History and Origins of the Sea Breeze Cocktail
The Sea Breeze is a refreshing cocktail that has evolved significantly over time.
Its origins can be traced back to the Prohibition era, with the recipe changing to reflect shifting tastes and available ingredients.
• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Grapefruit juice
To make a Sea Breeze, fill a highball glass with ice.
Then, pour in vodka, add cranberry juice, and top with grapefruit juice.
Give it a gentle stir, and you’re ready to enjoy.
Evolution from the Savoy Cocktail Book
The Sea Breeze’s earliest incarnation was quite different from what you might sip today.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the drink featured gin and grenadine.
The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930, included a version with gin, apricot brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice.
This fruity mix was a far cry from the crisp, tart cocktail we know now.
As tastes changed and new spirits gained popularity, so did the Sea Breeze.
By the 1960s, vodka had replaced gin, and cranberry juice became a key ingredient.
The Role of Harry Craddock
Harry Craddock, the legendary bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel, played a crucial role in popularizing the Sea Breeze.
His influential Savoy Cocktail Book helped spread the drink’s fame internationally.
Craddock’s version still used gin, but it set the stage for future iterations.
As vodka grew in popularity during the mid-20th century, it naturally found its way into the Sea Breeze.
This shift marked the beginning of the modern Sea Breeze, with its signature combination of vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juices.