Bay Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Bay Breeze Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Bay Breeze, also known as the Hawaiian Sea Breeze, is a tropical cocktail that originated in the 1960s. It is a variation of the classic Sea Breeze cocktail, which features vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. The Bay Breeze swaps out the grapefruit juice for pineapple juice, giving it a sweeter, more tropical flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity, refreshing drinks and is often served at beachside bars and tropical-themed parties.

How Bay Breeze Tastes?

The Bay Breeze is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing cocktail with a tropical twist. The combination of vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is neither too sweet nor too tart. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Interesting facts about Bay Breeze

  • The Bay Breeze is a variation of the classic Sea Breeze cocktail, which features grapefruit juice instead of pineapple juice.
  • This cocktail is sometimes called the Hawaiian Sea Breeze due to its tropical flavor profile.
  • The Bay Breeze is often served in a highball glass with a garnish of pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

Ingredients

A few good options for Bay Breeze are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • Vodka is a versatile spirit that provides a clean and neutral base for cocktails. The 1.5 oz is just enough to give the Bay Breeze a pleasant buzz without overwhelming the fruity flavors. Too much vodka, and you're looking at a booze cruise; too little, and it's a juice box for adults.

Emma Rose

Cranberry Juice

  • Cranberry juice adds tartness and a vibrant red color to the cocktail. It balances sweetness and has a unique flavor profile that meshes well with the pineapple. If skipped, you'd miss that tangy kick — sort of like a dance floor without the music.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

  • Pineapple juice brings tropical sweetness and acidity, it enhances the exotic feel of the cocktail. If you don't use it, you lose the 'breeze' part of the Bay Breeze, and we can't have that, can we?

Alex Green

Ice

  • Ice keeps the drink refreshingly cold. Without it, you'd have a lukewarm concoction that's about as appealing as a sunbathing Eskimo.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Wedge and Maraschino Cherry

  • These garnishes add a visual appeal and a hint of additional flavor. Plus, who doesn't love a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes? Skip them, and your drink dresses down from gala to casual Friday.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Bay Breeze Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Add 3 oz of cranberry juice.
  4. Top with 3 oz of pineapple juice.
  5. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your ingredients before mixing to keep your cocktail cool without diluting it.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • For a twist, try using flavored vodka.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • A light and zesty Bay Breeze pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or salmon. The bright acidity from the cranberry cuts through the richness of the fish.

Salads

  • An herbed salad with a citrusy dressing can complement the fruity notes of the Bay Breeze. Goat cheese and pine nuts would be fantastic add-ins.

Cheese Platter

  • The sweet and tart profile of the cocktail works well with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as the cocktail's crispness balances the creaminess of the cheese.

Barbecue

  • Try this cocktail alongside a barbecue. The sweet and tangy elements of the drink pair nicely with BBQ chicken or pulled pork.

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What you could change in Bay Breeze

  • Grapefruit juice can be used instead of pineapple juice for a classic Sea Breeze.
  • Rum can be substituted for vodka for a tropical twist.
  • Lime wedge can be used as a garnish instead of maraschino cherry.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Bay Breeze

  • Add 0.5 oz of coconut rum. This twist adds a creamy coconut flavor, reminiscent of a tropical vacation. Just imagine sipping this on a hammock between two palm trees, with the sound of waves in the background.

Spicy Breeze

  • Muddle 2-3 slices of jalapeño in the glass before adding the ingredients. This gives the Bay Breeze an unexpected kick, marrying the sweetness with a bit of heat. For those who like a walk on the wild side of the beach!

Berry Breeze

  • Use blackberry vodka instead of regular vodka. The blackberry vodka introduces a deep berry note to the drink, making it more complex and perfect for berry enthusiasts. It's essentially a summer berry patch in a glass.

In case you forgot basics how to make Bay Breeze

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bay Breeze

When is the best time to serve Bay Breeze?

Due to its refreshing and tropical nature, the Bay Breeze is best enjoyed during the summertime or at any outdoor gatherings. Its fruity flavor also makes it ideal for beach parties.

Can I use frozen pineapple juice?

Yes, it's doable. However, the taste might not be as fresh and vibrant as using fresh pineapple juice. If frozen is your only option, just make sure to let it thaw before using.

What are some good food pairings with Bay Breeze?

Given its tropical nature, this cocktail pairs well with seafood, especially shrimp and fish. It can also go well with spicy food since the sweetness can balance out the heat.

What type of vodka is best suited for a Bay Breeze cocktail?

Choose a mid-range vodka for this cocktail. It should be smooth enough to sip but does not need to be top shelf since the strong flavors of the juices will take center stage.

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