Bay Breeze

The Bay Breeze is a cocktail that effortlessly marries smooth vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice, all coming together in perfect harmony. This concoction alters your ordinary day into a tropical escape, capturing the essence of sun-soaked beaches and swaying palm trees.

As you take that first sip, you’ll be greeted by the delightful sweetness of pineapple, swiftly followed by the subtle tartness of cranberry, all enveloped in the warmth of vodka. A squeeze of lime finishes the drink for a little extra citrus flavor.

History

The Bay Breeze is a refreshing drink that has been around for decades. It is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically in the New England region. The cocktail is a variation of the Cape Codder, which is made with vodka and cranberry juice. The Bay Breeze adds pineapple juice to the mix, giving it a tropical twist.

The Bay Breeze is sometimes called a Downeaster, Hawaiian Sea Breeze, or a Paul Joseph. It is similar to the Sea Breeze, which is an IBA Official Cocktail made with grapefruit juice instead of pineapple.

The Bay Breeze gained popularity in the 1980s and remains a staple in bars and restaurants today. It is often served in a highball glass over ice with a wedge of lime as a garnish.

The cocktail’s history is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created in the mid-20th century during a marketing push by Ocean Spray and the Cranberry Growers Association. The companies were promoting the use of cranberry juice in cocktails, and the Bay Breeze was likely a product of that effort.

How to Make It

If you’re making a large batch for a party, you can use a pitcher and measure the ingredients in parts. Keep the vodka at one part and the juices at one and a half parts each.

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using flavored vodka. Fruit vodkas work particularly well in this drink, adding extra layers of flavor. Coconut vodka or coconut rum can also be used for a tropical twist.

Variations

The Bay Breeze is a simple and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize with different ingredients to create unique variations of the classic recipe. Here are some popular variations to try:

Cape Codder

Replace the pineapple juice with grapefruit juice for a tangy twist on the classic recipe. Serve in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Madras

Add a splash of orange juice to the Bay Breeze for a sweeter, fruitier drink. Serve in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Sex on the Beach

Add a splash of peach schnapps and a splash of orange juice to the Bay Breeze for a tropical twist on the classic recipe. Serve in a hurricane glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and a cherry.

Sea Breeze

Swap out the pineapple juice for grapefruit juice and add a splash of cranberry juice to the Bay Breeze for a refreshing and tart drink. Serve in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Hawaiian Sea Breeze

Replace the vodka with rum for a tropical twist on the classic recipe. add a splash of pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry juice to the rum for a fruity and refreshing drink.