Virgin Sea Breeze
A refreshing non-alcoholic highball with cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and sparkling water.
Drink details
Glass
Highball Glass
Ice
Cubed
Method
Built
Servings
1
Carbonated
Yes
Recipe
Ingredients
Cranberry Juice
90 ml
Grapefruit Juice
45 ml
Soda Water
45 ml
Garnish
Orange Peel
Zest
1 piece
Cherry
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour in the cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.
- 3
Top with sparkling water.
- 4
Stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation.
- 5
Garnish with orange zest and a cherry. Serve immediately.
About the Virgin Sea Breeze
This refreshing mocktail is a non-alcoholic variation of the classic Sea Breeze. It combines cranberry juice and grapefruit juice with sparkling water for a light, gently fizzy drink. Cranberry provides fruity tartness, while grapefruit adds bright citrus flavour and a subtle bitter edge. Served over ice and garnished with orange zest and a cherry, it offers the refreshing character of the original without alcohol.
What does a Virgin Sea Breeze taste like?
This alcohol-free variation tastes crisp, tart and fruity, with cranberry notes, refreshing grapefruit acidity and a gently bitter citrus finish. Sparkling water adds lightness and a delicate fizz without introducing additional sweetness.
Tips for making a Virgin Sea Breeze
Use well-chilled cranberry and grapefruit juices and cold sparkling water. Add the sparkling water last and stir gently to preserve the bubbles. The sweetness and acidity will vary depending on the cranberry juice used, so adjust the balance to taste.
Substitutions & Variations
No cranberry juice?
Cranberry juice gives this mocktail its characteristic berry flavour, tartness and pinkish-red colour. A cranberry juice blend or cranberry-based drink can work as a substitute, although the sweetness and acidity may vary. If using a sweeter cranberry drink, adjust the grapefruit juice to maintain a refreshing balance.
No grapefruit juice?
Grapefruit juice provides the distinctive citrus acidity and gentle bitterness of this mocktail. Fresh grapefruit juice is ideal, but bottled grapefruit juice also works. If grapefruit juice isn't available, orange juice creates a sweeter, less bitter variation. For a more tropical flavour, try pineapple juice instead, creating a drink inspired by the Bay Breeze.
No sparkling water?
Sparkling water gives this mocktail its light, refreshing fizz without adding sweetness. If sparkling water isn't available, still water can be used for a non-carbonated version. Alternatively, a small amount of lemon-lime soda creates a sweeter, more citrus-forward variation. Reduce the sweetness elsewhere if necessary.
Too tart or too bitter?
The balance depends on the cranberry juice and grapefruit juice used. If the drink tastes too tart or bitter, use a slightly sweeter cranberry juice blend or add a small amount of simple syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add a little extra grapefruit juice. Make small adjustments and taste before serving.
Virgin Sea Breeze vs Virgin Bay Breeze
Both are refreshing non-alcoholic drinks built around cranberry juice. The grapefruit-based version combines cranberry juice with grapefruit juice and sparkling water, giving it a sharper citrus character and a gently bitter finish. The Virgin Bay Breeze uses pineapple juice instead of grapefruit juice, creating a sweeter, more tropical flavour. Both can be served over ice with a splash of sparkling water.
Alcoholic Sea Breeze
For the original alcoholic version, try the classic Sea Breeze, which combines vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. Vodka adds an alcoholic base while allowing the fruit flavours to remain prominent. Unlike the Virgin Sea Breeze, the classic recipe does not require sparkling water.
