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This 3-ingredient Seventh Heaven Cocktail Recipe is heavy on the gin and ends with a bite. The perfect cocktail for a fancy night in!
A vintage gin cocktail recipe worth dressing up for
Going out for a night on the town at the newest speakeasy? Shake up this Seventh Heaven Cocktail Recipe for pre-gaming! It’s heavy on the gin and sure to put you in a great mood before you head out.
Vintage cocktail newbies be warned: a seventh heaven cocktail is not for the faint of heart. The gin is strong while the maraschino liqueur gives it an almost medicinal flavor. Fresh grapefruit juice comes in at the end to help with the drinkability and add a burst of brightness. Try it if you’re ready to up your cocktail game!
Give your guests a little variety by pairing this cocktail with more vintage favorites, like a Kirsch Rose Cocktail, The Abbey Cocktail, or this Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe for a bourbon based drink. Snack on a few Radishes and Butter Crostinis and before you know it, it’ll be time to head out on the town!
Inspired by a classic gin cocktail
The inspiration for this seventh heaven cocktail came from my favorite cocktail book, The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock.
The original recipe (called Seventh Heaven Cocktail No. 2) is on page 145 in the book. It’s made with the same 3 ingredients but with very different ratios.
Instead of changing the cocktail entirely, I adjusted the ratios of the 3 ingredients. I focused on keeping the gin strong while increasing the grapefruit juice and reducing the maraschino.
The finished result is so well balanced and bright! The cocktail only gets better when it’s served ice-cold.
What is a seventh heaven cocktail made of?
Shake up this 3 ingredient cocktail in no time! Here’s what you need on your bar cart before getting started:
Gin
This cocktail is heavy on the gin, so make sure you use a brand you already love. Hendrick’s and Bombay Sapphire are my brands of choice but if you aren’t sure what you like, buy a few different bottles to test the flavors. You can always make a few gin and tonics to use up the extras.
Not a gin person? I haven’t tested this recipe with another liquor but grapefruit and vodka are already great partners (see my Grapefruit Vodka Martini for proof!), so it should work here as well.
Grapefruit juice
For the absolute best flavor, buy a grapefruit and juice it yourself with a citrus reamer. There’s no beating freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! The next best option is to use bottled Simply Brand grapefruit juice instead.
Maraschino liqueur
This vintage cocktail recipe gets its complexity from Luxardo maraschino liqueur. This clear liqueur backs up the grapefruit and gin flavors with its notes of sweet and sour cherries, nuts, and vanilla. It’s a fruity surprise that gives this cocktail another layer of brightness.
Tips and tricks
Use these tips to make the most balanced, fanciest vintage cocktail:
Shaken, not stirred
Grab your cocktail shaker because a seventh heaven cocktail must be shaken, not stirred. According to Difford's Guide, shaking the cocktail whips air bubbles into the drink, giving it a cloudy appearance and lighter mouthfeel. The ice also dilutes the drink and makes it super cold, improving the drinking experience!
Chill the glassware
This cocktail is extra fantastic when it’s served ice cold. Besides shaking it with ice, serve the drinks in glasses that have been sitting in the freezer to ensure every sip is well chilled.
Make a big batch
Don’t spend all your time shaking individual drinks. Instead, make a big batch! Double or triple the ingredients and pour them into a large pitcher. When it’s time to serve, shake the individual or double servings with ice and pour into chilled glasses.
Don’t forget the garnish
Finish each glass with Luxardo cherries or fresh mint sprigs.
Recipe
Seventh Heaven Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce maraschino liqueur
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into your cocktail shaker of choice.
- Fill with ice, vigorously shake, and pour into two chilled cocktail glasses.
Kim Livengood says
So glamorous! Can't wait to try!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks, love!
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed says
I love a Gin cocktail and I love the sound of your vintage recipe. I've never tried maraschino liqueur before but I do adore a maraschino cherry.
Michelle Ferrand says
Oh! Sarah, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend trying a cocktail at a bar with maraschino liqueur! Definitely do that before you buy a bottle...and aren't maraschino cherries delightful?!?
Jenni says
What an awesome looking cocktail! And I LOVE those glasses! So cool!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks Jenni! <3
April says
Lovely glasses and photos! This sounds perfect for the upcoming holidays!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks so much! They have become my favorite cocktail coupe to use regularly. I hope you get a chance to make this recipe for a holiday get together!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
I love a good cocktail and this one is perfect for the holidays. Love your photos, too!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks so much Kimberly! It's always nice to make a fun cocktail for holiday parties 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Sounds like a tasty cocktail. Vintage recipes are cool too.
Michelle Ferrand says
It's very tasty (and strong)! Let me know if you get a chance to make it 🙂
Corna says
I'm a big fan of grapefruit juice in any form and love the sound of it in this cocktail! It would definitely be a good choice for a vintage cocktail party.
Michelle Ferrand says
I'm the same way! Grapefruit in any cocktail is wonderful and I hope you have a chance to make this cocktail!
Warm Cocotte says
Lovely idea to share vintage recipes! Wanna try this drink soon!
Wish you a wonderful rest of the week!
Gloria & Emanuele
Michelle Ferrand says
Thank you so much Gloria & Emanuele! It's become such a fun project 🙂 Hope your weekend is great as well and let me know how you like the cocktail!
chellie says
I love the glasses, they are so pretty! We don't actually drink anymore, but the idea of a vintage party is so fun and this fits that theme perfectly!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks Chellie! I picked them up at a vintage fair a little while back.
Fiona says
Anything with gin is a total winner in my book! I totally wish there was Drizly in my city - it's genius
Michelle Ferrand says
I totally agree! Living in a big city certainly helps 🙂
Anne Murphy says
I always did like grapefruit juice as a mixer, and I can see it balancing the sweet marahschino! Sounds interesting.
Michelle Ferrand says
You are spot on! The tartness of the grapefruit definitely balances the maraschino. I'd love to know if you'll be making this some time <3
Monica Le says
Gin and grapefruit? Yes, please!
Michelle Ferrand says
Monica, if I could, I'd send one your way!
Kristyn says
This cocktail looks amazing and delicious. Yum!
Michelle Ferrand says
It really is one of my favorite cocktails! <3
Sharon Rigsby says
Looks really, really delicious!
Michelle Ferrand says
Thanks so much Sharon! I hope you get a chance to make it!
Kitty says
I think you're my sister from another mister! We should collaborate sometime. Us vintage gals have to stick together!
Michelle Ferrand says
Kitty, I totally agree! I love your blog and definitely think we should work on something together soon 🙂
Jacqui Bellefontaine says
I do love a Gin cocktail 🙂
Michelle Ferrand says
Me too <3
Kortney says
Your glasses are beautiful! Sounds like the perfect cocktail to serve at a holiday party.
Michelle Ferrand says
Awe, thanks so much! I found them at the Petaluma Antique Fair http://www.petalumadowntown.com/antique-faire-petaluma.html
It is a great cocktail for holiday parties...let me know if you end up making one!