Seagram's 7 Crown: The Blended Whiskey with a Rich History
At the heart of the "what alcohol has 7?" query lies Seagram's 7 Crown, an American blended whiskey with a long and storied past. The Seagram Company, originally founded in Canada, launched its flagship brand in the United States just after the end of Prohibition. For decades, Seagram's 7 reigned as one of the country's best-selling whiskeys, a testament to its smooth, easy-drinking profile that made it ideal for mixing.
However, the product is unique because of its composition. By law, blended whiskey must contain at least 20% straight whiskey. Seagram's 7 is famously made from 75% neutral grain spirits and just 25% whiskey, putting its whiskey content on the lower end of the legal standard. This hybrid nature is what gave the whiskey its exceptionally light and mellow character, making it popular during an era when heavy, robust spirits were less in vogue. The recipe was designed for smooth mixing, and its sweet, creamy, vanilla notes perfectly complement citrus mixers like 7 Up.
The Iconic 7 and 7 Cocktail
The most famous use of Seagram's 7 is in the cocktail that bears its name, the "7 and 7." This highball rose to prominence in the 1970s and remains a staple of dive bar culture and casual home mixing. Its enduring popularity is due to its simplicity, refreshing taste, and the memorable alliteration of its name. The drink is made by combining Seagram's 7 Crown with 7 Up over ice, often garnished with a lemon or lime wedge.
Classic 7 and 7 Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey
- 4-6 oz 7 Up soda
- Ice
- Lemon or lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the Seagram's 7 Crown whiskey.
- Top with 7 Up soda.
- Stir gently and garnish with citrus.
Other Alcohols with a "7"
While Seagram's 7 is the most direct answer to the query, other brands and drinks are also associated with the number seven. The most notable of these is Jack Daniel's, whose flagship product is known as "Old No. 7". Unlike Seagram's, the true meaning behind the number on Jack Daniel's bottle is a mystery. Theories suggest it could refer to a government registration number or even a lucky number, but the brand has embraced the mystery as part of its iconic identity.
Comparison: Seagram's 7 vs. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
| Feature | Seagram's 7 Crown | Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended American Whiskey | Tennessee Whiskey |
| Composition | ~75% neutral grain spirits, ~25% aged whiskey | >51% corn, charcoal mellowed |
| Flavor Profile | Light, sweet, vanilla, caramel | Smooth, vanilla, toasted oak |
| Best Used In | Simple highballs, such as a 7 and 7 | Cocktails, or served neat/on the rocks |
| Origin | Initially Canadian, now produced in the U.S. by Diageo | Lynchburg, Tennessee, USA |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Number Meaning | From the Seagram's brand name | Mysterious, with various theories |
Modern Alternatives and Mixers
While the classic 7 and 7 is a time-honored drink, many today prefer bolder whiskeys or different mixers. For those who want more flavor from their whiskey, a simple whiskey and ginger ale can be a delicious alternative. Other popular cocktails that can be made with Seagram's 7 include a whiskey sour, where the spirit is shaken with lemon juice and simple syrup, or a Manhattan, which uses sweet vermouth and bitters. Its mixing versatility is a key reason for its continued relevance, even if its reputation among connoisseurs has waned since its peak popularity.
For those who appreciate the nostalgia of the 7 and 7 but want a modern twist, several options exist:
- Bourbon and 7 Up: Swap out Seagram's 7 for a favorite bourbon to introduce a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Cherry 7 and 7: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or muddle a few cherries to the classic recipe for a fruity variation.
- Spiked Limeade: Use Seagram's 7 with limeade and a splash of club soda for a refreshing summer drink.
Seagram's 7 Crown may be seen by some as a relic of the past, but its legacy is undeniable. The brand has even leaned into its reputation as a classic dive bar whiskey, launching a "Keep the Dive Alive" campaign to support historic watering holes. Whether you appreciate its history, enjoy its affordability, or just crave a simple, refreshing cocktail, the answer to what alcohol has 7 continues to be a staple in American drinking culture.
8 Things You Should Know About Seagram's 7 Crown
Conclusion
The phrase "What alcohol has 7?" is most directly associated with the American blended whiskey Seagram's 7 Crown. This light, smooth whiskey was designed for mixing and gained widespread popularity in the 1970s, particularly in the simple and refreshing "7 and 7" cocktail made with 7 Up. While whiskey aficionados may prefer more complex spirits, Seagram's 7 holds a special place in drinking culture due to its affordability and mixing versatility. The brand's connection to the number seven, along with that of other famous spirits like Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, highlights the fascinating stories and marketing histories behind some of the world's most recognizable liquors.
