Sex on the Beach

Sex on the Beach

Vodka and peach schnapps collide with orange and cranberry juices for a neon-hued crowd-pleaser born of 1980s beach culture.

10%

ABV

easy

Difficulty

highball

Glass

Flavor Profile

fruity•peach•citrus•sweet

History & Heritage

“Bartender Ted Pizio popularized Sex on the Beach in 1980s Florida while promoting peach schnapps to spring breakers. The provocative name and easy-drinking mix of vodka, peach, orange, and cranberry spread to beach bars nationwide and became emblematic of neon-era cocktail culture. Cranberry gradually replaced the original grenadine for a tarter finish.”

Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.

0.8 oz

0.8 oz

1.5 oz

Cranberry Juice

1.5 oz

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice

2

Add vodka and peach schnapps

3

Pour in orange and cranberry juices

4

Stir and garnish with an orange slice and cherry

Glassware

Highball or Collins glass filled with ice

Garnish

Fresh orange slice

Maraschino cherry

Flavor Journey

Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.

6

Sweet

out of 10

3

Sour

out of 10

0

Bitter

out of 10

3

Strong

out of 10

Master's Tips

Professional insights to elevate your craft

Layer the cranberry juice slowly for a sunset gradient

Opt for real juice and decent schnapps to avoid cloying sweetness

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sex on the Beach.

Woo Woo

Major Variation

Drops the orange juice for a tarter vodka, peach, and cranberry combo.

Changes

Sex in the Driveway

Major Variation

Blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda turn the drink electric blue.

Changes

Orange Juice → Blue Curaçao(0.8 oz)

Cranberry Juice → Lemon-Lime Soda(1.5 oz)

Sex on Fire

Major Variation

Uses cinnamon whisky in place of vodka for spicy heat.

Changes

Vodka → Cinnamon Whisky(0.8 oz)

Cuddles on the Beach

Major Variation

Virgin version swapping in peach nectar and grenadine.

Changes

Vodka → Peach Nectar(0.8 oz)

Peach Schnapps → Grenadine(0.3 oz)

Mr. Boston Version

Major Variation

Adds Chambord, Midori, and pineapple for a 1990s rainbow twist.

Changes

Peach Schnapps:0.8 oz → 0.5 oz

Vodka:0.8 oz → 0.5 oz

Orange Juice → Pineapple Juice(1 oz)

Cranberry Juice:1.5 oz → 1 oz

→ Chambord(0.3 oz)

→ Midori Melon Liqueur(0.3 oz)

More to Explore

If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.

Baby Woo Woo

Baby Woo Woo

A shot‑size Woo Woo—vodka and peach schnapps shaken with cranberry for a tart, fruity shooter.

Hairy Navel

Hairy Navel

Fuzzy Navel with a kick—vodka joins peach schnapps and orange juice for a stronger, fruity highball.

Madras

Madras

Simple and refreshing—vodka with cranberry and orange juice over ice for a tart, fruity highball.