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A Bay Breeze Cocktail is made with vodka, pineapple, and cranberry. It’s a tropical summer drink that will transport you to the beach – sweet and a little tart and so delicious. Plus, this Island Breeze Drink can be made as a single cocktail or a party punch for a crowd!
My favorite thing to do on any vacation, especially a relaxing beach vacation, is to read. I can devour book after book while I sit on my lounge chair drinking cocktails. I read two whole books over the week we were in Hawaii. Mel and Jordan spent 8 hours IN the pool, I spent 8 hours next to it, parked in a lounge chair, reading books and drinking what they called Island Breeze Cocktails, but are actually a version of a Bay Breeze Drink!
What is an Island Breeze Cocktail?
It’s a version of a Bay Breeze: a fruity vodka drink made with pineapple and cranberry juice, similar to a Hawaiian Sea Breeze or Malibu Bay Breeze. It’s the perfect drink for one or to make as a party punch! It’s a great variation on a pineapple martini or pineapple party punch!
Ingredient Notes
- This is a simple recipe; a vodka cocktail mixed with pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry. It has the perfect amount of sweet and tart flavor. It goes down like juice, which can be a bad thing in the hot midday sun. Or a good thing, depending on how you look at it.
- Garnish it with a cherry and pineapple wedges or pineapple slices (or even a lime wedge) and you’ve got a gorgeous cocktail for any party (of one).
- Traditionally tropical drinks like this are served in a hurricane glass or highball glass.
Variations
- Turn this into a Sea Breeze by swapping grapefruit juice for the pineapple (similar to a Salty Dog).
- If you add Malibu Rum it becomes a Malibu Bay Breeze.
- This is a pineapple version of a Cape Codder (vodka cranberry).
How to make a Bay Breeze Punch
Turn this into a party punch super easily by scaling up the ingredients (I did the math for you in the recipe card). Then add some club soda or lemon lime soda to scale it up a bit more. (You could even leave out the vodka and let the adults add it themselves. The kids will love a Virgin Bay Breeze!)
When you drink this cocktail I want you to think of warm weather, the beach, and a good book. That’s what I’ll be dreaming about!
Well that and how fast I can make myself another one of these babies. 🙂
Expert Tips
- I say 1-2 ounces vodka because it depends on how strong you want it. When in doubt add more vodka (or more juice). Use your favorite vodka; we love Tito’s.
- Make it sparkling by adding some soda water.
- When making a pitcher, taste test to make sure it’s not too strong or too weak for your guests.
- I’ve also seen this called a Tropical Bay Breeze, which is what my friend Holly calls it.
- Storing and Make Ahead: If making one cocktail it’s best to make it as you’re drinking it, but if you’re making a punch you can mix all the ingredients (except anything bubbly) and chill until ready to serve.
Maui Bay Breeze Cocktail
Recipe Video
Ingredients
To make one cocktail:
- 1-2 ounces vodka
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Pineapple and a maraschino cherry for garnish optional
To make as a punch:
- 36 ounces pineapple juice
- 12 ounces vodka more or less depending on how strong you want it
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- Up to 1L Sparkling water or diet lemon-lime soda as a filler
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients over ice, stir, and enjoy!
I love Mai Tai in Kauai. Maui. and Big Island, They are always different depending where you go. I like Duke’s the best, just the right amount of Rum!!
I’ve been to Maui, loved the pina coladas there. I’m making them at home, I have a great recipe for them. Sitting outside on our deck is not the same as sitting on a beach chair in Maui drinking a Pina Coladas
Please share the recipe. Love Maui ❤ Mai Tai was my choice.
Oh you’re a girl after my own heart lol! I LOVE when you wrote, ‘the kid’s in the pool 8 hour’s and you NEXT to the pool with your book & cocktail,……have we vacationed together before????!!! That cracked me up 🙂 That’s how we roll!!! A GREAT drink and a ‘fav go to’ for me! Thank you and CHEER’S!!!!!!!! Happy Summer!
The original recipe tasted a little too much like pineapple juice to me. I did 2 oz of Pineapple vodka, 4 oz pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry. Turned out perfect!
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