Seven and Seven

The Seven and Seven is an iconic American bar call, combining Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey with the lemon-lime soda 7 Up. It's a straightforward, sweet, and effervescent drink that gained immense popularity in the mid-20th century. Its simplicity and refreshing nature have made it an enduring fixture in casual bars and for home bartending. The drink's name is a direct and memorable reference to its two key ingredients, making it easy to order and remember.
Seven and Seven

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Seven and Seven is classified as a classic highball cocktail. This category refers to drinks composed of a base spirit topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic carbonated mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. It's a quintessential example of this simple yet popular style of drink.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a standard Highball glass, this drink has a moderate alcohol content perfect for easy sipping. No special preparation for the glass is required.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
~10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The drink's popularity surged in the 1970s, largely thanks to marketing efforts by the Seagram's distilling company. It became synonymous with a no-fuss, easy-drinking highball, especially popular in dive bars and casual gatherings across the United States. Its appearance in the 1977 movie "Saturday Night Fever," where John Travolta's character Tony Manero orders it, cemented its place in American pop culture as a go-to drink of the era.
Origin
United States, circa mid-20th century. While its exact origin is murky, it rose to prominence and reached its peak of popularity in the 1970s.

Seven and Seven

The drink is almost universally known as the Seven and Seven, or simply by its numeric form, 7 and 7. The name is a direct and memorable reference to its two core ingredients: Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey and 7 Up soda. There are no other significant alternative names for this specific combination.
Original name
Seven and Seven
Alternative name
7 and 7

Characteristics overview

This is a sweet and refreshing highball with dominant lemon-lime citrus flavors from the soda, balanced by the smooth character of the blended whiskey. Its appearance is pale gold and bubbly, offering a light, effervescent texture.
Flavor
sweet, citrusy, whiskey, lemon-lime
Aroma
lemon, lime, subtle grain
Taste balance
predominantly sweet
Aftertaste
short, clean, sweet
Fizziness
bubbly, carbonated
Color appearance
pale gold, clear, bubbly
Texture
light, thin, effervescent
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, driven by the sweetness of the 7 Up and the smooth, light character of the whiskey. It is not a complex drink, offering a straightforward, sweet, and carbonated profile with a hint of citrus.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple highball requires only two main ingredients: Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey and 7 Up lemon-lime soda. Ice is also essential for serving.
  • Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    While any blended American whiskey can be used, Seagram's 7 is traditional and gives the drink its name.
  • 7 Up120-180 ml / 4-6 oz, to top
    Other lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or Starry can be used as a substitute.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed as the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A bar spoon can be used for a light stir, but this is optional.
  • Highball glass for building and serving the drink
  • Bar spoon for a gentle stir (optional)

Instructions

To make a Seven and Seven, simply build it in an ice-filled highball glass by pouring in the whiskey and then topping it with 7 Up. A quick, gentle stir and a citrus garnish complete this easy-to-make classic.
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey over the ice.
3. Top the glass with 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) of chilled 7 Up, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a fresh lemon or lime wedge.

Garnishing

A simple lemon or lime wedge is the most common and fitting garnish. It adds a touch of fresh citrus aroma and a nice visual contrast.
  • Lemon or lime wedge/wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is typically vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and caffeine-free. However, as the whiskey is made from grain, it may not be suitable for those with severe gluten intolerances, though distillation removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink's calories come from both the alcohol in the whiskey and the high sugar content of the soda. It is relatively high in carbohydrates and sugar per serving.
Calories
averagely 160-200 kcal / 670-840 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a perfect drink for casual situations, house parties, or when you want a quick, uncomplicated cocktail. It is a staple in American dive bars and a go-to for relaxed social gatherings where simplicity is key.
  • Casual drinking
  • Dive bar night
  • Party
  • Quick and easy drink

Pairing suggestions

The Seven and Seven pairs well with classic, casual American fare like burgers, pizza, and salty bar snacks. Its sweet and refreshing nature helps cut through greasy and savory foods effectively. It is not a drink typically paired with fine dining but is perfect for a casual meal or snack.
  • Salty bar snacks (pretzels, chips, nuts)
  • Burgers and fries
  • Pizza
  • Casual American food

Seven and Seven: The Effortlessly Cool American Classic

The Seven and Seven is a quintessential American highball, famed for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Combining Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey and 7 Up soda, it delivers a sweet, lemon-lime flavor profile that is both approachable and easy to drink. Popularized in the 1970s and immortalized in pop culture, it remains a beloved choice in casual bars and for at-home mixing. It's the perfect no-fuss cocktail for any relaxed occasion, ready in minutes with just two main ingredients.

Variations

Jack and Coke

Swaps blended American whiskey for Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and 7 Up for Coca-Cola.

Whiskey Ginger

Uses ginger ale instead of 7 Up for a spicier, less sweet profile.

Similar cocktails

Cuba Libre

Uses rum instead of whiskey and cola instead of 7 Up, with a prominent lime component.

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