As with the Montgomery Martini, this variation has a decidedly World War Two theme. However, unlike the Montgomery, this martini was named not in homage to a wartime leader, but after the person who actually created it, or at least favoured it most – Churchill himself.

The First Sea Lord, Sir Winston Churchill, liked his martinis without any vermouth at all. His preference was simply for a martini glass containing cold gin.

He definitely had a predilection for strong drink, and plenty of it, but the Churchill martini variation perhaps owes some of its existence to the war itself.

With the Nazi invasion of France, the establishment of the Vichy rump state and Italy’s formation of the Axis alliance with Germany and Japan, the ‘Vermouth Riviera’ fell under staunch control of the Fascists. Global supplies of this critical ingredient virtually ceased. It would be years before normality would return to the supply chain, during which time martinis across the world were simply forced to become drier, if not completely Churchillian.

How to pour

Like other classic martinis, make sure the gin and glasses are cold. When it’s time to drink it’s a fairly simple drink to concoct. Somewhat delightfully, however, a series of potential ceremonies have sprung up around this martini version, relating to its usage – or lack – of vermouth.

Before pouring the gin, one could bow in the general direction of France or Italy (depending on preference) in a literal nod to the homelands of vermouth. One could also bow deferentially in the direction of any currently deployed troops.

Another ceremony suggests that the pourer shines a beam of light, preferably sunlight (let’s face it – Churchill was very much a day drinker) through the bottle of vermouth and into the martini glass. Another ceremony simply calls for glaring at the vermouth bottle for a moment before pouring the gin. Alfred Hitchcock called for giving it but a short glance.

Garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon if rationing allows it. Remain stoic whilst drinking. Do not grimace or complain. Others have it far worse.