Sea Breeze cocktail Recipes:
Classics and Variations
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
The Sea Breeze is one of the most loved and fuss-free cocktails around. Here at Absolut Drinks, we love the Sea Breeze so much that we’ve curated a collection of twists on the classic that are every bit as delicious as the original. You’ll even find an incredible alcohol-free Sea Breeze.
The Sea Breeze originated in the U.S. sometime during the 1920s and was initially made with Gin. Over the years, it has undergone various transformations.
Its iconic blend of Vodka, Cranberry Juice, and Grapefruit Juice emerged in the 1970s and has been a hit ever since, not just because it’s delicious, but also because it’s incredibly easy to make.
Mastering the Sea Breeze is a must for any home bartender. But if you want to really want to wow your guests at your next gathering, try mixing up one of our Sea Breeze variations below!
1. Sea Breeze
Let’s start with the classic and the inspiration behind all the variations you’ll find here on this page.
Put simple, the Sea Breeze is a zesty, tangy delight and its flavor combination is legendary. The tartness of Cranberry Juice meets the sharpness of Grapefruit Juice, all balanced and smoothed out by Vodka and topped off with a Lime Wheel garnish for yet more zesty, citrusy freshness.
RICO SHOWS HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC SEA BREEZE COCKTAIL
Just when you thought making a Sea Breeze couldn’t get any easier, along comes the Easy Breeze. True to its name, it’s even quicker and simpler to prepare than the original.
With the Easy Breeze, while there’s no Grapefruit Juice, the flavor of Grapefruit comes courtesy of Absolut Grapefruit. Fill a Rocks Glass with Ice, measure and pour in Absolut Grapefruit, followed by Cranberry Juice then garnish with an Orange Wedge. Voila! Hey, we said it was easy. Here’s how to make an Easy Breeze cocktail.
3. Gentle Sea Breeze
Looking for a Sea Breeze without alcohol? We got you. The Gentle Sea Breeze combines 4 parts Cranberry Juice with 1-part Fresh Pressed Grapefruit Juice and garnished with a Lime Wedge.
Got a question about cocktail parts? Check our article where we explain what cocktail parts are and how to use them to make a drink.
Crisp, tart and refreshing, there’s no better drink to sip out in the sun than the Gentle Sea Breeze. Here’s the recipe for a Gentle Sea Breeze.
4. Mango Breeze
We love this one because it breaks all the rules yet is still clearly inspired by the original. The Mango Breeze mixes Mango-Flavored Vodka and Cranberry Juice and then opts for Orange Juice instead of Grapefruit Juice. Finally, it’s garnished with a Mango Slice. Talk about taking inspiration but then doing your own thing!
If possible, try to get your hands on a Centrifugal Juicer to get your Orange Juice fluffy. Yes, juice can be fluffy! Don’t miss this article on how to get more juice from your fruit.
So, what does a Mango Breeze taste like? Let’s ask Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador:
“Straight away, you get the Orange Zest in your face. The Orange Juice is just amazing, and that aeration really heightens the flavor of the Oranges, which are very sweet, but perfectly balanced by the tart bitter Cranberry Juice. And the Mango? Well, it’s the number one fruit on earth,” he says. Check out the recipe for a Mango Breeze.
WATCH RICO SHOW HOW TO MAKE A MANGO BREEZE
A Raspberry twist on the classic, the Raspberri Sea Breeze which mixes Absolut Raspberri (Raspberry Flavored Vodka) together with Sea Breeze staples, Grapefruit Juice and Cranberry Juice.
But just for an extra twist, it’s garnished with an Orange Wheel instead of a Lime Wheel. And it works incredibly well.
Here’s how to make a Raspberri Sea Breeze.
Here’s another rule breaker we just love! The Pear Vodka Breeze, also known as the Very Peary Breeze, mixes Absolut Pears instead of the original Absolut Vodka together with Cranberry Juice and …wait for it…Apple Juice instead of Lime Juice! What?! Trust us, it’s delicious!
This one has an Autumn/Fall vibe to it but works any time of year. An Apple and Pear Sea Breeze? Yes, please.
