With its refreshing and simple blend of just three ingredients, the sea breeze cocktail is the epitome of effortless elegance. This classic drink combines the tartness of cranberry juice, the citrus zing of grapefruit juice, and the smooth kick of vodka, creating a perfectly balanced and invigorating beverage.

A old fashioned glass of the cocktail with grapefruit chunks in the drink and sea glass and shells in the back — Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This drink is ideal for sipping on a warm summer evening or as a vibrant addition to any social gathering. The sea breeze is easy to make and a delightful sensory experience that transports you to a breezy seaside escape.

I’m partial to this cocktail because it was my first grownup drink. Granted, I was 17 when I had it, but who doesn’t experiment as a teenager? It was so good that it became my go-to cocktail well into college and beyond.

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful tips

Since the sea breeze has only three ingredients, each one plays a pivotal role. For the best flavor, use high-quality vodka and fresh juices.
Serving any drink in a chilled glass enhances the refreshing experience. Place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before preparing the drink.
Fill your glass with plenty of ice before mixing the drink. This keeps it cool and dilutes the cocktail to the perfect strength as you sip. I use large ice cubes because they melt more slowly.
A few pieces of peeled grapefruit are a great garnish. You can also add a lime wedge or a twist of grapefruit peel. This adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra flavor.
Mix the cocktail fresh rather than making a large batch in advance for the best taste. This maintains the vibrant flavors and perfect balance.
For a less sweet, more tart cocktail, opt for unsweetened 100% cranberry juice. A cranberry juice cocktail works well for a sweeter drink.
For a more intense taste, use my homemade grapefruit-infused Grapefruit Infused Vodka.
Depending on your preference and the occasion, this cocktail can be served in a highball glass, a double old-fashioned glass, or a stemless wine glass.
You can build this cocktail in the glass, but I prefer a shaker.

How to make a sea breeze cocktail

Pre-Step

Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and your glassware. I’m using a double old-fashioned glass.

Cut a wedge of grapefruit, peel it, and cut it in half.

Step one

Gather the three ingredients – cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and vodka.

Cranberry juice, vodka and grapefruit juice with a measuring glass in the background — Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of vodka

Would you like to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Don't worry, I promise not to spam you.

Step three

Measure out 1.5 ounces of cranberry juice.

Step four

Measure out 1.5 ounces of grapefruit juice.

Step five

Add ice cubes to the glass. Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Add the two halves of grapefruit.

a double old fashioned glass filled with the grapefruit drink — Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Doesn’t that look refreshing?

vertical view of the sea breeze cocktail with sea glass and shells behind it — Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

I take a sip and sigh. I hope you enjoyed this sea breeze cocktail recipe!

Other refreshing cocktails

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!