This refreshing sea breeze mocktail is everything I want in a summer drink. It’s tart, fruity, and totally gorgeous in the glass. It takes about two minutes to make, and tastes like it came straight from a beach bar.

Two glasses of bright pink grapefruit cocktail garnished with purple edible flowers and grapefruit slices sit on a white wooden board, with extra grapefruit wedges nearby. A pitcher of the juice is in the background.

A sea breeze is a classic cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. This is the alcohol-free version and it stands completely on its own. The combination of tart pink grapefruit juice and sweet-tart cranberry juice is one of those flavor pairings that’s always awesome.

The original cocktail has been around since the 1970s, but the virgin sea breeze mocktail is having a serious moment right now, and for good reason. It’s the perfect drink for anyone who wants something more interesting than sparkling water but doesn’t want to reach for alcohol.

Here’s what I love most about this recipe: it’s genuinely delicious, not just “good for a mocktail.” The grapefruit brings real citrus punch, the cranberry adds gorgeous color and sweetness, and a squeeze of fresh lime ties everything together. It can be made in a short or tall glass. If I’m making it in a tall glass I like to top mine with soda water for a little fizz, but that part is completely optional.

Why you’ll love this cocktail

Three ingredients. No shaker required.
That stunning deep coral-pink color in the glass.
Tart, refreshing, and not too sweet.
Works for a party pitcher just as well as a single serving.
Totally customizable to your taste.

Two glasses of pink grapefruit cocktail garnished with fresh mint and grapefruit slices, placed on a white wooden board with a grapefruit wedge in the foreground. A glass pitcher and greenery are blurred in the background.

Key ingredients and why

Pink grapefruit juice is the star of this drink. A carton of ruby red grapefruit juice is the bar standard and what this drink was designed for. Fresh squeezed is lovely if you feel like it, but you really don’t need to.
Cranberry juice cocktail adds sweetness, color, and that gorgeous deep red hue. 100% pure cranberry that hasn’t been sweetened with either fruit juice or sugar isn’t right for this drink, it’s way too tannic.
Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. Please, no bottled lime juice here. A real lime takes ten seconds to squeeze and the difference is enormous.
Soda water is optional, and I only add it when I’m making this in a tall highball glass. In a short glass there isn’t room and you don’t need it.

How to make it

Fill a glass right to the rim with ice.

A glass of pink grapefruit drink with ice is being poured from a small pitcher. Half a grapefruit and another glass are in the background, with a purple flower nearby on a light, textured surface.

Add in the lime juice and grapefruit juice.

A close-up of a glass pitcher pouring bright pink grapefruit juice into a glass with ice. Sliced grapefruit and a purple flower are on a textured surface beside the drink.

Top with cranberry juice and club soda if you like.

TIPS

A carton of ruby red grapefruit juice is the bar standard, and that’s what I use. It’s what this drink was built around. Fresh squeezed is a nice touch if you feel like it, but it’s genuinely not necessary.
Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. This is the one place I won’t budge. Bottled lime juice tastes flat and slightly chemical, and in a drink this simple, you’ll notice.
Use cranberry juice cocktail. It’s what bars use and what the drink is built around.
To make a pitcher for 8 people: combine 14 oz (415ml) grapefruit juice, 26.5 oz (785ml) cranberry juice cocktail, and 4 oz (120ml) lime juice. Serve over ice and top with club soda.
Storage: This is best made fresh, but you can combine the grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Add ice and club soda when you’re ready to serve.

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