsibly.
What does an Italian Assassin taste like?
It tastes sweet and nutty from the almond liqueur, balanced by the caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon, with a noticeable warmth.
Do I shake or stir an Italian Assassin?
Stir it. You want a smooth, chilled drink without aeration, so shaking isn't the right move here.
What's the difference between an Italian Assassin and a Godfather?
The main difference is the base spirit. An Italian Assassin uses bourbon, while a Godfather uses Scotch whisky.
Can I serve the Italian Assassin on the rocks?
You can, but it's typically served neat in a small glass after being stirred and strained. Serving it on the rocks will lead to more dilution.
What's a good garnish for an Italian Assassin?
It's usually served without a garnish, but a small lemon twist or a single brandied cherry could add a touch of flair if you're feeling fancy.
Is this a dessert drink?
It definitely leans sweet and can work as a dessert drink, but it's potent enough to stand on its own as a strong, flavorful cocktail.
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