There was a time when the 7&7 was my go-to bar order. You see, I was always a man of refined tastes, and a Jack & Coke was too expected. I was also on team Beam when it came to my handles of bourbon, not Jack, but that’s a story for a different day. And so it was that, about 20 years ago, I became a 7&7 guy.
It’s part of the Spirit & Mixer, well drink, dive bar canon: Vodka & Soda. Gin & Tonic. Rum & Coke. It was my default, and I retain a certain fondness for it to this day. This sense of nostalgia permeates our preferences, whether for drinks or perhaps comfort foods that remind you of home, not to mention the questionable music we listened to and clothes we wore as we were coming of age. Even as our tastes evolved, most of us still have a legitimate, non-ironic affinity for our former enthusiasms.
As the cocktail world slides further into its chaotic, fun-first era, it only makes sense that our craftiest bartenders would go back to their own roots, reviving dive bar “Something & Somethings” and elevating them to new heights we can unabashedly enjoy.
The Well Drink Glows Up
At Porchlight in Manhattan, a lineup of cocktails on tap includes the Li Iced Tea, incorporating a homemade cola, and yes, a 7 & 7, showcasing “Our secret blend of 7 whiskies mixed with housemade citrus soda – just like Grandpa used to
