Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the Illadelph Vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
The Sea Breeze is one of those cocktails that instantly transports you to a coastal retreat. With a tangy mix of grapefruit and cranberry juices, balanced by smooth vodka, it’s no surprise this drink became a staple of 1980s beach parties and brunch menus alike.
The original version of the Sea Breeze actually dates back to the 1920s, but it was a very different cocktail made with gin and grenadine. The version we know today — vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit — emerged in the 1950s, thanks to a large marketing push from cranberry growers in the U.S.
Its popularity soared through the ’70s and ’80s, often served in a tall glass over ice with a lime garnish — a refreshing, no-fuss cocktail that still holds up today.
The Sea Breeze’s fruity, fresh profile has made it a favorite of laid-back celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow, who often favor clean, minimal cocktails over sugary mixed drinks. It’s also popular among fitness-conscious drinkers who want a refreshing option that’s not overloaded with syrups or heavy ingredients.
The Sea Breeze is all about balance and freshness, which is why it pairs beautifully with Illadelph Organic Vodka. Its smooth, clean profile brings out the natural tartness of the juices, while remaining light and refreshing. Gluten-free, kosher, and USDA certified, Illadelph ensures your Sea Breeze is both elevated and effortless.
A Sea Breeze is a refreshing vodka drink made with cranberry and grapefruit juices, typically served over ice. It’s bright, breezy, and perfect for warm-weather relaxation.
A Bay Breeze uses pineapple juice instead of grapefruit. The Sea Breeze tastes more tart and citrus-forward, while the Bay Breeze leans tropical and sweeter.
A clean, smooth vodka like Illadelph Organic Vodka pairs beautifully with tart fruit juices, keeping the flavors crisp and well-balanced.
It’s moderately light — the juices make it very easy to sip, but it still contains a standard amount of vodka.
Common builds are 2 oz vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz grapefruit juice. You can tweak based on how tart or sweet you prefer your cocktail.
A lime wedge is classic, but a grapefruit slice adds a nice visual cue to the flavor inside the glass.
Absolutely — mix vodka (like Illadelph), cranberry, and grapefruit juices in a pitcher and chill. Pour over fresh ice to serve.
It dates back to the 1950s, gaining major popularity in the ’70s and ’80s when cranberry cocktails became trendy. It’s often associated with coastal leisure culture.
Yes — the Sea Breeze is essentially a Cape Codder but with grapefruit added, giving it more dimension and zing.
Seafood, summer salads, grilled shrimp, or light appetizers. The acidity helps bring freshness to food pairings.
Sure — cranberry + grapefruit juice topped with soda water makes a delicious zero-proof alternative with the same breezy vibe.
