Ocean Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Ocean Breeze Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0.2g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:10%

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 Ocean Breeze cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink that gained popularity in the 1980s. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where the vibrant blue color of the drink resembles the crystal-clear waters of the ocean. This cocktail is perfect for beach parties, summer gatherings, and anyone who enjoys a fruity and visually appealing drink.

  • Origin: Caribbean
  • Popular in the 1980s
  • Perfect for beach parties and summer gatherings

How Ocean Breeze Tastes?

The Ocean Breeze cocktail has a fruity, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. It is light and refreshing, with a hint of citrus and tropical flavors.

Interesting facts about Ocean Breeze

  • The blue color of the drink is achieved by using Blue Curacao, a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit.
  • The Ocean Breeze cocktail is sometimes served with a small umbrella or other tropical-themed garnishes to enhance its beachy vibe.
  • The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, allowing the vibrant blue color to be showcased.

Ingredients

A few good options for Ocean Breeze are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the backbone of many cocktails, providing a smooth, neutral spirit base. At 1 oz, it ensures the cocktail isn't overpowering but still holds its own against the other flavors. If you skimp on the vodka, you'll have a mocktail on your hands, and nobody invited that guy.

Alex Green

Blue Curacao

This brings both color and a hint of bitterness with its orange-forward taste, setting the 'ocean' scene at 0.5 oz, just enough to get the vibe without making waves. Leaving this out? You might as well call it a Pond Breeze.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

At 2 oz, the pineapple juice is the sweet tropical breeze in your cocktail. It balances the citrus notes and makes it oh-so-sippable. Pineapple juice MIA? The cocktail would be like the beach without the sun.

Emma Rose

Grapefruit Juice

Adding 1 oz adds a tangy twist and a hint of sophistication. If this was missing, your cocktail might come across a bit too sweet, like that one friend who's always complimenting your new haircut.

Alex Green

Ice

As needed, because no one likes a warm breeze. It chills the cocktail, but also dilutes it slightly, which can be a good thing. Too much ice? You're drinking flavored water. Too little? Welcome to the hot seat.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish

A lemon wheel and cherry are the 'cherry on top' of your drink. They're there to look pretty and add a bit of fresh zestiness. Without the garnish, it's like going to the beach without sunglasses—something's definitely missing.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Ocean Breeze Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice.
  3. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
  4. Strain the mixture into the highball glass over the ice.
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use fresh pineapple and grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The citrus flavor from the grapefruit juice complements the fresh, acidic nature of ceviche beautifully.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The sweetness from the pineapple juice in the Ocean Breeze cocktail pairs nicely with seafood, especially if it’s a bit charred from the grill.

Main Courses

  • Chicken or Pork with a Tropical Glaze: The fruity flavors in the cocktail will echo similar glazes or marinades on meats.
  • Fish Tacos: The light and zesty profile of the cocktail will not overpower the delicate fish.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: The lemon from the garnish and the bright, tangy flavors in the drink will complement the sorbet.
  • Fruit Tart: Pairing with a fruit tart can echo the fruity notes of the cocktail while the pastry adds a nice textural contrast.

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What you could change in Ocean Breeze

  • Blue Curacao: Can be replaced with any other blue liqueur or blue food coloring and a dash of orange liqueur.
  • Vodka: Can be substituted with white rum for a more tropical flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice: Can be replaced with orange juice if preferred.

Explore all drinks starting with O here

And of course - twists🍹

Tropical Twister

  • Coconut Rum (1 oz) replaces vodka for a coconut kick.
  • Mango Juice (1 oz) instead of grapefruit for extra tropicality.
  • Add a splash of soda water for fizz. This beach-ready version of the Ocean Breeze is like taking a quick dip in a more exotic part of the ocean. The coconut rum will give it a creamy undertone, and the mango juice makes it sweeter and smoother—one sip and you might just feel sand between your toes.

Berry Breeze

  • Raspberry Liqueur (0.5 oz) along with vodka gives a berry twist.
  • Cranberry Juice (1 oz) in place of pineapple for a tart contrast.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries. It’s an Ocean Breeze with a red hue and a berry-licious attitude. The combination of raspberry and cranberry adds depth and a welcome pucker, so it's like a wave of flavor crashing into your taste buds.

Sunset Sipper

  • Tequila (1 oz) instead of vodka for a party twist.
  • Orange Juice (1 oz) instead of pineapple for a sunset hue.
  • Float Grenadine (0.5 oz) for a gradient effect. As the name suggests, this twist on the Ocean Breeze is like watching the sun kiss the horizon. Tequila brings the fiesta to your palate, and the gradient of orange and red hues is as mesmerizing as a seaside sunset.

In case you forgot basics how to make Ocean Breeze

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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 Ocean Breeze

How did the Ocean Breeze cocktail get its name?

The Ocean Breeze cocktail likely got its name from its origins in the Caribbean, and its vibrant blue color which resembles the ocean. The drink also gives off a tropical, refreshing vibe, much like a breeze from the ocean.

Is it possible to make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, it is possible to make a non-alcoholic version of the Ocean Breeze cocktail. The vodka can be replaced with plain water or soda water and the Blue Curacao can be substituted with a dash of blue food coloring and orange juice.

What other garnishes can be used for the Ocean Breeze cocktail?

Apart from a lemon wheel and cherry, you can also garnish the Ocean Breeze cocktail with pineapple chunks, a wedge of grapefruit, or a sprig of fresh mint for that extra tropical flair.

I am a vegan. Can I drink Ocean Breeze?

Yes, the Ocean Breeze cocktail can be enjoyed by vegans. The ingredients include vodka, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, ice, and garnishes. None of these contain any animal products.

Why is it called a 'highball' glass?

A highball glass is a type of glassware that is typically used to serve 'highball' cocktails, which are drinks made with a larger proportion of non-alcoholic mixer to a smaller amount of spirit. The glass is tall, and commonly holds 8 to 12 ounces.

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