Among those who debate cocktail origins, debate swirls around the Sea Breeze. General consensus dates the typical version to the 1970s or 80s. That’s fine with me, and not terribly relevant to this discussion, because this is not the typical version. It’s much better.
The typical Sea Breeze is made with vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit. If you’ve been reading my emails or watching my Facebook videos, you already know I disapprove of vodka in cocktails. It adds alcohol but not flavor – resulting in hot, but watery drinks. And I’m just about over cranberry juice. Hear me Sex and the City ladies?
This version was concocted by a Brooklyn bar owner named David Moo, and it’s just about perfect. Made with gin (of course) instead of vodka and grenadine (has to be real grenadine) instead of cranberry.
The result is a full-flavored, slightly sweet, oh-so-refreshing summertime sipper. Just in time for summer!
You will love these!
1928 Sea Breeze
2 ounces gin
.25 ounce grenadine. I'm using Jack Rudy, but anything that isn't Rose's will be fine.
3 ounces grapfruit juice. It ought to be fresh squeezed, but I will give you a pass if you get a high-end, nothing-but-juice bottled version.
Fill – all the way to the top – a tall glass with ice, add the ingredients, stir long enough to get it very cold, and drink it.