Sex on the Beach Cocktail

A blend of smooth vodka and fruit juices, this colorful Sex on the Beach Cocktail is the perfect tropical treat!

Sex on the Beach

The Sex on the Beach cocktail is an easy-drinking blend of vodka and peach schnapps blended with orange and cranberry juices. One sip of this classic fruity cocktail will make you feel like you’re relaxing on a tropical beach!

Despite the scandalous-sounding name, the Sex on the Beach is a common cocktail and you won’t raise any eyebrows when ordering it. In fact, the Sex on the Beach is one of the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktails. This is a list of under 100 officially sanctioned drink recipes that may be used in the annual World Cocktail Competition and the World Flairtending Competition.

In addition to its infamous name and sweet taste, the Sex on the Beach is known for its colorful layered look, almost like a sunset. When made using a traditional recipe, the finished cocktail will be a swirl of pinks, oranges, and golds.

Where Did the Name “Sex on the Beach” Come From?

The origin of this provocative cocktail name has become somewhat of a legend, starring a mythical bartender in Miami, Florida in the 1980s. As the story goes, a bartender named Ted Pizio was hired to create a cocktail promoting the sales of peach schnapps. He dubbed his new concoction “Sex on the Beach” as an ode to Spring Breakers and a couple things that might be attractive to them.

However, it is likely that this drink recipe had already been tried before, as these are fairly common ingredients. But the new name got attention and once people tried the drink, it became a hit because it tasted so delicious.

Related: Check out our Buttery Nipple Shot Recipe too…another scandalously named 80s drink!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Ounce Vodka
• 1 Ounce Peach Schnapps
• 2 Ounces Orange Juice
• 2 Ounces Cranberry Juice

This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for readers 21+

Helpful Bartending Tools

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• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
2. Measure and add vodka and peach schnapps to glass.
3. Add 2 ounces of orange juice.
4. Slowly pour in the cranberry juice, so the colors layer in the glass.

Prep Tips

• Garnish with maraschino cherries or an orange slice.
• You can also prepare this drink in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass of ice. This will create a drink that is pink in color, though it will taste the same!
• For a less sweet drink, try using 2 ounces of peach vodka in place of plain vodka and skip the peach schnapps. You’ll still get peach flavor, with less sugar.
• Not a fan of orange juice? Try making this recipe with grapefruit juice instead!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make This With a Different Liquor?

If vodka is not your thing, this drink would also taste delicious made with rum or tequila. With rum, it would taste similar to a rum punch and with tequila it would be similar to a Tequila Sunrise.

What is the Best Vodka to Use for Cocktails?

The best type of vodka to use for mixed drinks…your favorite! Since you’re mixing it with juices, there’s really no need to spend top dollar on an ultra premium spirit. However, I don’t recommend going with the cheapest either. A nice mid-level vodka that fits in your budget is perfect.

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