Paul Kushner
The Sea Breeze holds a special place in my drink menu. This drink isn’t just any cocktail; it’s a refreshing blend that captures the essence of the seaside in a glass. As a bartender who has mixed countless drinks, I can confidently say the Sea Breeze stands out for its simple elegance and invigorating taste. It’s perfect for those who love a mix of tart and sweet, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing day or a lively evening.
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Tasting Notes
The Sea Breeze is a delightful mix of cranberry and grapefruit juices, balanced perfectly with the smoothness of vodka. The cranberry brings a sweet yet tart flavor, while the grapefruit adds a bitter citrusy kick. Together, they create a drink that’s refreshing and light, with a clean finish that leaves you wanting more. The vodka, being neutral, ties these flavors together without overpowering them, making every sip a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Equipment and Glassware
To make a Sea Breeze, you don’t need any fancy equipment. A simple home bar setup will do:
- A cocktail shaker
- A measuring jigger
For glassware, a highball glass is traditional. Its tall, slender shape showcases the beautiful colors of the drink and keeps it cool.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces of vodka
- 4 ounces of cranberry juice
- 1 ounce of grapefruit juice
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
- Optionally, club soda (for added fizz; adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour vodka over the ice.
- Add cranberry juice to the glass.
- Pour grapefruit juice into the glass.
- Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon.
- Garnish the drink with a lime wedge.
- You can adjust the amount of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice to suit your taste. Some people prefer a stronger drink, while others prefer a more tart taste.
- You can also add a splash of club soda for some extra fizz.
Pro Tips
- For a more intense flavor, try squeezing fresh grapefruit juice instead of using store-bought.
- Adjust the cranberry and grapefruit juice ratios to suit your taste. More cranberry juice makes it sweeter, while more grapefruit juice adds tartness.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink to keep it extra cool.
When to Serve
The Sea Breeze is versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s ideal for a sunny day picnic, a relaxing evening at home, or a festive gathering with friends. Its light and refreshing nature makes it a favorite in warm weather, but honestly, it’s a delightful choice year-round.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
When it comes to vodka, the choice can make a difference. For a Sea Breeze, opt for a smooth, clean-tasting vodka. Brands like Absolut, Grey Goose, and Ketel One are excellent choices that blend well with the juices, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail without dominating it.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy the Sea Breeze, you might also like these similar cocktails:
- Cape Codder – Vodka and cranberry juice.
- Bay Breeze – Vodka, cranberry, and pineapple juice.
- Salty Dog – Vodka or gin with grapefruit juice, served with a salted rim.
- Cosmopolitan – Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Screwdriver – Vodka and orange juice.
History
The Sea Breeze has its roots in the 1920s but gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. Originally, it included gin and grenadine, but over time, vodka became the spirit of choice, and grapefruit juice replaced grenadine. This evolution created the refreshing cocktail we love today.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ fluid ounces of vodka
- 4 fluid ounces of cranberry juice
- 1 fluid ounce of grapefruit juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Optionally club soda (for added fizz; adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 ½ fluid ounces of vodka over the ice.
- Add 4 fluid ounces of cranberry juice to the glass.
- Pour 1 fluid ounce of grapefruit juice into the glass.
- Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon.
- Garnish the drink with a lime wedge.
- You can adjust the amount of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice to suit your taste. Some people prefer a stronger drink, while others prefer a more tart taste.
- You can also add a splash of club soda for some extra fizz.
