Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is a classic vodka highball known for its simple construction and vibrant, refreshing taste. It perfectly balances the tartness of cranberry juice with the slightly bitter, citrusy notes of grapefruit juice. Served over ice in a tall glass, it's a popular choice for warm weather, brunch, or casual sipping. Its beautiful pinkish hue and straightforward recipe have cemented its status as an enduring favorite.
Sea Breeze

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Sea Breeze is classified as a cocktail, specifically a highball. It's considered a modern classic, having gained immense popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. It is also often categorized as a summer or brunch drink.

Serving

The Sea Breeze is a cold drink served in a tall Highball glass filled with ice. Its alcohol content is relatively moderate, typically around 12-15% ABV.
Serving size
Approximately 210 ml / 7 oz (excluding ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The modern Sea Breeze gained popularity in the 1970s, partly due to a marketing push by the Ocean Spray cranberry cooperative. However, the name dates back to the 1920s for a different drink made with gin and apricot brandy. The current vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit version emerged and solidified its place as a staple cocktail during the vibrant cocktail scene of the 1980s.
Origin
United States, 1970s (modern version).

Sea Breeze

The drink is universally known as the Sea Breeze. Sometimes it is referred to more formally as the Sea Breeze Cocktail, but this is less common.
Original name
Sea Breeze
Alternative name
Sea Breeze Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink is defined by a tart and fruity flavor profile with a clean, crisp finish. Its pinkish hue is visually appealing, and its smooth, non-carbonated texture makes it exceptionally refreshing, especially in summer.
Flavor
Tart, Fruity, Citrusy, Refreshing, Crisp
Aroma
Cranberry, Grapefruit, Citrus
Taste balance
Tart, Sweet, Slightly Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Tart
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pink, Light Red, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Thin, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by fruitiness and a pronounced tartness, with low sweetness and a slight bitterness from the grapefruit. It is a non-carbonated drink with a moderate alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need three key liquid ingredients: a base of vodka, a larger portion of cranberry juice, and a smaller portion of grapefruit juice. Using quality juices will greatly enhance the final drink.
  • Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A clean, neutral vodka is recommended to let the juices shine.
  • Cranberry Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Use 100% cranberry juice cocktail for the classic balance of tart and sweet.
  • Grapefruit Juice45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is best, but good quality bottled juice works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for a quick stir. This drink is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring liquids.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring.

Instructions

The Sea Breeze is built directly in the glass by filling a highball with ice, then adding vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice in order. A gentle stir and a lime garnish complete this simple process.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Add the cranberry juice.
4. Top with the grapefruit juice.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge or wheel is the traditional garnish, adding a pleasant citrus aroma and a touch of color. It can be placed on the glass rim or directly in the cocktail.
  • Lime Wedge or Wheel: Cut a fresh lime into a wedge or a thin wheel and place it on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Assuming a pure distilled vodka is used, it is also gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains around 200 calories, primarily from the sugar in the fruit juices and the alcohol. The carbohydrate and sugar content is moderate, depending on the specific juices used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm-weather events like summer parties, poolside lounging, and beach gatherings. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for brunch or a casual afternoon drink.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Beachside Sipping
  • Casual Gatherings

Pairing suggestions

The Sea Breeze's tart and fruity profile pairs well with light fare such as salads and seafood. It's also an excellent companion to brunch dishes and complements the saltiness of simple snacks like nuts or chips.
  • Light salads
  • Seafood dishes like grilled shrimp
  • Brunch foods like quiche or eggs Benedict
  • Salty snacks

The Sea Breeze: A Refreshing Wave of Flavor

The Sea Breeze is a quintessential modern classic cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and wonderfully refreshing character. It combines vodka with the tart duo of cranberry and grapefruit juice, creating a perfectly balanced highball. Easy to make and universally appealing, it's an ideal drink for summer days, casual get-togethers, or a vibrant brunch. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its crisp, clean, and satisfying taste.

Similar Cocktails

Cape Codder

A simpler version made with only vodka and cranberry juice.

Salty Dog

Made with gin or vodka and grapefruit juice, served in a glass with a salted rim.

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A two-ingredient drink of gin or vodka and grapefruit juice, without the salted rim.

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