Winston Churchill, one of history’s most renowned leaders, was equally famed for his affinity for whisky. So much so that the legendary bartender Joe Gilmore crafted a whisky-based concoction in homage to the prime minister at London’s iconic American Bar in the Savoy hotel. This drink blended scotch with sweet vermouth, Cointreau, and lime juice.
Churchill’s penchant for whisky stemmed from practicality, as he once recounted during a visit to the U.S. According to journalist Margaret Truman, Churchill remarked, “When I was a young subaltern in the South African war, the water was not fit to drink… To make it palatable, we had to add whisky.
By diligent effort, I learned to like it.” His fondness for Scotch was such that he imbibed it throughout the day, starting even at breakfast. Legend has it that when then-President Harry Truman offered him bourbon during a train ride, Churchill halted the train until a subordinate could procure a bottle of Scotch.
Joe Gilmore, a legendary figure in his own right, served as a bartender at The Savoy hotel’s American Bar from 1940 to 1976. During his tenure, he mixed drinks for luminaries like Neil Armstrong, Ernest Hemingway, and Frank Sinatra.
However, Gilmore held a special affection for Churchill, who had his own reserved entrance at The Savoy and even stored his personal bottle of Scotch behind the bar. In a token of appreciation, Churchill gifted Gilmore a cigar, which the bartender cherished until it eventually crumbled away.
Churchill Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin (60 ml / 2 ounces): A classic base for many cocktails, gin brings botanical notes and a crisp profile to the Churchill Cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth (30 ml / 1 ounce): Adding depth and a touch of sweetness, sweet vermouth complements the gin, creating a well-balanced foundation.
- Cointreau (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): Infusing a citrusy brightness, Cointreau contributes a vibrant layer to the cocktail.
- Bénédictine (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): Providing herbal complexity and a hint of honeyed sweetness, Bénédictine elevates the Churchill Cocktail’s flavor profile.
- Orange Bitters (2 dashes): The finishing touch, orange bitters add a nuanced citrus aroma that ties all the elements together.
Churchill Cocktail Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
Ensure you have the necessary tools: a mixing glass, a stirring spoon, a jigger for measuring, and a chilled coupe glass. Make sure your gin, sweet vermouth, Cointreau, Bénédictine, and orange bitters are readily available.
Step 2: Measure and Combine Ingredients
- In the mixing glass, measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of gin, 30 ml (1 ounce) of sweet vermouth, 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of Cointreau, and 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of Bénédictine.
Step 3: Add Orange Bitters
- Add 2 dashes of orange bitters to the mix. This addition will impart a subtle yet essential citrusy note to the cocktail.
Step 4: Stir with Ice
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and gently stir the ingredients for approximately 15-20 seconds. Stirring ensures proper dilution and the perfect blending of flavors without compromising the cocktail’s clarity.
Step 5: Strain into a Chilled Coupe Glass
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The coupe glass, with its elegant curvature, enhances the presentation and allows you to savor the aroma with each sip.
Step 6: Express Orange Peel Over the Cocktail
- Take a fresh orange peel and express its oils over the cocktail by giving it a gentle twist. Drop the peel into the glass for a final touch of aromatic allure.
The Churchill Cocktail – A Statesman’s Joy
Although Churchill wasn’t particularly fond of cocktails, that didn’t deter Gilmore from creating a libation in his honor. Dubbed the Churchill cocktail, Gilmore’s creation melded Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The inaugural recipe for this concoction made its debut in Esquire magazine back in 1939.
Often referred to as a Churchill Manhattan, this spirited drink diverges from its New York-named predecessor in several ways. Apart from substituting Scotch whisky for rye, it incorporates orange-flavored Cointreau and lime juice, necessitating shaking rather than stirring, as is customary for a Manhattan. Notably, Churchill had a predilection for Johnnie Walker Red blended Scotch whisky, although any blended Scotch will suffice for this cocktail.
Cheers to the art of making the best cocktails and to the enduring legacy of Sir Winston Churchill!
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