Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler
A crisp, refreshing cocktail that marries vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, capturing the cool ocean breeze along Cape May’s shore. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes brings together vodka, cranberry juice, fresh grapefruit juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz club soda
- to fill ice cubes
- 1 grapefruit wedge
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes to the brim. Pour 1.5 oz vodka, 2 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice over the ice.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 15 seconds to chill and blend the juices.
- Step 3: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir lightly once to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish by placing a fresh rosemary sprig upright in the glass and resting a grapefruit wedge on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover cape may sea breeze cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cape May Sea Breeze Cooler?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
