Cocktails
Bay Breeze
Tart cranberry and sweet pineapple juice are evenly paired in this fruity and refreshing Bay Breeze cocktail.
At a glance
What stands out: Tart cranberry juice and sweet pineapple juice are evenly paired in this fruity and refreshing Bay Breeze cocktail. This cocktail recipe is straightforward and so refreshing!
How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: ice, glass (or a pitcher if you’re making a big batch).
Servings: 1
Always in Season!
A Bay Breeze cocktail is often served in the summer because it’s so refreshing. Pineapple juice reminds you of a tropical island, reliable for the balmy days of summer. However, if you’re looking for a winter cocktail, cranberry juice makes a Bay Breeze a festive cocktail for the holiday season, too. It’s a winning combo all year round!
Bay Breeze cocktail
Straightforward to mix. This is such a simple cocktail recipe and doesn’t require any last-minute fussing. It only has three ingredients: pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and vodka. A Bay Breeze cocktail is a cinch to make!
Make it ahead. You can easily mix up a big batch, put it in the fridge, and enjoy a cocktail whenever you want. It keeps well for several days. Make a pitcher if you have a crowd coming over and your bartending responsibilities will be vastly simplified.
Goes well with appetizers. A Bay Breeze cocktail goes well with appetizers because it’s not too filling or sweet. Serve it with smoky roasted almonds, candied bacon, or bacon-wrapped dates. Potato chips and from-scratch French onion dip are always a hit and you can never go wrong with freshly baked tortilla chips and salsa. If you’re looking for something more substantial, make a crowd-pleasing pan of ham and cheese sliders or turkey sliders.
What goes in
- Cranberry juice – There are a few choices for cranberry juice, sweetened (cranberry juice cocktail), unsweetened (100% cranberry juice), and a cranberry juice blend that’s mixed with 3 other fruit juices which add natural sweetness. We prefer the third option but choose the one you like best.
- Pineapple juice – we usually use canned pineapple juice.
- Vodka – Since you’re mixing the vodka with other ingredients, you can choose a mid-range vodka, such as Tito’s.
- Lots of ice – Crushed or cubed both work. Keep in mind that if you use crushed, it will melt faster and dilute the cocktail.
- Garnishes – To make your Bay Breeze special, add any of these garnishes: lime slice, maraschino cherry, or fresh cranberries.
How it comes together
As always, get the full printable instructions in the recipe card below!
No special equipment needed! This is a straightforward cocktail to make, You won’t need a citrus juicer, a cocktail shaker, special glasses, or any unusual ingredients. It’s straight-forward.
Combine ingredients. Grab a glass and fill it almost to the top with ice. Add cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and vodka. Stir lightly, and add a garnish. That’s it!
Straightforward Recipe Variations
- Use a cocktail shaker. Instead of serving this cocktail over ice, put all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake for 15 seconds, or until chilled, and then strain into a glass to serve. You won’t have to worry about the ice diluting your cocktail as it melts. We prefer this option when we're serving this cocktail during the colder months.
- Make a party-sized batch. For 8 servings, mix 2 cups vodka, 3 cups cranberry juice, and 3 cups pineapple juice in a large pitcher. Chill until ready to use.
- Malibu Bay Breeze: This variation contains coconut flavored rum instead of vodka. A popular brand of coconut flavored rum is Malibu Rum but any brand will work.
- Sea Breeze: Replace the pineapple juice in a Bay Breeze with grapefruit juice. We love this combination!
Make-Ahead Tips
Mix the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and vodka, cover and store in the fridge in a covered container. It should keep for several days. When ready to serve, shake or stir well, and serve over ice.
- Yield: 1
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Total: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cranberry juice, chilled (see note)
- 3 ounces pineapple juice, chilled
- 2 ounces vodka, chilled
Garnishes (optional)
- lime slice
- maraschino cherry
- fresh cranberries
Method
- Fill a cocktail glass about ¾ full of ice. We like to use a highball or old-fashioned glass but a stemless wine glass would work well, too.
- Pour cranberry juice, and pineapple juice, and vodka over the ice; stir lightly to combine.
- Garnish with a lime slice, maraschino cherry, and/or cranberries, if desired.
Notes
Cranberry juice: There are three choices for cranberry juice. If you like a cocktail that’s tangy, use unsweetened 100% cranberry juice. If you prefer things a bit sweeter, use 100% juice cranberry blend (no sugar added), which is cranberry juice mixed with apple, grape, and pear juice. The sweetest option is cranberry juice cocktail which has added sugar. We usually use the unsweetened cranberry juice blend.
With a cocktail shaker: Instead of serving this cocktail over ice, put all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake for 15 seconds, or until chilled, and then strain into a glass to serve.
Make a pitcher (make ahead): To make a party-sized batch (8 servings), mix 2 cups vodka, 3 cups cranberry juice, and 3 cups pineapple juice in a large pitcher. This mixture will keep for several days in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving over ice.
Variations: Substitute coconut flavored rum instead of vodka to make a Malibu Bay Breeze. To make a Sea Breeze, replace the pineapple juice with grapefruit juice.
