Sex on the Beach

The Sex on the Beach is a famously named cocktail known for its sweet, fruity flavor profile and vibrant, layered appearance. It combines vodka and peach schnapps with the tartness of cranberry juice and the sweetness of orange juice. Served tall over ice, it's an exceptionally easy-drinking cocktail, perfect for warm weather, parties, and casual sipping. Its simple construction and accessible ingredients have contributed to its enduring global popularity.
Sex on the Beach

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Sex on the Beach is a popular modern classic cocktail. It is officially recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) in their list of contemporary classics. It's a highball-style drink, typically served over ice in a tall glass.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this is a refreshing and fairly low-alcohol cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 270 ml / 9 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The origin of the Sex on the Beach is often attributed to Ted Pizio, a bartender at Confetti's Bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1987. The cocktail was supposedly created as part of a promotion by a liquor distributor to boost sales of peach schnapps. Pizio named it after the two main reasons college students flocked to Fort Lauderdale for spring break: the beach and sex. The provocative name undoubtedly helped propel it to international fame.
Origin
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, circa 1987.

Sex on the Beach

The drink is universally known as Sex on the Beach. Some non-alcoholic versions use playful alternative names like 'Peach on the Beach' or 'Cuddles on the Beach' to mimic the original's theme while indicating its mocktail status.
Original name
Sex on the Beach
Alternative names
  • Peach on the Beach
  • Cuddles on the Beach

Characteristics overview

This cocktail boasts a vibrant, sunset-like appearance and a predominantly fruity aroma and flavor, with notes of peach, orange, and cranberry. It's a smooth, refreshing, and sweet-tart drink ideal for summer.
Flavor
fruity, sweet, tangy, peachy, citrusy
Aroma
fruity, orange, cranberry, peach
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, fruity, short
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
layered orange and red, sunset-like, vibrant
Texture
smooth, juicy, light
Seasonality
refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sweet, with a balancing tartness from the cranberry juice. It's a non-carbonated drink with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The classic recipe calls for four simple ingredients: vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Using good quality juices will significantly improve the final drink.
  • Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A neutral, clean vodka is best.
  • Peach Schnapps20 ml / 0.75 oz
    This provides the signature peach flavor.
  • Orange Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Freshly squeezed is preferred for a brighter taste.
  • Cranberry Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Use 100% cranberry juice, not a cocktail blend, for better balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to mix the main ingredients and a jigger for accurate measurements. The drink is then strained into a glass filled with ice.
  • Cocktail Shaker: To chill and combine the vodka, schnapps, and orange juice.
  • Jigger or Measuring Tool: For accurate pouring of ingredients.
  • Strainer: To separate ice from the liquid when pouring.

Instructions

To make this drink, shake the vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice with ice, then strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with cranberry juice for a layered effect and garnish before serving.
1. Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice to the shaker.
4. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, for about 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared highball glass.
6. Slowly pour the cranberry juice over the back of a spoon to create a layered, sunset effect.
7. Garnish with an orange wedge and, if desired, a maraschino cherry.
8. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A simple orange wedge or slice is the most common garnish, adding a citrus aroma. A maraschino cherry can also be added for a pop of color.
  • Orange Wedge or Slice: Placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.
  • Maraschino Cherry: Dropped into the drink for extra color (optional).

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It can be made gluten-free and vegan by ensuring all ingredients, particularly the spirits and juices, are certified as such.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving is moderately caloric, primarily due to its high sugar content from the juices and liqueur. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, mostly from sugar.
Calories
Approximately 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties, beach outings, and poolside lounging. Its refreshing and easy-drinking nature also makes it a popular choice for brunch, casual get-togethers, and nights out.
  • Summer Parties
  • Beach Lounging
  • Brunch
  • Casual Gatherings
  • Night Out

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and fruity profile of the Sex on the Beach pairs well with light and salty foods. Consider serving it with appetizers like coconut shrimp, fresh fruit platters, or simple salty snacks like pretzels and chips to balance its sweetness.
  • Light appetizers
  • Fruit platters
  • Salty snacks like chips or pretzels
  • Coconut shrimp

The Enduring Allure of the Sex on the Beach

The Sex on the Beach is a world-famous cocktail celebrated for its fruity flavor and provocative name. Combining vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, it delivers a sweet, tangy, and refreshing experience. Its vibrant, sunset-like appearance and simple recipe make it a go-to choice for parties, summer days, and casual drinking. Despite its somewhat kitschy reputation, it remains a beloved modern classic for its crowd-pleasing taste.