February 15, 2025
The Seventh Heaven Cocktail Recipe is one of those underrated classics that deserve more love. If you enjoy gin cocktails with a crisp, refreshing twist, this one will be right up your alley. It has a bright citrus kick from grapefruit juice, a touch of sweet cherry-almond flavor from maraschino liqueur, and the smooth botanical notes of gin tying it all together. With just three ingredients, it is proof that simple drinks can still feel sophisticated. Unlike the floral Aviation or the bubbly French 75, this one stands out with its zesty grapefruit flavor, making it a must-try for any gin lover.
This cocktail has been around since the Prohibition era and was first recorded in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930 as Seventh Heaven No. 2. Over the years, bartenders have experimented with the gin-to-maraschino ratio to create different versions, some bold and boozy, others a little smoother and sweeter. No matter your preference, there is a version of this drink for everyone.
Whether you like it strong, a little on the sweeter side, or even alcohol-free, you will find a way to make it your own. Grab your shaker and let’s mix up a glass of history.
What's in a Seventh Heaven Cocktail?
The Seventh Heaven cocktail is all about balance. It brings together gin, maraschino liqueur, and grapefruit juice for a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy experience. Let’s break down what makes this drink so special.
Gin
We love using London Dry Gin in this cocktail because it is crisp and botanical and lets the other flavors shine. Bombay Sapphire or Beefeater are great choices, adding just the right amount of juniper-forward complexity.
If you prefer something smoother, Old Tom Gin brings a subtle sweetness that softens the cocktail’s edges. Hayman’s Old Tom is our top pick for its rich and slightly sweet profile.
Both options create a different experience. London Dry keeps it crisp and bold. Old Tom makes it rounder and more mellow. The best choice depends on the kind of cocktail you are in the mood for.
You might also like: Best Gin Mixers to Try
Maraschino Liqueur
Luxardo Maraschino is our favorite because it adds a delicate cherry-almond flavor with just a hint of nuttiness. It is a classic for a reason, bringing depth and character without overpowering the drink.
If you have never tried maraschino liqueur before, think of it as a secret ingredient that ties everything together. It is sweet, slightly nutty, and has a subtle bitterness that keeps things interesting.
Grapefruit Juice
Fresh juice is a must. Bottled versions do not compare because they lack the bright, zesty punch that makes this cocktail pop.
For a naturally sweeter and pink-hued drink, go for Ruby Red grapefruit. If you prefer a sharper and tangier sip, White grapefruit is the better choice.
The key is to squeeze your grapefruit right before mixing. Freshly squeezed juice adds a vibrant citrus kick that bottled versions cannot match.
How to Make a Seventh Heaven Cocktail
Let’s mix up a classic Prohibition-era cocktail with a refreshing blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, and grapefruit juice.
First, chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass keeps your drink crisp and refreshing from the first sip to the last. Since this cocktail is shaken, not stirred, we will need to shake it well to blend the flavors. Shaking creates tiny air bubbles, the right amount of dilution, and the perfect serving temperature.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh grapefruit juice. Shake vigorously for about 10 to 12 seconds to ensure everything is well combined. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass, then garnish with a fresh mint sprig. If you want to switch things up, a grapefruit wedge or a Luxardo cherry makes a great alternative. The mint adds a bright aroma that pairs beautifully with the gin and citrus notes, making every sip feel even more refreshing.
Check out the recipe card below for the full recipe with precise measurements.
Variations and Twists on the Seventh Heaven Cocktail
Want to switch things up? The classic Seventh Heaven cocktail is perfect for experimenting. With a few tweaks, you can customize it to match your taste.
If you prefer a sweeter, citrus-forward version, try increasing the grapefruit juice to one ounce and cutting the maraschino liqueur down to a quarter ounce. This brings out the bright, zesty notes while keeping the drink balanced.
Looking for a bolder, stronger kick? Swap the gin for navy-strength gin. Just keep in mind that at 57% ABV, it packs a serious punch.
For a floral twist, take inspiration from the Aviation cocktail. Adding a quarter ounce of Crème de Violette gives the drink a delicate floral note and a beautiful purple hue.
Not drinking alcohol? No problem. Swap in Seedlip Garden 108 for the gin and use alcohol-free maraschino syrup. Mixed with fresh grapefruit juice, this makes a refreshing mocktail with all the flavor and none of the booze.
Garnishes can also change the experience. Try a grapefruit twist, a fresh cherry, or even an edible flower for a little extra flair.
The best part? You can mix and match these tweaks until you find your perfect version. Keep track of what works so you can recreate it next time. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite!
Other Classic Gin Cocktails to Try
- Aviation
- Tom Collins
- French 75
- Corpse Reviver No. 2
- Last Word
- Gin Sour
- Gin and Tonic
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Seventh Heaven Cocktail taste like?
This cocktail offers bright botanical notes from the gin with a sweet-tart balance. The maraschino adds subtle cherry sweetness, while grapefruit juice brings a crisp citrus finish.
How strong is the Seventh Heaven Cocktail?
We consider this a strong cocktail since gin makes up most of the drink. With 2 ounces of 40% ABV gin as the base, the final drink reaches about 25% ABV.
What is the best gin for a Seventh Heaven Cocktail?
We recommend a London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire for their clean juniper notes. Plymouth Gin works great too, with its smooth character that plays well with maraschino.
What's the difference between Seventh Heaven No.1 and No.2?
The Seventh Heaven No.2 comes from The Savoy Cocktail Book with gin, maraschino, and grapefruit juice. No.1 remains less known with disputed ingredients and ratios.
What is the origin of the Seventh Heaven Cocktail?
Harry Craddock created this drink during Prohibition at London's Savoy Hotel. The name suggests the heavenly combination of flavors that lift spirits to new heights.
Can I use a different liqueur if I don't have maraschino?
Cherry Heering makes a decent substitute but adds more sweetness. Kirsch works too but brings less sweetness and more alcohol punch.
Seventh Heaven Cocktail Recipe
The Seventh Heaven cocktail is a bright, balanced mix of gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh grapefruit juice. We love how the botanical notes of gin blend with the sweet cherry-almond depth of maraschino and the tart citrus kick. It is a refreshing, well-rounded drink with just the right amount of complexity.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Fine mesh Strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Coupe or martini glass
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1½ oz (45ml) London Dry gin
- ¾ oz (22ml) Luxardo maraschino liqueur
- ½ oz (15ml) fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice
- Mint sprig or grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Start by chilling your coupe glass with ice or in the freezer.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes.
- Add the gin, then the maraschino liqueur, and finally the fresh grapefruit juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until the shaker feels ice-cold.
- Double strain into your chilled glass to ensure no ice chips or pulp make it through.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or grapefruit wedge.
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