Originating at London’s Savoy Hotel bar, this mid-century modern marvel is based on Scotch – Winston Churchill’s favorite spirit. Generally speaking, Scotch doesn’t play nicely with other flavors and isn’t often used as a cocktail base.
The Churchill is a vibrant exception. Combining a fairly tame blended Scotch like Dewars or Johnnie Walker, with a slug of sweetness and a bit of sour lime results in a spicy, scintillating sipper, refreshing yet somehow perfect for colder weather. That said, I wouldn’t turn one of these down in July.
A shoutout to my Downtown Y buddy Adrienne for alerting me to this one. She’s one of the posse of friends and family who keep me informed and on my toes when it comes to cocktails.
Churchill
1.5 ounce Scotch
.5 ounce Cointreau (Cointreau is the best choice because of its intense sweetness, but you can use another orange liqueur if that’s what you have on hand.)
.25 ounce sweet vermouth
.5 ounce lime juice – squeezed directly from the lime, of course.
This drink is equally good served straight up or in a rocks glass over one big cube. Just combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice to get it good and cold and serve it either way you wish.