The Sea Breeze may sound like something Zack Morris ordered in Saved By the Bell: The College Years, but this easy cocktail dates back nearly a century. Some trace its origins to the Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), where bartender Harry Craddock’s “Sea Breeze Cooler” mixed gin, apricot brandy, and grenadine. Others credit a midcentury Ocean Spray campaign, which helped popularize the version we know today.
The classic Sea Breeze cocktail formula is simple and summery: vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice, served over ice in stemware or a highball glass, accompanied by a grapefruit wedge. It’s easy to make, easy to drink, and endlessly refreshing.
This summer drink recipe is part of a family of easy vodka cocktails. A Bay Breeze swaps the grapefruit for pineapple juice, while a Cape Codder doubles down on cranberry and adds a lime wedge. A Greyhound is vodka plus grapefruit, hold the cran, and if you add on a salted rim, it becomes a Salty Dog.
With minimal ingredients and zero fuss, the Sea Breeze remains a warm-weather favorite nearly 100 years after its debut.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 minute
Yield
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Preparation
In a long-stemmed glass filled with ice cubes, stir together 1½ oz. vodka, 2 oz. grapefruit juice, chilled, and 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail, chilled. Garnish with 1 small grapefruit wedge.
Editor’s note: This Sea Breeze cocktail recipe was first printed in the August 1989 issue of ‘Gourmet.’ Head this way for more of our favorite recipes for the Fourth of July →
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
The 17 Most Popular Drink Recipes of 2023
Here are the fizzy, bitter, bright, and smoky drinks our readers made the most this year.17 Grapefruit Cocktails for Those Who Like It Bitter and Sweet
These grapefruit juice drinks are just the refreshment you’re looking for.27 Simple 3-Ingredient Cocktails to Make Now and Memorize for Later
Cocktails don’t need a million ingredients to be delicious. These are simple enough to commit to memory for next time.53 Fourth of July Recipes for a Fun-Filled Independence Day
We’ve got your July Fourth spread covered with festive recipes for ribs, grilled chicken, and sides.37 Brunch Cocktails, Because Every Weekend Should Be a Celebration
Brunch at home always beats waiting in line—and when you’re hosting, the brunch cocktails can just keep flowing.11 Summer Vodka Drinks to Keep You Refreshed
Because no one wants a hot martini.37 Easy Cocktails to Make as Soon as It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Making delicious cocktails doesn’t have to be fussy.
