Sea Breeze Cocktail
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.
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.
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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.
Step two
Measure out 2 ounces of vodka
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.
Doesn’t that look refreshing?
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!
Sea Breeze Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (I used Grey Goose)
- 1.5 ounces cranberry juice
- 1.5 ounces grapefruit juice
Garnish
- 1 sliver grapefruit slice cut into two pieces
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.2 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounces cranberry juice, 1.5 ounces grapefruit juice
- Cap shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Add fresh ice to the glassware. Divide and pour the contents of the shaker into the glass and add the grapefruit pieces.1 sliver grapefruit slice
- Sip, smile, enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
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 slice of lime 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.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Haha what an event! I can see why you’re turned off to OJ. I am the same thing with rum. x_X I definitely prefer grapefruit over OJ but oddly, I don’t like eating grapefruits. haha!
Joyce, hehe on the rum. Funny how it sticks with us! (BTW, my middle name is Joyce!)
What a perfect looking cocktail, perfect to sip on during the sumertime,
Charla, don’t forget, by the pool! 😉
I love cranberry and vodka together, so I like the twist on this. Yum!
Thanks Dannii
I like a cocktail that has fresh fruit flavors and this sounds perfect. Cranberry and grapefruit is a perfect pairing! I already have the grey Goose after the great sales that went on last week so one more little trip to the grocery store and I’m golden. 🙂
Awesome Ginny! Enjoy!
This looks so delicious and refreshing! Perfect for the summer. This heat is making me want to make one right now!
Me too! Want to join me Denisse? 😉
yes, I also prefer the grape juice, and I love ..the way you made this photo look so refreshing. I also drank alcohol under age but in Italy that is normal. You cannot eat Baccala’ without a good glass of wine
Hehe Laura!! Now I have to google Baccala!
Wow That Sea Breeze Cocktail is totally my kind of drink, looks so gooood and so refreshing!
Thank you Patty!