Sea Breeze Cooler
The original Sea Breeze from the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book—a complex gin-based cooler with apricot brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine, topped with sparkling water.
13%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The original Sea Breeze Cooler first appeared in Harry Craddock's influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. This complex, gin-based libation predates the modern vodka-cranberry-grapefruit Sea Breeze by decades. The cocktail represents the Prohibition era's "cooler" style—refreshing long drinks designed to be thirst-quenching. The drink largely disappeared as cocktail culture evolved, but has seen renewed interest among craft bartenders exploring historical recipes.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a highball glass
Combine gin, apricot brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine in a mixing glass with ice
Shake vigorously until very cold
Strain into the chilled glass filled with fresh ice
Top with soda water
Stir gently to combine
Glassware
Served tall in a chilled highball glass
Garnish
Fresh lime wheel
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use fresh lemon juice for optimal brightness
Quality apricot brandy makes a significant difference
Don't over-dilute—add soda water slowly
Serve immediately to preserve carbonation
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sea Breeze Cooler.
The Modern Sea Breeze
The contemporary vodka version with cranberry and grapefruit juices.
Changes
Winter Sea Breeze
Substitutes pomegranate juice for grenadine and uses gin for complexity.
Changes
1928 Sea Breeze
David Moo's modern interpretation with house-made grenadine and ruby-red grapefruit juice.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Jack Rose
Applejack’s signature sour—apple brandy shaken with lemon and real grenadine for a tart, rosy classic.
Brandy Collins
Brandy, lemon, and sugar lengthened with sparkling soda—an elegant, effervescent Collins variation.
Colonel Collins
A bourbon Collins—whiskey, lemon, and sugar lengthened with soda over ice.