This Bartender Made Drinks for Frank Sinatra and Neil Armstrong, but This May Be His Best Celebrity Cocktail

A mid-century classic, the Churchill is a whisky cocktail that incorporates blended scotch, sweet vermouth, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Essentially, it’s a modified version of the Whiskey Sour template, though one that incorporates elements of a classic Manhattan.

The drink was created by Joe Gilmore during his time as head bartender at the legendary American Bar located in London’s Savoy Hotel. Having joined the Savoy as a commis waiter while he was still under 18 years old, Gilmore made the acquaintance of many of the hotel’s famous patrons, including Frank Sinatra, Neil Armstrong, Charles De Gaulle, and two-time British prime minister Winston Churchill. The latter became the inspiration behind this drink, which uses a base of Scotch whisky, Churchill’s preferred spirit.

When presented with the drink, it’s said Churchill returned the favor by gifting Gilmore one of his Cuban cigars.

Why the Churchill works, and how to find the right balance

The sour family of drinks, despite its name, does not necessarily indicate a drink that tastes sour, and the Churchill is a perfect example. It earns its place in the category by incorporating lime juice, which is balanced by two sweeter elements: orange liqueur and sweet vermouth. This puts the drink on the sweeter end of the sour cocktail spectrum, while the backbone of Scotch whisky provides welcome earthiness.

Gilmore specifically called for Cointreau in his original Churchill recipe. Though other orange liqueurs can be substituted, their varying sugar content may require modifications. For sweet vermouth, aim for something on the lighter end of the spectrum. French producer Dolin creates a very versatile sweet vermouth that would play well here, and won’t bully the other ingredients the way a heavier-bodied Italian vermouth like Carpano Antica may.

Similarly, try to stick to a blended scotch for your whisky choice. Though single malts can play well in an array of cocktails, here they may be overshadowed by the four ingredients and added citrus. They also may throw the drink out of balance, particularly if you’re using something peaty or with prominent smoke.

In the end, you’re aiming for something with the immediate refreshment of a classic sour like the Sidecar, but with a touch more depth and character. By keeping your ingredients on the lighter end of the spectrum, you give each room to breathe and create a complex cocktail that is greater than the sum of its parts.