A Spooky Twist on the Classic Sea Breeze
Berry Blood Syrup is the kind of magic every Halloween party needs! It's sweet, spooky, and brilliantly red, making it the ultimate ingredient for chillingly beautiful drinks. And today, I'm thrilled to share with you one of my favorite ways to put it to use: the Bloody Sea Breeze cocktail. A haunting twist on the classic Sea Breeze, this eerie elixir pairs tart cranberry and grapefruit flavors with a splash of vodka and, of course, that deep, crimson berry syrup. The result? A cocktail that looks straight out of a vampire's goblet and tastes absolutely fang-tastic.
Curious how to serve up a cocktail that's equal parts creepy and delicious?

If you've already whipped up a batch of Berry Blood Syrup, this is the perfect place to show it off. And if you're planning a whole Halloween menu, you could easily serve the Bloody Sea Breeze alongside my spooky Kramble cocktail for a double dose of fright-night fun. Don't forget to sweeten the spread with a batch of Spiderweb Cookies-they're the perfect creepy treat to nibble on while sipping your eerie cocktails.
I love Halloween, and drinks like this are why. They're quick to make, they look wickedly festive, and they instantly set the mood for a night of spooky celebrations. So grab your shaker, your berry syrup, and your party glassware, because tonight, we're mixing up something that will make even Dracula jealous.
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Vodka
- A clean, neutral base that lets the cranberry and grapefruit shine. If you'd like to add extra depth, you could even try a citrus vodka.
- Cranberry juice
- Brings the tart, ruby-red bite that balances the sweetness of the berry syrup.
- Grapefruit juice
- Adds a tangy, refreshing kick that makes this cocktail so wonderfully drinkable. Freshly squeezed juice works best here for brightness.
- Berry Blood Syrup
- The star of the show! Deep red and perfectly eerie, this syrup is what gives the cocktail its "bloody" look. You can make it at home with my Berry Blood Syrup recipe.
- Ice cubes
- Essential for chilling the drink and giving that crisp, refreshing feel.
- Grapefruit slice (or lime wedge)
- A zesty garnish that makes the drink look hauntingly elegant.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare your glass: Fill a tall highball glass with ice cubes.
Step 2 - Add the "blood": Pour the berry blood syrup into the bottom of the glass. It'll sit like a crimson pool, waiting for the rest of the cocktail.

Step 3 - Add the remaining ingredients: Add vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.



Step 4 - Garnish & serve: Add a grapefruit slice or lime wedge to the rim, and you're ready to serve your spooky masterpiece.

👻 Batch version
Hosting a Halloween party? This recipe scales up beautifully and can be prepped in a pitcher.
🎉 Bloody Sea Breeze (Party Batch - Serves 6)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vodka
- 3 cups (720 ml) cranberry juice
- ¾ cup (180 ml) grapefruit juice
- 6 tablespoon (90 ml) berry blood syrup (plus more for rimming glasses)
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices, for garnish
Step 1 - Prepare a pitcher: Fill with plenty of ice cubes.
Step 2 - Add the "blood": Pour the berry blood syrup into the bottom of each individual serving glass.
Step 3 - Mix in bulk: In the pitcher, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. Stir well to chill.
Step 4 - Serve: Slowly pour the mixed cocktail into each glass over the syrup for the layered effect. Garnish each with a grapefruit slice.
💀 Pro tip: Rim glasses with berry syrup before adding ice for a truly spooky look.
🍽 Equipment
- Serving glass
- Measuring jigger (or shot glass)
- Citrus knife & cutting board
- Ice cube tray

💭 Top tips
Flavor
- Use 100% cranberry juice for tartness, or cranberry cocktail if you prefer it sweeter.
- Fresh grapefruit juice makes the drink brighter, but bottled juice works for parties.
Prep & Storage
- Berry Blood Syrup can be made up to 1 week ahead and kept in the fridge.
- It also freezes well-just thaw overnight before using.
Serving Ideas
- Rim glasses with berry syrup for a bloody effect.
- Dark or tinted glasses make the cocktail look extra spooky.
Pair with Spiderweb Cookies for a frightfully fun treat-and-sip combo.
our favorite
Halloween Recipes
Because spooky season should taste amazing.
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe

Bloody Sea Breeze Cocktail
Equipment
- Citrus knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- Cubed ice
- ½ oz Berry blood syrup
- 1 oz Grapefruit juice
- 4 oz Cranberry juice
- 1⅓ oz Vodka
- Grapefruit slice or lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with Cubed ice.Cubed ice
- Pour ½ oz Berry blood syrup into the bottom of the glass.½ oz Berry blood syrup
- Then add 1 oz Grapefruit juice, 4 oz Cranberry juice, 1⅓ oz Vodka.1 oz Grapefruit juice, 4 oz Cranberry juice, 1⅓ oz Vodka
- Garnish with a Grapefruit slice or lime wedge. Serve immediately.Grapefruit slice or lime wedge
Notes
🎉 Hosting a party?
For 6 servings, combine 1 cup (240 ml) vodka, 3 cups (720 ml) cranberry juice, and ¾ cup (180 ml) grapefruit juice in a pitcher. Add 6 tablespoon (90 ml) berry blood syrup into individual glasses, then pour the cocktail mixture over the syrup for the same spooky layered look.Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.














Paula says
This spooky cocktail was so much fun! I made them this weekend, but saving this recipe to do again for halloween!
Liz says
What a fun and refreshing Halloween cocktail! These will be perfect for porch sitting on the holiday!
Krystle Smith says
It's so refreshing! Totally gave me beach-day vibes with every sip.
leah says
this bloody sea breeze cocktail is so festive!
nicole says
this drink is perfect for the spooky season!