The Seventh Heaven is an elegant, slightly bitter drink that combines London Dry Gin with the sweet depth of maraschino and the tangy acidity of grapefruit. Originally a classic from the Prohibition era, it lives on today as a timeless aperitif. The combination of gin and maraschino gives it an almost floral note, while the grapefruit provides freshness. A drink that leaves you wanting more after the first sip – and is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Here’s what you need for the Seventh Heaven
4 cl London Dry Gin
1 cl maraschino
1 cl freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1 splash of lemon juice (optional, for extra acidity)
What matters
The trick lies in the maraschino: Use a high-quality, not-too-sweet variety – preferably one with a distinct cherry note, but without artificial flavors. The grapefruit juice should be freshly squeezed, but not too bitter; choose a pink or red variety for a milder acidity. If the drink tastes too bitter, a tiny splash of lemon juice helps – but be careful, too much disrupts the balance. Don’t just toss the mint leaf into the glass: Rubbing it briefly between your fingers releases essential oils that enhance the drink’s aroma without letting the mint dominate the flavor.
Variations
- Seventh Heaven Royal — Replace the gin with 4 cl Gin Royal (elderflower-infused gin) and reduce the maraschino to 0.5 cl. Creates a more floral, lighter drink with a floral note.
- Seventh Heaven Dry — Replace the grapefruit juice with 1 cl fresh lemon juice and add 0.5 cl orange liqueur. Creates a drier, citrus-forward variation with added complexity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?
Theoretically yes, but the flavor suffers greatly. Bottled juice loses its fresh acidity through pasteurization and storage and often develops an unpleasant bitterness. For a balanced Seventh Heaven, freshly squeezed juice is essential – the few minutes of effort are worth it.
Why should the glass be pre-chilled?
A warm glass causes the cocktail to warm up too quickly and dilutes it with melting ice. Pre-chilling keeps the drink colder and clearer for longer, without the aroma becoming watered down. A simple trick that makes the difference between a good and a perfect drink.
Can I make the drink without maraschino?
No. Maraschino is not an optional extra, but a central flavor component. Without it, the sweet depth that connects the gin and grapefruit is missing. If you don’t like maraschino, try a different cocktail instead – the Seventh Heaven lives off this combination.
