Sea Breeze Cocktail: A Coastal Classic with a Refreshing Bite
The Sea Breeze Cocktail is the kind of drink that lives up to its name—cool, crisp, and invigorating, like a gust of ocean air on a sun-drenched afternoon. With its vibrant pink hue and citrusy punch, it’s a laid-back yet lively classic that brings beachy vibes to any setting, from backyard barbecues to brunch on the patio.
First popularized in the 1950s and later fully embraced during the vodka boom of the 1980s, the Sea Breeze quickly became a staple of summer cocktail menus. It’s simple—vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice—but those three ingredients, when balanced just right, offer a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and dry flavors.
My first Sea Breeze came at a poolside cabana, after a long day of sun and surf. It was served in a tall glass over clinking ice, garnished with a wedge of grapefruit. I wasn’t expecting much—but one sip in, I was hooked. It was refreshing without being boring, tart without being sour, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting.
It’s time to bring this coastal classic home and stir up your own perfect breeze.
Quick Facts: Sea Breeze Cocktail
Method: built
Flavor profile: tart, fruity, refreshing
How to serve it: over ice
Glassware: highball glass
Alcohol content: ~10–12% ABV, ~14 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 1½ oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice (100% juice or a high-quality blend)
- 1 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- Ice
- Garnish: lime wedge or grapefruit slice
The Sea Breeze’s strength lies in balance. Vodka is the neutral base, allowing the juices to shine. Choose a clean, mid-range vodka—something smooth that won’t interfere with the fruit flavors.
Cranberry juice brings color and a hint of sweetness, while grapefruit juice delivers the tart, slightly bitter bite that makes this cocktail so refreshing. Go for fresh pink or ruby red grapefruit juice if you can—it adds vibrant acidity and natural sweetness that bottled juice can’t replicate.
If you like your drinks less tart, increase the cranberry slightly. For a more bracing version, up the grapefruit and keep the cranberry in check.
Equipment Needed
- Highball glass
- Jigger
- Citrus press (for fresh grapefruit juice)
- Bar spoon (optional, for stirring)
- Ice scoop
No shaker needed for the Sea Breeze—this is a classic built cocktail. Just pour the ingredients over ice and give it a gentle stir. The tall highball glass is ideal for both presentation and proportion, offering the right amount of dilution and space for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fill your glass with ice.
Use a highball glass and fill it nearly to the top with fresh, clean ice. Large cubes work best to slow dilution.
2. Add vodka.
Pour 1½ oz vodka over the ice.
3. Add the juices.
Top with 3 oz cranberry juice and 1 oz grapefruit juice. You can adjust the ratio slightly depending on your preference.
4. Stir gently.
Use a bar spoon to mix just enough to combine—no need to overdo it.
5. Garnish and serve.
Add a lime wedge or a fresh slice of grapefruit on the rim. Serve with a straw if desired.
That’s it. Built in seconds, perfect in moments.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Sea Breeze greets you with a light tartness up front from the grapefruit, mellowed by the cranberry’s fruity sweetness. Vodka plays a supporting role, giving the drink strength without interfering with the clean citrus profile.
It’s crisp, dry on the finish, and balanced—never too sweet, never too sour. When made right, it’s a perfect harmony of refreshing acidity and subtle fruitiness.
Pair it with:
- Light salads with citrus vinaigrettes
- Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
- Goat cheese and cranberry crostini
- Summer fruit platters or citrus sorbets
It’s the cocktail equivalent of a breeze off the ocean—cooling, clean, and made for warm-weather sipping.
Garnishing and Presentation
The Sea Breeze is bright and beautiful on its own, but a thoughtful garnish elevates the look.
Classic garnishes:
- Lime wedge on the rim
- Grapefruit wheel or wedge
- Skewered cranberries (frozen for an added chill effect)
Presentation tips:
- Serve in a clear highball glass to highlight the drink’s blush-pink color
- Add a reusable metal or glass straw for a modern, eco-friendly touch
- Rim the glass with a mix of sugar and grapefruit zest for an optional upgrade at brunch or parties
Keep it fresh, clean, and coastal—this drink is all about casual elegance.
Pairing Suggestions
Savory snacks and starters:
- Ceviche or tuna tartare
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Avocado toast with lemon and chili flakes
- Salty cheeses like feta or halloumi
Lunch and brunch mains:
- Citrus-glazed chicken
- Spinach and strawberry salad
- Lobster rolls
- Sushi rolls with cucumber and spicy mayo
Light desserts:
- Lemon bars
- Raspberry sorbet
- White chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Citrus shortbread cookies
The Sea Breeze is versatile, working with sweet and savory dishes alike, especially those that share its bright, acidic qualities.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Sea Breeze has been around in one form or another since the 1920s, originally made with gin and grenadine. But the modern version we know today came into popularity in the 1950s, as vodka began to dominate the American cocktail scene.
It was further cemented in the cultural zeitgeist in the 1980s alongside other cranberry-based cocktails like the Cape Codder and Bay Breeze. These drinks emerged during a time when vodka was king, and fruit juices were the mixer of choice.
Fun fact: the popularity of the Sea Breeze (and its siblings) helped skyrocket cranberry juice sales during this era. The Ocean Spray cooperative can thank the cocktail renaissance of the ’80s for putting its juice in nearly every bar in America.
Today, the Sea Breeze is enjoying a modest resurgence as drinkers embrace low-effort, low-sugar classics with crisp flavors and nostalgic appeal.
Serving Suggestions
The Sea Breeze is a warm-weather winner. Serve it at:
- Brunches (especially when you want a lighter alternative to Mimosas or Bloody Marys)
- Poolside parties
- Beach picnics
- BBQs and garden parties
It’s easy to scale up—just multiply your ratio (1 part vodka, 2 parts cranberry, ½–1 part grapefruit) and batch in a pitcher with lots of ice. Add garnishes to each glass individually for freshness.
Serve chilled, over ice, and drink within a few minutes for optimal flavor and temperature.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
The Sea Breeze is a moderately strong cocktail, coming in at around 10–12% ABV depending on your pour. It’s lighter than a Martini, but stronger than a beer—making it ideal for daytime sipping.
To lower the alcohol content:
- Use 1 oz vodka instead of 1½ oz
- Top with a splash of soda water for a longer, more refreshing drink
For a mocktail version:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 oz soda water
Serve over ice with a grapefruit wedge for a booze-free breeze that still delivers crisp, fruity flavor.
You can also try it with:
- Tequila for a tart tequila breeze
- Gin for a more herbal edge
- Rum for a tropical variation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?
Yes, but choose one labeled 100% juice with no added sugars. Freshly squeezed will always offer better balance and a more vibrant flavor.
Is cranberry cocktail okay instead of 100% juice?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the proportions if it’s especially sweet. Look for a blend with minimal added sugar.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can mix the juices and vodka in advance and store it chilled. Add ice and garnishes just before serving.
What’s the difference between Sea Breeze and Bay Breeze?
A Bay Breeze uses pineapple juice instead of grapefruit. A Cape Codder is just vodka and cranberry juice.
Is the Sea Breeze sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, but the grapefruit juice keeps it on the dry and tart side. It’s balanced, not sugary.
Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
1½ oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
1 oz grapefruit juice
Ice
Garnish: lime wedge or grapefruit slice
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice.
- Serve immediately.
Conclusion
The Sea Breeze is the kind of cocktail that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It’s cool, clean, and effortlessly drinkable—a drink that feels like summer, no matter the season. Whether you’re brunching, beaching, or just craving something crisp, this cocktail brings the breeze with every sip.
Next time, we’ll explore another breezy icon of the vodka world: the Bay Breeze—same simplicity, different tropical twist.
