7 and 7 Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Fun to say and just as much fun to drink, the 7 & 7 cocktail is simple, easy and demands respect.

“You might know who we are, but we know who you are.”

Hearing someone order a 7 & 7 will always make me think of Robert DeNiro in “GoodFellas”, Martin Scorsese’s classic gangster film. Iconic and menacing, his introduction in this legendary movie included the ordering of the classic “tough guy” cocktail. It was the first time I had heard of it, and the slick combo of the double digits in its name really made it stick out even more. I even noticed DeNiro ordering the drink in another Scorsese classic, “Mean Streets”.

A blue collar, New York City vibe is how I’ll always think of the 7 & 7, and it’s mostly due to those two movies. After doing a little armchair digging into the drinks history, that image is pretty solid for me.

This cocktail is a cost-effective combination of 7-Up, the lemon/lime soda, and Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended Whiskey. Gaining popularity during the 1970s, the cocktail was a favorite of the working class and smoky dive bars. I imagine that after a long, hard day on the job, there was nothing finer than a shot, a beer and a 7 & 7 while you threw some Bob Seger on the jukebox.

The cocktail was so in demand that by 1983, Seagram’s 7 had sold more than 300 million cases. And with a number like that, the 7 & 7 is a cocktail that can’t be wrong. You might think you know about this drink, so have a few. Just to be sure.

What is the Best Whiskey to Use in a 7 & 7 Cocktail?

There’s only one whiskey that makes an official 7 & 7, and that would be Seagram’s 7 Crown Blended. It’s light on the wallet and has a rough, street-wise edge as it goes down. The spirit mixes perfectly with 7-Up, giving this strong beverage its name. Have one and you’ll be quoting DeNiro all night: “Keep ’em coming.”

What kind of glass and garnish is best for a 7 and 7 cocktail?

Since this is a highball cocktail, we’ll be using a highball glass. Tall, sleek and it’ll keep your ice colder longer. Don’t garnish this drink. It’s way too tough for that.

Can you use another lemon/lime soda besides 7-Up?

Nope. 7-Up is the part of the namesake. Go to any noirish, low-lit bar and try ordering a 7-Up; Sprite and see what happens. I mean, they’ll probably just give you what you ordered, but the funny looks you’ll get will last all night. Maybe.

Will the 7 and 7 cocktail beat me up?

It might. Just make sure you show it respect.

Similar Drinks to the 7 & 7 Cocktail

Looking for more simple and strong drinks worthy of the likes of legendary tough guys Lee Marvin or Steve McQueen? There’s more than a few recipes that might make you wanna get into a car chase, but since that’s dangerous and highly illegal, just watch one on television. You won’t get thrown in jail, either! Check out a few of them below:

• Cuba Libre – Rum, cola and lime juice make for a memorable beachside libation.
• Jack N’ Coke – Jack Daniels and Coke-Cola make up this classic rock n’ roll creation. If it’s good enough for Keith Richards, you’ll love it too.
• Gin & Tonic – I talk about this historic two ingredient combo. A perfect drink for a hot day. Or any day.
• Negroni – A mere three spirits come together beautifully in this deliciously bittersweet tipple.