7 Deadly Sins Cocktails
A Sip of Temptation
“Fundamental vices that corrupt human nature, leading individuals away from virtue and toward spiritual ruin.”
– Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
Last October, we created the 7 Deadly Sins cocktails – each one embodying one of the iconic Seven Deadly Sins.
This year, we’re bringing the sinful spirit back even bigger and better. Last year’s crowd favourite was Lust (you seductive sinners!), and we can’t wait to see which sin steals the spotlight this year. To make things even more tempting, we’ve introduced the Sin Seeker Challenge: sip your way through all seven wickedly crafted cocktails, and you’ll be rewarded with a free drink of your choice* once the full set is complete. It’s our way of celebrating the boldest, most adventurous sinners – because indulging in temptation should always have its perks. *From our current cocktail menu, excludes ‘Champagne cocktail’.
Seven sins, seven drinks… are you up for the challenge?
But these aren’t just drinks. We explored the origins of each sin, from biblical warnings to Dante’s Inferno, where punishments were as poetic as they were brutal. Every ingredient is chosen with care, not just for taste but for symbolism—pomegranates for Pride’s fall from innocence, sharp citrus to sting like Envy, deep red syrups for Wrath’s rage.
This page takes you inside that process, where storytelling, sin, and spirits came together in one unforgettable menu.
Keep reading to uncover the twisted tales, tempting tipples, and the meaning behind every sinful sip…
The History of the Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins: Origins with Pope Gregory (590 AD)
Though often depicted in modern media, the origins of the Seven Deadly Sins are not widely known.
The concept dates back to the 5th century where Prudentius’ poem ‘Psychomachia’ (“The Contest of the Soul”) outlined seven virtues that contested the Seven Deadly Sins of the time. But it was in 590 AD, when Saint Gregory the Great, who served as Pope from 590 to 604 AD, played a crucial role in developing the idea of the seven deadly sins.
In his writings, Gregory discussed the behaviours and vices that corrupt the soul and lead one away from God.
His formulation of these sins became central to Christian teachings on morality, influencing mediaeval thought and continuing to resonate in religious, literary, and cultural contexts.
Gregory believed that avoiding committing these sins was essential for living a righteous life, but he did not focus on the spiritual consequences and punishments that would befall those who committed them. That instead came later…
Dante Alighieri: The Divine Comedy
It was Dante Alighieri, in one of the most renowned pieces of literature, The Divine Comedy, who vividly depicted the consequences of the Seven Deadly Sins. In his epic three-part poem, Dante describes his journey through the afterlife, exploring how each sin is punished.
This is where the imagery of punishments truly began to take form.
Dante’s work consists of three parts:
Inferno:
The first section, detailing his descent through the nine circles of Hell.
Purgatorio:
The second, where souls undergo purification on their way to Heaven.
Paradiso:
The final section, where the blessed ascend to Heaven.
Dante made a clear distinction between two types of souls:
Unrepentant souls, found in Inferno, suffer eternal punishment, with each punishment reflecting the sin committed. Damnation, serving as a warning for the consequences of unrepented sins.
Repentant souls, in Purgatorio, undergo temporary, corrective punishments to purify themselves before they ascend to Heaven. Redemption, symbolising the soul’s journey toward spiritual renewal and the hope of salvation through penance.
In short, unrepentant souls face eternal damnation, while those who repent endure temporary suffering for purification and redemption.
As Dante journeys through the afterlife, he outlines specific punishments for each sin, distinguishing between those who are eternally damned and those seeking redemption. Keep reading to discover how these sins are punished, both in Dante’s Inferno and Purgatorio, and in more modern – and gory – interpretations…
Our 7 Deadly Sins Cocktails
Pride
Pride is considered the most serious of the deadly sins because it elevates the self above God and others. It is an excessive belief in one’s own abilities, status, or accomplishments, leading to arrogance and disdain for others.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Prosecco, pomegranate molasses, strawberry syrup, with pomegranate seeds.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
Our ‘Pride’ cocktail serves as a reminder of the seductive nature of this first and most dangerous sin…
Sparkling Prosecco, often associated with celebration and status, stands tall in its flute, reflecting the superficial allure of pride that can blind us to deeper truths. Pomegranate molasses, rich and complex, symbolises the duality of hubris, illustrating how an overabundance of self-importance can lead to a sense of superiority that distances us from our true selves. Just as Persephone’s descent into the underworld after consuming pomegranate seeds marks a loss of innocence and a profound shift in identity, pride can lead individuals away from their morals, trapping them in cycles of consequence.
Garnished with pomegranate seeds floating to the top, this cocktail embodies the temptation to elevate oneself above all else, yet it serves as a cautionary tale – reminding us that the allure of pride can ultimately lead to isolation and a disconnection from the essence of who we are.
Indulge in its sweetness, but beware: The pursuit of pride may come at a steep price.
Punishments for Pride
Inferno:
The proud are not punished but are eternally separated from God.
Purgatorio:
Burdened by heavy stones, forcing them to bow low as a humbling experience.
Paradiso:
Broken on the wheel – symbolising the destruction of ego.
WRATH
Uncontrolled anger or hatred toward others. It leads to vengeful thoughts, desires for harm, and the breakdown of peaceful relationships.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Tequila patron, Cointreau, Cassis de Dijon, watermelon syrup, lime juice, and Tabasco. With a chilli, lime & salt mix rim and dried lime slices.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
Our ‘Wrath’ cocktail is a fiery embodiment of intense emotion, where every sip mirrors the heat of anger…
Tequila Patron, known for its bold and unrelenting spirit, fuels the cocktail with a sense of power, while the Tabasco ignites a fiery burn, reflecting the fierce blaze of wrath. Cassis de Dijon, rich and dark, adds depth to this tempestuous mix, symbolising the deeper, more destructive layers of anger. The sharp tang of lime and the heat from the chilli rim embody a clash of tempers, while the watermelon syrup provides a deceptive sweetness, reminding us that wrath can sometimes be hidden beneath a calm exterior. Wrath, both historically and in modern times, has been associated with the fire of uncontrolled emotion, and this cocktail is crafted to mirror that very intensity.
Indulge in its bold flavours, but beware: Wrath can lead you down a path of destruction, leaving chaos in its wake.
Punishments for Wrath
Inferno:
Submerged in the River Styx, forever fighting each other.
Purgatorio:
Enveloped in a blinding smoke, which represents how their anger blinded them to reason in life.
Paradiso:
Live dismemberment – mirroring the violent nature of wrath.
Sloth
spiritual laziness or apathy, leading to neglect of one’s duties to God, others, or oneself. It is a failure to use one’s time and talents for good.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Whitley Neill violet gin, violet liquor, Limoncello, lemon juice, violet syrup, with blueberries, flower, lavender.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
Our ‘Sloth’ cocktail is a tranquil and indulgent blend, designed to reflect the slow, dreamy nature of this sin…
The violet flavours, inspired by the calming properties of lavender, offer a delicate floral profile that encourages you to linger, resisting any urge to rush. Just as lavender is used in teas to soothe and relax before sleep, the violet gin and liqueur invite a sense of serenity, slowing the world around you. The addition of lemon brings a subtle hint of zest, much like a squeeze of lemon in a warm, comforting drink before bedtime.
Garnished with blueberries and lavender, this drink evokes a feeling of calm and lethargy, urging you to relax and surrender to the peaceful stillness of inaction. Throughout history and in modern times, sloth is seen as resistance to effort or movement, and this cocktail encourages just that – slow down, indulge, and be still.
Indulge in its tranquil sweetness, but beware: Sloth can ensnare you in a web of complacency, preventing you from seizing the moment.
Punishments for Sloth
Inferno:
Punished in the fifth circle along with the wrathful, submerged in the murky waters of the Styx. They are trapped in a state of apathy, unable to act, symbolising their failure to exert effort or strive for goodness.
Purgatorio:
Made to run continuously without rest, representing the lack of effort and laziness they exhibited in life.
Paradiso:
Thrown into a pit of snakes – symbolising the dangers of inaction.
Gluttony
The overconsumption of food, drink, or other pleasures to the point of waste and excess. It reflects a lack of self-control and discipline.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Chocolate ice cream, white rum, Baileys, Kahlua, sugar syrup. With chocolate sauce, whipped cream, crushed meringue, chocolate orange slice.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
The ‘Gluttony’ cocktail is unapologetically rich and indulgent, inviting you to embody the excessiveness of this sin…
A rich blend of chocolate ice cream, white rum, Baileys, and Kahlua creates a creamy, luxurious base that demands to be savoured in abundance. Every element of the cocktail invited overindulgence with each sip. Finished with crushed meringue and a chocolate orange slice, this cocktail becomes a feast for the senses. Gluttony has long been associated with the desire for more – more sweetness, more richness, more satisfaction – and this cocktail embodies this. Impossible to resist, leaving you craving just one more taste. True decadent temptation.
Indulge in its rich decadence, but beware: Gluttony can drown you in a sea of overindulgence, leaving you lost in a cycle of insatiable cravings.
Punishments for Gluttony
Inferno:
Punished by lying in a putrid slush that is a mixture of rain, hail, and snow. They are also attacked by Cerberus, the three-headed dog.
Purgatorio:
Forced to starve, suffering extreme hunger and thirst, symbolising their overindulgence in earthly pleasures.
Paradiso:
Force-fed rats, toads, and snakes – a grotesque reflection of excess.
Lust
An inordinate desire for sexual pleasure, where physical gratification becomes the primary goal, detached from its proper context in love and marital relations.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Cherry rum, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, strawberry syrup, foamer, with dried cherries.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
The ‘Lust’ cocktail is a seductive, vibrant mix that embodies the allure and temptation of this sin…
Cherry rum and vodka create a bold and intoxicating base, while the sweet tang of cranberry and lime juices, paired with strawberry syrup, adds a juicy burst of flavour. Cherries, often associated with desire and sensuality, evoke images of indulgence and temptation, while strawberries – known for their luscious sweetness – symbolise romance and passion. Topped with dried cherries, this cocktail is a rich, tempting experience that invites you to explore your desires. Just as lust lures you in with its irresistible charm, this drink promises to keep you coming back for more.
Indulge in its intoxicating sweetness, but beware: Lust can blind you to the deeper connections of love and intimacy, leaving you yearning for something that may never fulfil you.
Punishments for Lust
Inferno:
The lustful are blown about by violent winds in a dark storm, representing the uncontrollable nature of their desires. They are forever tossed by the winds, unable to find rest.
Purgatorio:
Burned by intense fire, representing their excessive and uncontrollable desires.
Paradiso:
Covered in fire and brimstone – embodying the burning passion of lust.
Greed
An excessive desire for material wealth or gain, beyond what one needs. It reflects an insatiable hunger for possessions, power, or money, often at the expense of others’ well-being.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Brandi Courvoisier, elderflower cordial, vanilla syrup, apple juice, lemon juice, with apple slices, gold flakes.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
The ‘Greed’ cocktail is a luxurious indulgence that captures the essence of this sin through its lavish ingredients…
A base of Courvoisier brandy exudes opulence, while elderflower cordial and vanilla syrup add a sweet sophistication, enticing you to indulge in every sip. Apples, historically associated with greed through the story of Adam and Eve, symbolise temptation and the longing for the forbidden. Topped with fresh apple slices and shimmering gold flakes, this cocktail becomes a visual feast that embodies the allure of excess.
The gold flakes reflect an insatiable desire for wealth and luxury. Greed, both historically and in modern interpretation, represents the unending pursuit of more, and this drink perfectly encapsulates that temptation, inviting you to savour its richness and revel in its abundance. The timeless temptation to want more.
Indulge in its richness, but beware: The pursuit of greed may lead you to lose sight of what truly matters, ensnaring you in a cycle of endless wanting.
Punishments for Greed
Inferno:
Forced to push heavy weights against each other, symbolising the burden of their avarice and the futility of their materialistic pursuits. They eternally clash in a struggle, representing their insatiable desire for wealth.
Purgatorio:
Bound face-down on the ground, symbolising their attachment to earthly material wealth and their disregard for the spiritual.
Paradiso:
Boiled in oil – representing the consuming nature of greed.
Envy
The feeling of resentment or jealousy toward others because of their possessions, status, or qualities. It reflects a desire to diminish the happiness or success of others.
Pope Gregory the Great , 590 AD
The Cocktail:
Midori, pineapple juice, Limoncello, lime juice, lemon juice, sugar syrup, watermelon syrup, with a lime peel twirl.
Symbolism Behind the Ingredients…
The ‘Envy’ cocktail captures the vibrant yet bitter essence of this sin, inviting you to confront the emotions that often lie beneath the surface…
Midori, with its striking green hue, embodies the concept of being “green with envy,” drawing you in with its eye-catching colour while masking the underlying desire for what others possess. The blend of pineapple juice, limoncello, lime juice, and lemon juice creates a refreshing tartness, symbolising the sharp sting of jealousy that can linger long after the initial temptation. Sugar syrup and watermelon syrup add a hint of sweetness, reflecting how envy can sometimes disguise itself with a façade of charm. Topped with a twist of lime peel, this cocktail serves as a reminder of how envy can lead you down a treacherous path – spiralling into discontent and dissatisfaction as you yearn for what others have.
Indulge in its refreshing flavours, but beware: Envy can be a seductive trap, pulling you deeper into a cycle of longing and unfulfilled desires.
Punishments for Envy
Inferno:
The envious are punished among the lustful and greedy, wearing cloaks of lead that weigh them down.
Purgatorio:
The envious have their eyes sewn shut with wire, symbolising their inability to find joy in others’ success during life.
Paradiso:
Submerged in freezing water – reflecting the coldness of envy.
The Sin Is Yours to Choose…
You’ve wandered through the shadows of the Seven Deadly Sins — uncovered their origins, glimpsed their consequences. Now that you know what temptation conceals… how will you indulge?
Jess is the Marketing Manager at Penventon Park Hotel. Born and bred in Cornwall, she’s ironically not a fan of the beach—she’d much rather be in a garden or the woods with her dogs, Murphy and Daisy. A lover of horror films, fantasy books, and a solid playlist featuring Dire Straits or the Eagles, she’s often found with a Moscato, German Riesling, Bloody Mary or Spicy Marg in hand.
