The sweet, fruity drink known as Sex on the Beach is a combination of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. It’s fun and delicious and a great conversation starter, just for the name alone.
It’s the perfect summer cocktail for hanging around the pool or lounging on the beach.
Why this drink is so popular
This IBA (International Bartenders Association) Official Cocktail is most popular during the summer months. It’s typically considered a beach recipe, served up at Tiki bars at your favorite resort.
The recipe is simple, and delicious. The results are pretty too, making it a gorgeous addition to your summertime parties.
Ingredients you will need
- Vodka is the main spirit, and it’s paired with peach schnapps. Use your favorite brand.
- You’ll also need equal parts of orange juice and cranberry juice. You could get fancy and squeeze your own orange juice if you like, but bottled is a lot easier.
- For garnishes, use an orange slice and a plump maraschino cherry threaded onto a cocktail umbrella pick.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- A cocktail shaker is a great way to chill and mix drinks. Shaking cocktails with ice aerates, mixes, dilutes, and chills the drink.
- While totally optional, you might want to include some fun and colorful paper straws in your drinks.
How to Make a Sex on the Beach Cocktail
Sex on the Beach is often served in a highball glass. However, I find that a hurricane glass feels much more party-like!
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in all of the ingredients. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain the contents into an ice filled hurricane glass or highball glass.
- Thread a maraschino cherry onto a cocktail umbrella toothpick. Now thread a half slice of orange onto the pick, cut side pointing downward. Nestle the cut side of the orange slice onto the side of the glass to anchor your garnish.
More pretty summer mixed drinks
- Tequila Sunrise
- Strawberry Mojito
- Peach Mojito
- Blue Hawaiian Mai Tai
- Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
- Raspberry Gin Rickey
- Pina Colada
- Rum Punch
- Blue Lagoon Cocktail
- Tropical Rum Slush
- Strawberry Daiquiri
What’s With the Name?
The drink was created in 1987 to go along with the introduction of peach schnapps, a key ingredient in this cocktail. A bartender in Florida created the drink and named it for the tourists that “enjoy” the state’s beaches each year.
This drink is actually a combination of two cocktails. The Cape Cod, which is basically vodka and cranberry juice, and the Fuzzy Navel, made up of peach schnapps and orange juice.
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Sex on the Beach
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- 1 ½ ounce orange juice
- 1 ½ ounce cranberry juice
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry garnish
Things You'll Need
Before You Begin
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice and pour in all the ingredients. Shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain into an ice filled highball glass.
- Garnish with a slice of orange, maraschino cherry, and cocktail umbrella.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Maribel says
This drink 🍹 isn’t sweet enough for me, made it didn’t like it.🥺
Amanda Formaro says
Sorry you didn’t like it!
Pauline says
This is my favorite drink on the planet. My boyfriend teases me and calls it a froo-froo drink, but he loves the playfulness of the name too. The best drink out there!
Amanda Formaro says
Haha I love it!
Jerrell says
Do not add too much oj.