Sex on the Beach

Sex on the Beach opens with juicy peach and bright citrus, softened by a lush touch of cranberry. The sip feels smooth, fruity, and refreshingly light, with just enough sweetness to keep it playful and polished. Vibrant and easy to enjoy, it lingers with a sun-soaked charm that feels effortlessly indulgent.

Glass

Highball Glass

Prep Time

5 min

Difficulty

Easy

Alchol

Ingredients

1

1 1/2 oz vodka

2

1/2 oz peach schnapps

3

2 oz orange juice

4

2 oz cranberry juice

5

Garnish: orange slice

6

Garnish: maraschino cherry

Steps

1

Step 1

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
2

Step 2

Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and properly combined.
3

Step 3

Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
4

Step 4

Garnish and serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

History

It slipped into the spotlight in the sun-soaked 1980s, when bartenders along Florida’s coast were chasing something playful, bold, and impossible to ignore. Legend says the idea was born in a blur of neon nights, spring break swagger, and the kind of carefree mood that only seaside heat can conjure. What began as a crowd-pleasing pour quickly became a postcard of an era, passed from beach bars to backlit lounges with a wink. Part fact, part vacation fantasy, its rise felt less like a launch and more like a scene everyone somehow remembered. Even now, it enters the room like a guilty pleasure with perfect timing.

FAQ

What is in a Sex on the Beach cocktail?
A classic Sex on the Beach is usually made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Some versions also use fresh peach or different fruit juices, but those four ingredients are the standard base.
How strong is a Sex on the Beach?
It is generally a light to medium-strength cocktail. The fruit juices soften the alcohol taste, so it drinks easy, but it still has enough vodka and schnapps to be noticeable.
Can I make a Sex on the Beach without peach schnapps?
Yes, but the flavor will change a bit. You can try peach liqueur, peach nectar, or even a splash of peach syrup for a non-alcoholic substitute, though peach schnapps gives it its signature taste.
What does a Sex on the Beach taste like?
It tastes fruity, sweet, and slightly tart. The cranberry adds a little sharpness, while the orange juice and peach schnapps keep it bright and smooth.
What is the best vodka for a Sex on the Beach?
A clean, neutral vodka works best. You do not need anything expensive, since the fruit flavors are the main focus, but a smooth mid-range vodka will give the best result.
Can I make a Sex on the Beach as a frozen cocktail?
Yes, it blends well with ice for a frozen version. Just combine the ingredients with a generous handful of ice and blend until smooth, then adjust the sweetness or juice level to taste.