Sea Breeze Cocktail Drink

Sea Breeze

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re aiming for a refreshing drink, this Sea Breeze Drink recipe provides all the ingredients for an impeccable cocktail. It’s effortless to make, ensuring you have a delightful drink in no time.

Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Quench your thirst with our Sea Breeze recipe! This cocktail is a summer sensation combining vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

56 kl

Ingredients

  • or Vodka
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Vodka: Pour 1½ or Vodka over the ice.
  • Add Cranberry Juice: Pour approximately 3 oz cranberry juice into the glass.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Top up slowly with 1 oz grapefruit juice.
  • Garnish (optional): Place a lime wedge on the rim or into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: I've often gone for gin when I run out of vodka. It adds a botanical twist, which gives the Sea Breeze a unique character. Tequila can also be a fun twist for a more southwestern vibe.
  • Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice can be a great alternative. It's slightly more tart, but the vibrant color and flavor profile match wonderfully.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Orange juice can be used if you're out of grapefruit juice. It's sweeter, so you might want to adjust the quantity slightly.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'd need 12 oz of vodka, 24 oz of cranberry juice, and 8 oz of grapefruit juice.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Highball glasses, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Opt for club soda or tonic water. It gives that bubbly feel without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of vodka and follow the original steps for a delightful non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The typical Sea Breeze ingredients are naturally vegan. Just ensure that the juices you use do not contain any animal-derived colorings or additives. Always check the label if unsure!

Nutrition Facts

Calories
56
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Potassium
 
111
mg
3
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
40
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
9
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%

 

Sea Breeze Cocktail Drink

Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Quench your thirst with our Sea Breeze recipe! This cocktail is a summer sensation combining vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 56

Ingredients
 

  • or Vodka
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Vodka: Pour 1½ or Vodka over the ice.
  • Add Cranberry Juice: Pour approximately 3 oz cranberry juice into the glass.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Top up slowly with 1 oz grapefruit juice.
  • Garnish (optional): Place a lime wedge on the rim or into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: I've often gone for gin when I run out of vodka. It adds a botanical twist, which gives the Sea Breeze a unique character. Tequila can also be a fun twist for a more southwestern vibe.
  • Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice can be a great alternative. It's slightly more tart, but the vibrant color and flavor profile match wonderfully.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Orange juice can be used if you're out of grapefruit juice. It's sweeter, so you might want to adjust the quantity slightly.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'd need 12 oz of vodka, 24 oz of cranberry juice, and 8 oz of grapefruit juice.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Highball glasses, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy!

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Opt for club soda or tonic water. It gives that bubbly feel without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of vodka and follow the original steps for a delightful non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The typical Sea Breeze ingredients are naturally vegan. Just ensure that the juices you use do not contain any animal-derived colorings or additives. Always check the label if unsure!

 

What is a Sea Breeze Cocktail?

Sea Breeze is a cocktail that combines vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. Renowned for its crisp taste and clear appearance, it became a favorite choice among beachgoers and bar patrons. The drink’s name likely draws inspiration from the cool breezes of coastal regions. While it may sound like a sophisticated concoction, the Sea Breeze Drink is straightforward in its composition and has firmly established itself by being listed as an IBA cocktail amongst other classic cocktails.

A side shot of a Sea Breeze cocktail in a highball glass on a white marmol table with three ice cubes on the side

What is a Sea Breeze Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Gather the listed ingredients and follow our recipe:

  • Vodka: The primary alcohol that gives the drink its kick.
  • Cranberry Juice: Adds a tartness and vibrant red hue to the cocktail.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Contributes a tangy citrus note, balancing the sweetness of the cranberry.

Vodka, Cranberry juice and Grapefruit laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Sea Breeze Cocktail?

Try our easy steps for making a Sea Breeze:

1
<p>Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and maintain its temperature. </p>

Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and maintain its temperature.

2
<p>Pour vodka over the ice to lay the foundation for the cocktail’s alcoholic content.</p>

Pour vodka over the ice to lay the foundation for the cocktail’s alcoholic content.

3
<p>Add cranberry juice, giving the drink its characteristic tartness and color.</p>

Add cranberry juice, giving the drink its characteristic tartness and color.

4
<p>Follow with grapefruit juice, introducing a citrusy tang that complements the cranberry.</p>

Follow with grapefruit juice, introducing a citrusy tang that complements the cranberry.

5
<p>Garnish with a lime wedge if desired, and serve immediately.</p>

Garnish with a lime wedge if desired, and serve immediately.

Sea Breeze Cocktail with Rum

Opting for rum instead of vodka introduces a sugarcane warmth to the drink, melding seamlessly with the tartness of the cranberry and grapefruit. Brands like Bacardi, Mount Gay, and Appleton Estate offer quality choices that can elevate this classic. I’d recommend starting with Appleton Estate Signature Blend for those eager to venture into this version. Its rich and mellow notes provide a delightful backdrop to the bright fruit flavors of the Sea Breeze.

Sea Breeze Cocktail vs. Bay Breeze – What’s the difference?

A Sea Breeze and a Bay Breeze, while similar, have a distinct difference. The Sea Breeze features a refreshing combination of vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit. On the other hand, the Bay Breeze swaps out the grapefruit juice, opting for pineapple juice paired with vodka and cranberry. This switch gives the Bay Breeze a tropical flair, contrasting the tart citrus edge of the Sea Breeze. So, when you’re in the mood for something bright and zesty, reach for a Sea Breeze. But if tropical vibes call, a Bay Breeze has got you covered.

How does a Sea Breeze Cocktail with Gin taste?

Gin instead of vodka brings a botanical punch, complementing the crisp cranberry and grapefruit duo. Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Beefeater stand out as giants in the gin world, each offering unique flavor profiles. For those eager to dabble in a gin-based Sea Breeze, I’d steer you towards Bombay Sapphire. Its slightly citrus-forward profile dovetails nicely with the fruity core of the drink.

A Sea Breeze cocktail, shot from above, in a highbal glass on a white marmol table with three ice cubes on the side

Variations

Want to try something new? We share some of our favorite picks:

  • Cape Codder Cocktail: This blend simplifies the classic formula, focusing on the tartness of cranberry juice with a hint of lime. It’s straightforward yet satisfying, especially for those who appreciate the sharp, crisp flavors of cranberry.
  • Malibu Bay Breeze: This concoction brings in the sweetness of Malibu rum, complementing it with cranberry and pineapple juices. The coconut flavor from Malibu rum creates a delightful tropical experience. I really enjoy the way the coconut flavor melds with the tartness of the cranberry, making it a refreshing choice for a summer day.
  • Pineapple Breeze: Here, pineapple rum and coconut rum join forces with pineapple juice, topped with a dash of cranberry juice. This combination creates a sweet and fruity symphony. The addition of cranberry juice adds just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness, which I find particularly appealing.
  • Hawaiian Sea Breeze: This version combines the traditional cranberry and grapefruit juices with an additional tropical twist of pineapple juice. It’s like a mini vacation in a glass, offering a blend of sweet, tart, and citrus flavors.
  • Tropical Bay Breeze Drink: It features coconut rum with pineapple juice and a sweeter cranberry juice, enhanced by a splash of Grenadine. This drink is a colorful and fruity delight, ideal for those who love vibrant, sweet flavors.
  • Ocean Breeze Cocktail: A lower-calorie option, this includes Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka, light cranberry juice, and fresh grapefruit juice. The use of grapefruit vodka adds a zesty, tangy twist, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a drink that’s both flavorful and light.

A side shot of a Sea Breeze cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden tray placed on a marmol table

History and Origin

The history of the Sea Breeze traces back to the post-Prohibition era in the United States. Initially, around the 1920s and 1930s, the drink had a different composition than the one we recognize today. The original mix contained gin, grenadine, and a bit of mineral water, along with the signature cranberry and grapefruit juices.

However, the cocktail transformed during the 1960s and 1970s. Vodka began to surge in popularity in America during this period. As vodka’s prominence rose, it replaced gin in many cocktail recipes. The grenadine and mineral water eventually faded from the mix, leaving vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice as the mainstays of the modern composition.

The name “Sea Breeze” likely refers to the drink’s refreshing nature and its association with coastal relaxation, evoking images of a calm wind on a warm beach day. Over time, the cocktail has remained a favorite among those seeking a crisp, refreshing cocktail, particularly in summertime settings.

 

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories are typically in a Sea Breeze?
It ranges around 180 to 220 calories, depending on the exact measurements and ingredients used.
How strong is the Sea Breeze in terms of alcohol content?
Typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of about 10-12%, translating to 20-24 proof.
What type of alcohol is used in a Sea Breeze?
The primary alcohol is vodka.
In which type of glass is a Sea Breeze usually served?
Traditionally, it's served in a highball glass.
What does a Sea Breeze taste like?
The cocktail offers a crisp and tangy flavor profile with a harmonious blend of tart cranberry, zesty grapefruit, and the subtle warmth of vodka.
What's the typical ratio of ingredients in a Sea Breeze?
The classic ratio is 1 part vodka, 2 parts cranberry juice, and 1 part grapefruit juice.
How is the Sea Breeze served with ice?
The drink is customarily served over ice cubes, making it a refreshing drink for warmer days.
What is a Salty Sea Breeze?
A Salty Sea Breeze is a variation which includes a salted rim on the glass.

Categories

Types

Flavours

Spirits

Share
Pin
Post
Share
Send
Email

Rate this recipe

I don’t like it

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

You could also try...

Select language

The page you are looking at is also available in the following languages:

Recipe Overview

Explore our recipes by the categories below.

By spirit

By type

By flavour

Spirits Overview

Explore our spirits by the categories below.

Types