Okay, friends, gather ’round! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a super simple, ridiculously refreshing drink that tastes like sunshine in a glass, right? Well, let me introduce you to my go-to: the Sea Breeze Cocktail! This little beauty is an absolute classic for a reason. It’s got this perfect balance of tart and sweet, and it’s just so easy to whip up. Seriously, you can go from “I’m thirsty” to “Ahhh, that’s the stuff!” in about five minutes flat.

I remember the first time I had one of these. I was on a beach trip – obviously! – and the bartender handed me this vibrant pink drink with a lime wedge. One sip and I was hooked! It felt like the ultimate vacation vibe, even if I was just in my backyard. It’s made with just three main things you probably already have or can grab super easily: vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. That’s it! No fancy syrups or complicated steps needed. It’s the kind of drink that lets you focus on relaxing, not shaking and stirring for ages. Trust me, once you try this easy classic Sea Breeze Cocktail, it’ll be on your rotation too!

Why You’ll Love This Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe – Easy Classic

Okay, so why is this Sea Breeze my absolute favorite when I need something quick and delicious? Let me count the ways! It’s seriously the easiest cocktail to make when you just want to chill out. No fuss, no fancy stuff needed.

Speedy Gonzales: You can literally mix this up in less than 5 minutes. Perfect for spontaneous sipping!
Pure Refreshment: That mix of tart cranberry and tangy grapefruit with the vodka? It’s like a cool breeze on a hot day. So, so refreshing!
Simple Superstar: We’re talking three main ingredients here. You probably have them already, or they’re super easy to find at any store. Love that!
Totally Adaptable: Want it sweeter? Add more cranberry. More tart? More grapefruit! You can totally play around to make it perfect for *you*.

See? It’s just a winner all around!

Ingredients for Your Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe – Easy Classic

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this magic happen! The beauty of this Sea Breeze Cocktail is how few ingredients it takes, and they’re all pretty standard stuff. No need to hunt down anything weird or expensive, promise! Here’s the simple lineup:

45 ml (1.5 oz) Vodka: Just your favorite plain vodka will do!
120 ml (4 oz) Cranberry juice: Grab some good quality cranberry juice. The regular kind works great.
30 ml (1 oz) Grapefruit juice: This is key! Freshly squeezed is *always* best if you can swing it – it makes a huge difference!
Lime wedge: For that perfect little garnish and a squeeze of extra zing if you like.
Ice: Lots of it! Gotta keep it nice and frosty.

See? So easy! Just a handful of things stand between you and your delicious, refreshing Sea Breeze.

Essential Equipment for This Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients all lined up, ready to go. Now, what do you actually need to put this Sea Breeze together? The good news is, you don’t need a fancy bar setup at all! Just a couple of basic things from your kitchen will do the trick.

A Highball Glass: This is the classic choice for a Sea Breeze. It’s a tall, straight glass that’s perfect for plenty of ice and keeping your drink cold.
A Stirrer: You can use a long spoon, a cocktail stirrer, or even just a clean chopstick in a pinch! We just need something to gently mix everything up.

See? Super simple! Just grab your glass and something to stir with, and you’re halfway there.

How to Prepare Your Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe – Easy Classic

Alright, time for the fun part – actually making this glorious Sea Breeze! This is where the “easy classic” really shines. There are no complicated shaker techniques here, no straining needed. It’s just a few simple steps, and you’ll be sipping in no time. Follow along, and you’ll have the perfect, refreshing drink ready to go!

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

First things first! Grab that highball glass we talked about. You want to fill it up pretty well with ice. Don’t be shy with the ice! It keeps your drink nice and cold, which is exactly what you want with a refreshing cocktail like this. Plus, filling it with ice helps chill the glass down too.

Step 2: Combine the Liquids

Now for the good stuff! Carefully pour your vodka right over the ice in the glass. Then, add the cranberry juice. And finally, pour in the grapefruit juice. Try to be pretty accurate with your measurements here – that little bit of grapefruit juice really balances everything out, and too much can make it too tart. Just a quick pour of each, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Gently Stir Your Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Okay, this is important! You don’t want to shake this drink; you want to stir it. Grab your stirrer or long spoon and give it a gentle swirl. Just a few turns are enough to mix the liquids together and chill them down. We’re not trying to bruise anything or melt all the ice instantly, just incorporate those lovely flavors.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Almost there! Take your lime wedge and give it a little squeeze over the drink if you like that extra burst of citrus (I usually do!). Then, pop the lime wedge right into the glass or perch it on the rim. It looks pretty, and it adds that lovely lime aroma. And that’s it! Your perfect, easy classic Sea Breeze is ready. Serve it up right away while it’s icy cold!

Tips for Making the Perfect Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Making a Sea Breeze is already super easy, but a few little tricks can take it from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” Here are my favorite ways to make sure your Sea Breeze Cocktail is absolutely perfect every single time:

Fresh is Best (for Grapefruit!): Seriously, if you can, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. It makes a HUGE difference in the brightness and flavor compared to bottled stuff. Trust me on this one!
Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to play with the ratios! If you like it sweeter, add a splash more cranberry. If you prefer it more tart, bump up the grapefruit juice a little. It’s your drink, make it how *you* like it!
Consider Flavored Vodka: Feeling adventurous? A citrus-flavored vodka (like lemon or lime) or even a berry vodka can add a fun twist to the classic recipe. Just a thought!
Don’t Skimp on Ice: A warm Sea Breeze is a sad Sea Breeze. Make sure your glass is packed with ice to keep it perfectly chilled.

Follow these little tips, and you’ll be making Sea Breezes like a pro in no time!

Variations on the Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe – Easy Classic

Okay, so the classic Sea Breeze is amazing on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a little, right? The great thing about this easy recipe is how adaptable it is! Once you’ve got the basic idea down, you can totally play around and make it your own.

Feeling like a different vibe? Try swapping out the grapefruit juice for some pineapple juice. That gives you a Bay Breeze, and it’s super tropical and yummy! Or, if you want to lean into the citrus, maybe add a little splash of orange juice along with the grapefruit. You could even try a different kind of cranberry juice – like white cranberry or a cranberry-raspberry blend – for a subtle flavor shift.

And don’t forget the garnish! Instead of just a lime wedge, maybe try a grapefruit slice, or even a few fresh cranberries floating in the glass. It’s all about having fun and finding what you love!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe

Okay, I get asked a few things pretty often about this simple Sea Breeze Cocktail, so I figured I’d answer them here! Hopefully, this clears up any little questions you might have before you make yours.

Q: What kind of vodka is best for a Sea Breeze?
Honestly, any decent quality plain vodka you enjoy is perfect! Since there are strong fruit flavors going on, you don’t need anything super fancy or expensive. Just use what you like to drink!

Q: Can I use diet cranberry juice?
Yep, absolutely! If you’re watching your sugar intake, diet cranberry juice works just fine. The taste will be a little different, less sweet obviously, but the refreshing vibe is still there. Just be aware that it might affect the overall sweetness balance.

Q: What’s the difference between a Sea Breeze and a Bay Breeze?
Great question! They’re super similar. A Sea Breeze uses vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice (like this recipe!). A Bay Breeze is just vodka, cranberry juice, and *pineapple* juice instead of grapefruit. Both are delicious, just slightly different fruity twists!

Q: Do I *have* to use fresh grapefruit juice?
While I highly, highly recommend fresh grapefruit juice for the absolute best flavor, bottled 100% grapefruit juice will work if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s not from concentrate if possible, as that can sometimes taste a bit different.

Nutritional Information

Okay, so while I’d love to give you super exact numbers for the nutrition info on this Sea Breeze Cocktail, it really depends on the specific brands of vodka and juices you use! Things like the type of cranberry juice (sweetened, unsweetened, diet) and even the brand of vodka can change the calorie and sugar counts quite a bit. So, think of this as a fun treat rather than a health drink, and enjoy it in moderation! Since ingredients vary, I can’t provide precise nutritional details here.

Enjoy Your Sea Breeze Cocktail

Okay, friends, you’ve got the recipe, you know the tips, and you’re ready to go! Seriously, go make this Sea Breeze Cocktail right now. It’s so simple, so refreshing, and just the perfect little pick-me-up. I hope you love it as much as I do! If you make it, please come back and tell me what you thought in the comments below. Or snap a pic and share it on social media! I’d absolutely love to see your creations. Happy sipping!

Sea Breeze Cocktail Recipe – 3 Simple Sips

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing blend of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, perfect for a summer day.

Ingredients

Scale

45 ml (1.5 oz) Vodka
120 ml (4 oz) Cranberry juice
30 ml (1 oz) Grapefruit juice
Lime wedge, for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour the vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice over the ice.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the ratio of juices to suit your taste.
Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
Consider using a flavored vodka for a twist.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Mixed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sea breeze, cocktail, vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, drink