Happy Winston Churchill Day!

Today, April 9, is Winston Churchill Day — the day commemorating when Sir Winston was posthumously made an honorary U.S. citizen by President Kennedy, in 1962.

I'm honored that the Huffington Post asked me to write a piece on celebrating Winston Churchill Day, to mark the occasion. I was absolutely delighted to write it — especially to include cocktail recipes by or inspired by Sir Winston.

Special thanks to the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, Esquire Magazine, The Flatiron Lounge, The Way Station, Fort Defiance, and The Churchill Tavern!

And here's my own contribution to today's fun in the HuffPo article — The Mr. Churchill!

The Mr. Churchill

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This cocktail is my own creation, to celebrate both Winston Churchill Day and the publication of my novel, Mr. Churchill's Secretary. It has quintessential British spirits gin and Pimm's No. 1 Cup (a gin-based infusion of herbs and quinine), as well as Sir Winston's favorite champagne. Drink and toast to all of the real-life secretaries, including Elizabeth Layton Nel, who toiled for Sir Winston over the years.

1 part Pimm's No. 1
1 part Hendrick's gin
Splash of lemon syrup
4 parts Champagne or sparking wine

Shake Pimm's No. 1, Hendrick's gin, and lemon syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a thin wheel of cucumber.

Lemon Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup of sugar
finely grated zest from 4 well-scrubbed lemons

In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and lemon zest to a boil. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, around 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely before using.