Sex on the Beach Cocktail: A Fruity Classic that Brings the Beach Vibes

Cocktail Snapshot

• Spirit Base: Vodka

• Flavor Profile: Fruity, sweet, citrusy with a tart cranberry finish

• Serve Style: Shaken, served over ice

• Difficulty: Easy

• Origin: 1980s, Florida (U.S.)

Backstory & Cultural Relevance

Sex on the Beach rose to fame in the 1980s during the cocktail boom in the United States, specifically in Florida where peach schnapps sales were booming. According to legend, a savvy bartender in Fort Lauderdale invented the drink to promote a new peach liqueur and draw in spring break tourists — and what better way than naming it after two things college kids already love?

Despite its racy name, this cocktail has become a global favorite for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste. It embodies the beach party aesthetic — relaxed, fun, and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka

• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

• 2 oz Orange Juice

• 2 oz Cranberry Juice

• Garnish: Orange slice or maraschino cherry (optional)

Method

1. Add vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a highball or hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Garnish with an orange slice or cherry if desired.

Why It Works

Sex on the Beach hits the sweet spot — literally — by combining:

• The clean kick of vodka

• Sweet stone fruit notes from peach schnapps

• Bright citrus from orange juice

• A tart contrast from cranberry juice

This balance makes it accessible, especially to newer cocktail drinkers or partygoers looking for something fun and flavorful.

Variations & Twists

• Frozen Sex on the Beach: Blend with ice for a slushy-style beach drink.

• Passion Beach: Replace orange juice with passionfruit juice for a tropical spin.

• Malibu Beach: Use coconut rum instead of vodka for a Caribbean twist.

• Slow Comfortable Screw on the Beach: Add Southern Comfort and sloe gin for a more complex version with a classic bar joke name.

Pairing Ideas

• Shrimp Tacos – The sweetness and citrus complement spicy seafood.

• Fruit Skewers or Summer Salads – Highlight the cocktail’s vibrant fruity flavors.

• Soft Cheeses – Like brie or camembert to contrast the tangy cranberry notes.

Final Sip

Sex on the Beach is more than a cheeky name — it’s a symbol of fun, freedom, and fruity refreshment. Whether you're lounging poolside or reminiscing about summer nights, this cocktail delivers pure tropical joy in every sip.