Sex on the Beach

The Sex on the Beach is one of the most famous and beloved fruity cocktails in the world. This vibrant, refreshing drink combines vodka with peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice to create a perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor that evokes images of tropical beaches and endless summer fun.

Created in the 1980s, this cocktail became an instant hit and remains a staple at beach bars, clubs, and parties worldwide. With its beautiful sunset-like gradient of colors and approachable fruity taste, it’s the perfect drink for those who enjoy sweet, easy-drinking cocktails.

Instructions

Official Recipe:

1. Fill the glass: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to the top.

2. Add the spirits: Pour vodka and peach schnapps over the ice.

3. Add the juices: Add fresh orange juice and cranberry juice.

4. Build and stir: Gently stir all ingredients together to combine - the drink is built directly in the glass.

5. Garnish: Add half an orange slice on the rim and optionally a maraschino cherry for color contrast.

Note: This is a “built” cocktail, meaning all ingredients are added directly to the glass - no shaking required.

Tips

• Fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes this cocktail significantly better than store-bought.
• Quality cranberry juice: Use 100% cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail (not cranberry drink) for the best flavor.
• Peach schnapps quality: A good peach liqueur makes a noticeable difference. Consider using Archers or a premium brand.
• Vodka choice: Use a clean, neutral vodka - you don’t need premium since the fruit flavors dominate.
• Layering technique: For a beautiful presentation, you can layer the cranberry juice by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.
• Ice matters: Use plenty of ice to keep the drink cold and prevent over-dilution.
• Adjust sweetness: If too sweet, add more cranberry juice; if too tart, add more orange juice.

Classic Variations

• Woo Woo: Similar drink but without orange juice (vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice)
• Sex on the Beach Frozen: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen version
• Bay Breeze: Replace peach schnapps with pineapple juice
• Fuzzy Navel: Just peach schnapps and orange juice (no vodka or cranberry)
• Sex in the Driveway: Add blue curaçao and replace cranberry with Sprite

Flavor Profile

The Sex on the Beach offers a delightful taste experience:

• Sweetness: Peach schnapps and orange juice provide a sweet, fruity base
• Tartness: Cranberry juice adds a tart, refreshing counterpoint
• Body: Medium-light, very easy to drink
• Finish: Clean and fruity with lingering peach notes

This cocktail is all about balance - sweet yet tart, fruity yet refreshing.

History

The Sex on the Beach was created in the late 1980s during the height of the fruity cocktail craze. While several bartenders claim its invention, the most popular origin story credits Ted Pizio, a bartender in Florida, who created it during spring break as part of a promotional competition for a peach schnapps brand.

The provocative name was intentionally designed to grab attention and appeal to young, fun-seeking beachgoers. The strategy worked brilliantly - the cocktail became wildly popular and spread from Florida beach bars to clubs and restaurants worldwide.

The drink is recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) and remains one of the most ordered cocktails globally, particularly in beach destinations and summer settings.

Cheers!