Sex on the Beach: Bold, Fruity and Just a Little Bit Flirty

Sex on the Beach isn’t just a cocktail… it’s a whole mood. Sweet, juicy and just a little bit flirty, it’s the kind of drink that feels like summer in a glass.

You’ve got peach schnapps bringing that bold, fruity hit, vodka keeping it smooth and cranberry juice cutting through the sweetness with a tart kick. Orange juice ties it all together with a bright, citrusy glow.

It’s fun, it’s easy and it’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to kick back, press play on that summer playlist and just soak up the moment.

What It Is & Where It Comes From

The Sex on the Beach is more than just a catchy name… it’s a drink that screams fun, laid-back and a little wild.

It popped up in the 1980s right when fruity cocktails were having a moment. Bartenders started mixing vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and orange juice and suddenly this sweet juicy combo became an instant hit.

What makes it work? The peach schnapps keeps it sweet and flirty. The cranberry juice brings a tart punch. The orange juice adds that tropical sun-soaked vibe. It’s a drink that tastes like vacation no matter where you’re sipping it.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sex on the Beach at Home

A Sex on the Beach is simple to make but a few small moves can take it from basic to bar-worthy.

• Chill the glass: Fill it with ice water while you mix… keeps the drink cold and the colors vibrant.
• Use fresh juice: Fresh orange juice keeps it bright and zesty… bottled juice can make it too sweet.
• Shake it hard: You want the vodka, peach schnapps and juices to blend smoothly… no half-hearted shakes.
• Layer the juices: Pour the cranberry juice last so it floats on top… gives it that sunset look.
• Garnish right: An orange slice and a cherry are classic but a skewer of fresh fruit keeps it extra fun.

Food Pairing Ideas For This Cocktail

A Sex on the Beach is fruity, sweet and a little tangy, so you want snacks that keep it light and play up the tropical vibe.

Fresh fruit skewers: Pineapple, melon and strawberries… juicy, sweet and easy to munch.

Coconut shrimp: Crispy, a little sweet and perfect for dipping.

Spicy salsa and chips: The heat cuts through the sweetness… keeps it balanced.

Mango salsa with tortilla chips: Fresh, bright and a little tangy.

Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Salty and sweet… works with the peach and cranberry flavors.

Citrus salad with mint: Light, zesty and a nice break from the sweetness.

Sex on the Beach: Fun and Laid-back Cocktail

This cocktail’s got range. Vodka and peach schnapps set the tone with a smooth, juicy punch, while cranberry and orange juice balance it out with just the right mix of tart and sweet. It’s refreshing, easy to sip and made for warm days, late nights or any moment that calls for a little fun in your glass.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
• 2 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Orange juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)

Zero-Proof Sex on the Beach: Swap the vodka and peach schnapps for peach nectar. Light, sweet and just as refreshing.

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and orange juice into the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 253kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 36g

Sex on the Beach Variations to Try

Once you know the classic, it’s easy to switch things up. Just a couple tweaks can totally change the vibe.

Tropical Beach: Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice… keeps it sweet and adds a little tang.

Berry Beach: Add a splash of raspberry liqueur… richer, deeper flavor.

Spicy Beach: Muddle a jalapeño slice in the shaker… a little heat to cut the sweetness.

Frozen Beach: Blend the ingredients with ice… turns it into a boozy slushie.

Melon Beach: Replace peach schnapps with melon liqueur… sweet and a little floral.

Low Sugar Beach: Use fresh-squeezed juices and a peach-flavored sparkling water instead of schnapps… lighter and just as refreshing.

If you like this you may like a simple vodka tonic cocktail.

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Sex on the Beach Cocktail Recipe

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Sex on the beach! The ultimate vacation cocktail. So easy to make at home - or on the beach! Impress your friends with this yummy tropical drink recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 45 ml Vodka
• 15 ml Peach Schnapps
• 60 ml Cranberry juice
• 60 ml Orange juice
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Pour the vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and orange juice into the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Zero-Proof Sex on the Beach: Swap the vodka and peach schnapps for peach nectar. Light, sweet and just as refreshing.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 3gSugar: 28gProtein: 2g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.