With this easy recipe, you can make your own Sea Breeze Cocktails by the glass or mix up a pitcher that serves a crowd. Cheers!
![two sea breeze cocktails garnished with a lime slice and maraschino cherry](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-2-683x1024.jpg)
![two sea breeze cocktails garnished with a lime slice and maraschino cherry](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-2-683x1024.jpg)
Are you looking for a refreshing drink to cool down this summer? Sea Breeze cocktails are the perfect way to beat the heat. These cocktails are tart and fruity – perfect for sipping by the pool or patio.
A Sea Breeze cocktail is a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. This drink is tart, fruity, and oh-so-satisfying, made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
Why This Recipe Works
The clean taste of the vodka pairs well with the cranberry, and grapefruit juice for a tart and fruity refresher.
The History of the Sea Breeze Drink
![Two sea breeze cocktails with a garnish of cherries and lime slices with more fruit in the background.](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4-1024x683.jpg)
![Two sea breeze cocktails with a garnish of cherries and lime slices with more fruit in the background.](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4-1024x683.jpg)
Traditionally made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, the Sea Breeze drink was first created in the 1920s, and it gained popularity during the Prohibition era. The drink was originally made with gin, but vodka evolved as the main ingredient after World War II. It became popular in the 1980s for its fruity punch flavors and has remained a summer favorite ever since.
Ingredient Notes
![bottles of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pure-1024x683.jpg)
![bottles of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pure-1024x683.jpg)
Vodka: Use good quality vodka for the best flavor.
Cranberry juice: For a sweeter element, use a cranberry juice cocktail that is mixed with other juices to reduce bitterness. If you enjoy a little bitterness, use 100% cranberry juice.
Grapefruit juice: Use 100% grapefruit juice for this recipe. You can use fresh squeezed or store-bought.
Garnish: The traditional garnish for a Sea Breeze is a lime wedge, but I like to add maraschino cherries for a pop of color.
Making A Virgin Sea Breeze or Mocktail
To make an alcohol-free version, replace the vodka with lemonade, club soda, or seltzer water.
Step By Step Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice and add 1.5 ounces of vodka.
![vodka being poured into a glass with ice](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4a-683x1024.jpg)
![vodka being poured into a glass with ice](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4a-683x1024.jpg)
Pour in 3 ounces of cranberry juice.
![cranberry juice being poured into a flass with ice and vodka](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-5-683x1024.jpg)
![cranberry juice being poured into a flass with ice and vodka](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-5-683x1024.jpg)
Add 1.5 ounces of grapefruit juice.
![grapefruit juice being poured into the cranberry and vodka mixture](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-6-683x1024.jpg)
![grapefruit juice being poured into the cranberry and vodka mixture](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-6-683x1024.jpg)
Mix the cocktail together.
![a cocktail stirrer mixing a sea breeze cocktail](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-7-683x1024.jpg)
![a cocktail stirrer mixing a sea breeze cocktail](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-7-683x1024.jpg)
Garnish with a lime slice and maraschino cherry if desired.
![a maraschino cherry and lime slice being placed in a sea breeze cocktail](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-8-683x1024.jpg)
![a maraschino cherry and lime slice being placed in a sea breeze cocktail](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-8-683x1024.jpg)
To Make a Pitcher of Sea Breeze Cocktails
Add 1.5 cups (12oz) vodka, 4 cups (32 oz) of cranberry juice, and 1.5 cups (12oz) of grapefruit juice to a 60oz pitcher.
![a pitcher of sea breeze cocktails](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-10-683x1024.jpg)
![a pitcher of sea breeze cocktails](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-10-683x1024.jpg)
Mix and serve over ice.
![a sea breeze cocktail in a stemmed glass garnished with a lime slice and cherry](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-3-683x1024.jpg)
![a sea breeze cocktail in a stemmed glass garnished with a lime slice and cherry](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-3-683x1024.jpg)
Erren’s Top Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter flavor, use a cranberry juice cocktail that is mixed with other juices to reduce bitterness.
- If you enjoy a little bitterness, use 100% cranberry juice.
- For a fresh flavor, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
- Add ice to glasses instead of the pitcher to avoid watering down the cocktails.
- To make an alcohol-free version, replace the vodka with lemonade, club soda, or seltzer water.
Stay Updated
Receive new recipes & dinner ideas straight to your inbox!
![Two sea breeze cocktails with a garnish of cherries and lime slices with more fruit in the background.](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4-180x180.jpg)
![Two sea breeze cocktails with a garnish of cherries and lime slices with more fruit in the background.](https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sea-breeze-1-4-180x180.jpg)
Let’s Make
Sea Breeze Cocktail
This classic drink combines vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice for a tart and fruity refresher.
Prep5 minutes
Total5 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
By The Glass
-
Fill a highball glass (or 8oz/236ml) cocktail glass with ice.
-
Add the vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice and stir.
-
Garnish with a slice of lime and maraschino cherry.
Tips + Notes
To make an alcohol-free version, replace the vodka with lemonade, club soda, or seltzer water.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 164 (8%)| Carbohydrates: 16g (5%)| Protein: 0.3g (1%)| Fat: 0.1g| Saturated Fat: 0.01g| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g| Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g| Sodium: 3mg| Potassium: 81mg (2%)| Fiber: 0.04g| Sugar: 15g (17%)| Vitamin A: 10IU| Vitamin C: 47mg (57%)| Calcium: 6mg (1%)| Iron: 0.3mg (2%)
Nutritional Data Disclaimer