Some cocktails seem to have been designed to stand the test of time. The Churchill is one of them—its name instantly evokes an era, a stature, a larger-than-life personality.
Legend has it that this cocktail was created in honor of Winston Churchill, during one of his visits to the Savoy Hotel in London. At the time, the Savoy bar was far more than a simple drinking spot; it was a crossroads for the political, artistic, and intellectual figures of the 20th century.
Behind the bar stood Joe Gilmore, the hotel’s iconic bartender, renowned for his ability to translate presence and temperament into balance and flavor. Churchill—known for his sharp wit, unapologetic relationship with alcohol, and fondness for bold drinks—was an ideal muse.
The cocktail that bears his name reflects this image: a clean structure, a tension between sweetness and brightness, and a finish without compromise. Red vermouth, citrus, and spirit meet in a frank—almost political—dialogue.
An Acerum Ambré Interpretation
In our reinterpretation of the Churchill, whisky gives way to Acerum Ambré. This choice preserves the cocktail’s backbone while adding a different depth: woody notes, subtle roundness, and a distinctly Québécois signature.
Rather than seeking to modernize the cocktail at all costs, this version creates a conversation between two legacies—those of Europe’s great hotel bars and of spirits crafted here at home. The result remains true to the spirit of the Churchill: a straight-forward, assertive cocktail, steeped in history.
Discover the cocktail by clicking here.
