How to Make the Sea Breeze

Picture yourself lounging on a beach as the waves crash in the background. What cocktail would you choose to be enjoying?? I know I would be drinking the Sea Breeze with its combo of grapefruit, cranberry and vodka!

Although the Sea Breeze and its sister cocktails, the Cosmopolitan and Cape Codder, are usually thought of as cocktails right out of the 80’s and 90’s, it definitely has roots in a 1920s Prohibition era cocktail.

The first known mention of the Sea Breeze cocktail was in the Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. This iconic book included a Sea Breeze Cooler, the original recipe which was made with gin, apricot brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice is quite different from the one we know today.

Over time, the recipe changed completely but kept the name maybe thanks to a marketing drive by Ocean Spray. During the 1960s, the cranberry juice company starting creating cranberry-centric cocktails, one of which was called the Sea Breeze and included vodka and grapefruit. Since then, it has been wowing cranberry vodka cocktail lovers everywhere!

Ingredients for the Sea Breeze Cocktail recipe

To craft the Sea Breeze cocktail, you’ll need an assortment of fruit juices that blend harmoniously to create a symphony of tropical flavors. The core ingredients include:

• Vodka: The base spirit of the cocktail. Any brand of vodka will work, but some popular choices include Absolut Vodka and Grey Goose.
• Cranberry Juice: Adds a tart and sweet flavor to the cocktail. Ocean Spray is a popular brand of cranberry juice cocktail in the USA, but you can use any brand.
• Grapefruit Juice: Provides a refreshing citrus flavor. Fresh grapefruit juice is best, but you can also use bottled juice.
• Graprefruit or Lime Wedge: Used as a garnish for the cocktail. Either adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus flavor.
• Ice Cubes: Used to chill the cocktail and keep it cold.

What equipment you need to make Sea Breeze

To make the delicious Sea Breeze cocktail, you don’t need a cocktail shaker, but there are a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly and your drink turns out just right. Here’s a rundown of the equipment you’ll need:

• Highball Glass: This is the glass in which you’ll serve your Sea Breeze cocktail. The highball glass is typically tall and narrow, perfect for holding a generous amount of liquid along with ice. Its shape also allows the ingredients to mix well while providing space for garnishes.
• Jigger: Precise measurements are crucial in mixology, and a jigger ensures you achieve the right balance of flavors.
• Barspoon: Ideal for stirring and layering ingredients.

Optional Equipment for Presentation and Garnish:

• Fruit Peeler: If you want to take your garnish game up a notch, a fruit peeler can help you create visually appealing citrus twists. These twists can be used to add a sophisticated touch to your cocktail’s presentation.
• Cocktail Picks: If you choose to include fruit garnishes like citrus wedges, you might want to have cocktail picks on hand. These small utensils are used to skewer and hold the garnishes in place on the rim of the glass.
• Salt: If you’re opting for a salted rim, you’ll need a small dish of salt. This can be coarse salt, kosher salt, or even a flavored salt, depending on your preference.
• Mason Jar or Different Glassware: If you want to add a unique touch to your cocktail’s presentation, consider serving your Sea Breeze in different glassware, such as a mason jar, rocks glass, or flute. Different glasses can contribute to the overall aesthetic of your drink.

Remember that while these are the main pieces of equipment you’ll need to create a Sea Breeze cocktail, you can always get creative and use what you have on hand. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of crafting your own refreshing and flavorful cocktail experience.

Steps

Now that you’re well-equipped and familiar with the ingredients, it’s time to bring the Sea Breeze to life. Follow these steps to make this super easy cocktail:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Start by filling your highball glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your cocktail stays refreshingly cold on even the hottest summer day.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Combine 1.5 ounces vodka, 3 ounces cranberry juice, and 1.5 ounces fresh grapefruit juice to the glass.
3. Garnish with Style: Now for the finishing touch. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also enhances the citrusy aroma of the cocktail.
4. Raise your glass, take a sip, and transport yourself to a beachside paradise.
5. Bottom’s up!

Tips

A great cocktail is not only about taste but also about aesthetics. After all, the visual appeal sets the stage for the delightful experience that follows. Here are a few presentation ideas to make your Sea Breeze cocktail even more enticing:

1. Salted Rim: For an extra touch of zing, consider rimming your highball glass with salt. Not only does this add a subtle salty contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors, but it also gives your cocktail a sophisticated look.
2. Fruit Garnishes: In addition to the grapefruit wedge, experiment with other fruit garnishes. A lime wedge or even a slice of orange can add a burst of color and fragrance to your drink.
3. Lime Wheel: Instead of a simple lime wedge, try a lime wheel. This visually appealing garnish sits beautifully on the rim of the glass, showcasing the vibrant green of the lime.
4. Mason Jar Chic: For a rustic and charming presentation, serve your Sea Breeze in a mason jar. This trendy twist adds a hint of nostalgia to your cocktail experience.
5. Luxe Glassware: Elevate your Sea Breeze by serving it in a fancier glass, such as a rocks glass or a tall flute.

Variations

While the classic Sea Breeze cocktail is undeniably tasty the way it is, there’s always room for a creative twist. Here are a few delicious drinks to consider, allowing you to tailor your Sea Breeze experience to your taste:

1. Hawaiian Sea Breeze: If you want to add a tropical twist to your Sea Breeze, try the Hawaiian Sea Breeze. This version of the cocktail swaps out the grapefruit juice for pineapple juice, giving it a sweeter, more exotic flavor.
2. Apricot Breeze: Add a hint of sophistication by including a splash of apricot brandy. This subtle addition introduces a fruity complexity that will surely intrigue your taste buds.
3. Blue Breeze: Channel the serene hues of the ocean by incorporating a splash of blue curaçao. Not only will this add a mesmerizing color to your cocktail, but it will also bring a hint of orange flavor to the mix.
4. Sea Breeze Cooler: For a lighter, more refreshing take on the classic Sea Breeze, try the Sea Breeze Cooler. This version of the cocktail replaces the vodka with gin and adds a splash of soda water for a fizzy finish. To make a Sea Breeze Cooler, combine gin, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice in a highball glass with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of lime.
5. Bay Breeze Cocktail: The Bay Breeze is a variation of the Sea Breeze that swaps out the grapefruit juice for pineapple juice. This gives the cocktail a sweeter, fruitier flavor that’s perfect for a hot summer day. To make a Bay Breeze, simply combine vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice in a highball glass with ice. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
6. Salty Dog Cocktail: The Salty Dog is another variation of the Sea Breeze that adds a salty twist to the classic cocktail. To make a Salty Dog, combine vodka, grapefruit juice, and a pinch of salt in a highball glass with ice. Rim the glass with salt and garnish with a slice of grapefruit for a refreshing and unique twist on the Sea Breeze.
7. Large Batch Sea Breeze: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, you might want to consider making a large batch of Sea Breeze to serve to your guests. To make a large batch, simply multiply the ingredients in the traditional recipe by the number of servings you need. Mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher and stir well. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

Why Lush Life loves it

Making a Sea Breeze cocktail is a breeze!! With just a few simple steps, anyone can create a delicious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for any occasion.

 Plus more summery cocktails here

Here is the Sea Breeze recipe!

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