Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe
Sea 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
Contents
History
The Sea Breeze cocktail has its origins in the 1920s and 1930s, when it was first created in the United States. It gained popularity during the Prohibition era as a refreshing and easy-to-make drink. The original recipe called for gin, grenadine, and grapefruit juice, but it has since evolved to include vodka and cranberry juice.
- The Sea Breeze is often associated with beach vacations and tropical settings
- It is a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing cocktails
- The modern version of the Sea Breeze is a staple at many bars and restaurants
How Sea Breeze Tastes?
The Sea Breeze cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a balanced combination of sweet and sour flavors, with a light and crisp finish.
Interesting facts about Sea Breeze
- The Sea Breeze is part of a family of cocktails called 'Breezes' which also includes the Bay Breeze, Cape Codder, and Greyhound
- The original recipe used gin instead of vodka, but vodka became more popular in the 1970s and 1980s
- The Sea Breeze is often served in a highball glass with a garnish of lime or grapefruit
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Cranberry juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Grapefruit juice: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Lime wedge: 1
A few good options for Sea Breeze are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The foundation of many cocktails, vodka provides a neutral, clean base that allows the other flavors to shine. We want just enough (1.5 oz) to feel the warmth but not overpower the drink – think of it as the quiet friend who makes the party better without making a scene. Skip it, and you’re basically left with a fruity mocktail. A potential alternative could be gin for an herbal twist!
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
A splash of tartness and color, cranberry juice (4 oz) gives the Sea Breeze its distinct hue and a pucker-worthy zing that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Less juice and you might find your cocktail leaning too boozy, more, and it could be mistaken for breakfast juice. No cranberry juice? Try pomegranate juice for a similar tartness but a deeper flavor profile.
Mary Mitkina
Grapefruit Juice
Here comes a bitter contender—grapefruit juice (1.5 oz) adds a sophisticated, slightly bitter edge that contrasts with the sweetness of the cranberry. Dial down the amount, and the drink loses some of its character; too much, and you’ll feel like you’re sipping grapefruit juice with a hint of... something else. An alternative, like orange juice, will offer a sweeter, less bitter drink.
Alex Green
Ice
The unsung hero: Ice chills the beverage, making it refreshing and perfect for sipping. It also slightly dilutes the drink, which can enhance the drinking experience. No ice? Expect a less refreshing and potentially over-concentrated concoction.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Wedge
The finishing touch—a lime wedge garnish adds a pop of green and a squirt of citrus oil that complements the drink’s tart profile. It’s like the final note in a symphony, rounding out the experience. Exclude it, and you don’t just miss the look but also that fresh zesty scent with each sip. An alternative could be a lemon twist if limes are out of reach.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Sea Breeze Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Pour 1.5 oz of vodka over the ice
- Add 4 oz of cranberry juice
- Top with 1.5 oz of grapefruit juice
- Stir gently to combine
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Pro Tips
- Use fresh juices for a more vibrant and refreshing flavor
- Chill your glass before serving to keep your cocktail cooler for longer
- Gently stir the cocktail to combine the flavors without diluting the drink too much
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platters: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or camembert, will complement the crispness of the cocktail.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or seared scallops will be uplifted by the Sea Breeze.
- Salads: Greens with a citrus-based dressing will echo the fruity notes of the cocktail.
Main courses
- Grilled Chicken: The tartness of the Sea Breeze cleanses the palate between bites of a well-seasoned chicken.
- Pasta: Try a pasta with a light tomato sauce or an olive oil base.
Desserts
- Fruit tarts: A dessert with a zesty profile, like a lemon tart, will go well with the citrus notes of the drink.
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What you could change in Sea Breeze
- Gin can be used instead of vodka for a more traditional Sea Breeze
- Pineapple juice can replace grapefruit juice for a sweeter cocktail
- Lemon can be used as a garnish instead of lime for a different citrus twist
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Ruby Breeze
Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, 1.5 oz pink grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur, lime wedge
*Recipe: Use pink grapefruit juice and add a dash of raspberry liqueur for extra sweetness and depth. The Ruby Breeze will be fruitier and more vibrant, with a hint of raspberry that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Sea Breeze Spritzer
Ingredients: 1 oz vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz club soda, lime wedge
*Recipe: Lighten up the drink with club soda for a fizzy twist. The Sea Breeze Spritzer is ideal for those looking to enjoy a longer, more effervescent version of the classic cocktail.
Tropical Breeze
Ingredients: 1.5 oz coconut vodka, 4 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz grapefruit juice, lime wedge
*Recipe: Swap out the cranberry juice for pineapple juice and use coconut-flavored vodka. The Tropical Breeze is a vacation in a glass, giving you sweet, exotic notes that will transport you to a sandy beach with every sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Sea 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 stirGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Sea Breeze
Is the Sea Breeze cocktail a strong drink?
Not really, the Sea Breeze cocktail is rather light in terms of alcohol content. Its main strength is in its refreshing taste and fruity flavor.
Can I drink Sea Breeze if I am not a fan of Vodka?
Absolutely, the vodka in Sea Breeze is not overpowering and is quite well balanced by the fruity flavors of the cocktail. However, for a different taste, you can substitute vodka with gin, which was used in the original recipe.
Does the Sea Breeze cocktail have any seasonal restrictions?
No, you can enjoy a Sea Breeze cocktail any time of the year. However, due to its refreshing and fruity taste, it's often associated with warmer seasons and beach vacations.
How did the Sea Breeze cocktail get its name?
The Sea Breeze cocktail likely got its name due to its refreshing and light characteristics, which are reminiscent of a cool breeze on a hot day at the beach.
Is there a mocktail version of the Sea Breeze?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Sea Breeze by simply omitting the alcohol and adding more cranberry and grapefruit juice, or adding some soda water to give it an added fizz.
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