The Seabreeze cocktail is everything you want in a refreshing drink—light, fruity, and just tart enough to wake up your taste buds. With its pretty pink hue and clean citrus finish, it’s the kind of cocktail that instantly transports you to a breezy patio or beach day, even if you’re just relaxing at home. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to hit the spot—especially on warm evenings when you want something easy but still special.
Malibu Seabreeze
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Collins
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 4 oz (120 ml) cranberry juice
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) fresh grapefruit juice
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Equipment
– Highball glass (or a Collins glass)
– Bar spoon or long spoon for stirring
– Jigger or measuring tool
Method
- Fill your glass all the way to the top with ice. A full glass keeps the drink colder, longer.
- Pour in the vodka first. This helps it mix more evenly with the juices.
- Add the cranberry juice, then the grapefruit juice.
- Give it a gentle stir—just enough to bring everything together without losing the chill from the ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim. A little squeeze of lime before sipping adds a nice zing.
Tips for a Better Seabreeze
– Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice if you can. It makes a big difference in flavor—brighter and more complex than bottled.
– Chill your glass ahead of time for an extra-refreshing result.
– If your cranberry juice is sweetened, you may want to dial it back a bit or balance with more grapefruit.
– Want it a little fancier? Try rimming the glass with sugar and a bit of grapefruit zest for a fragrant, sparkly touch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Planning for a party? You can mix a big batch of the vodka and juices ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just stir well before serving and pour over fresh ice. Garnishes can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge, too.
Leftover juice mix (without ice) will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick shake or stir before using.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a great match for light, fresh dishes. I thought I’d share one of my favorite pairings: grilled lemon-herb fish with a cold Seabreeze—it’s like a mini vacation on your plate and in your glass.
Here are a few more ideas:
Great Pairings
– Grilled Fish: The smoky, citrusy combo plays beautifully with the tart grapefruit.
– Chicken Salad: A chilled chicken salad with vinaigrette keeps things light and refreshing.
– Raw Veggies & Dip: Think crisp carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers with a creamy herb dip.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Substitutions
– Vodka: Try citrus or berry-flavored vodka for a fun twist.
– Cranberry Juice: Use a cranberry juice cocktail if you prefer it less tart.
– Garnish: Orange or grapefruit slices work just as well as lime.
Variations
Tropical Breeze
– Replace half the grapefruit juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical note.
Bay Breeze
– Swap the grapefruit juice entirely for pineapple juice for a fruitier, rounder flavor.
Harbor Breeze
– Use pomegranate juice instead of grapefruit for a deeper, richer taste and a darker color.
Non-Alcoholic Seabreeze
– Skip the vodka and mix cranberry and grapefruit juice over ice. Add a splash of soda water if you want a little fizz.
Common Questions
Can I make a Seabreeze without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the vodka and add a bit more juice or some soda water for a refreshing mocktail.
What’s the best time of year to enjoy a Seabreeze?
It’s especially lovely in summer, but honestly, it’s great any time you want something crisp and light.
Is it good for parties?
Absolutely. You can scale up the ingredients and mix a pitcher ahead of time. Just pour over ice when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?
You can, but fresh juice really brings out the best in this cocktail. Bottled versions are often sweeter and less punchy.
How can I make it a bit healthier?
Go for unsweetened cranberry juice and fresh grapefruit juice. You can also top it off with soda water to lighten the sugar load.
The Seabreeze is one of those drinks that’s hard to mess up but easy to fall in love with. Its balance of tart and sweet, plus the clean hit of vodka, makes it a go-to when you want something simple, elegant, and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting friends or just winding down after a long day, it’s a cocktail that never feels too fussy—just right.
