About the Sea Breeze cocktail

The Sea Breeze is a vodka cocktail that became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s, part of the wave of easy-to-mix cranberry juice drinks that dominated American bar menus.

Its story, however, goes back further: an early version of the Sea Breeze appeared in the 1930s, made with gin and grenadine.

The recipe was later simplified and adapted to vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juice, which is the version we know today.

Like its cousins the Cape Codder and Bay Breeze, the Sea Breeze was heavily promoted by Ocean Spray as part of its mid-century marketing campaigns, helping cement cranberry cocktails in popular culture.

What Makes the Sea Breeze Cocktail Special

The Sea Breeze stands out because it balances tart cranberry with the bitterness of grapefruit, creating a refreshing, zesty cocktail that feels lighter and drier than its sweeter relatives.

Vodka keeps the drink clean and approachable, letting the fruit flavors shine.

Served tall over ice, the Sea Breeze is a perfect warm-weather cocktail, equally suited to poolside lounging or casual dinner parties.

Spirit Swaps and Food Pairings

• Swaps: Flavored vodkas (citrus or berry) can brighten the drink, while substituting blood orange juice for grapefruit gives a sweeter, richer variation.

• Pairings: The Sea Breeze pairs beautifully with seafood, sushi, fresh salads, and grilled vegetables.

  • Its tart, citrus-forward profile also makes it a great palate cleanser between courses.

Closing Thoughts

The Sea Breeze is a reminder of how timeless simplicity can be. With vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juice, it creates a cocktail that’s bright, zesty, and endlessly refreshing.

Perfect for summer afternoons or casual entertaining, it’s a classic that has earned its place on any home bar menu.