SEX ON THE BEACH
A fruity vodka highball combining peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. Juicy, bright and easy-drinking with soft peach sweetness and a fresh citrus finish.
SEX ON THE BEACH Recipe
- Vodka 40 ml
- Peach liqueur 20 ml
- Orange juice 40 ml
- Cranberry juice 40 ml
- Fresh orange 1 slice
- Cocktail cherry 2 pieces
- Ice 200 g, optional
Make it properly
- Fill a highball glass generously with ice.
- Add the vodka and peach schnapps.
- Pour in the orange juice and cranberry juice.
- Stir gently until the drink is evenly mixed and chilled.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and cocktail cherries.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SEX ON THE BEACH?
A good Sex on the Beach should be fruity and refreshing without becoming overly sweet.
The peach schnapps should be clearly noticeable, but it should not dominate the drink. Orange juice provides fresh citrus sweetness, while cranberry juice adds tartness, colour and enough acidity to keep the cocktail balanced.
Vodka gives the drink structure without competing with the fruit flavours. Plenty of ice keeps the finished cocktail light, cold and easy to drink.
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SEX ON THE BEACH: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a balanced Sex on the Beach, from choosing the right peach schnapps to balancing orange and cranberry juice for a fresh, fruit-forward cocktail.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A SEX ON THE BEACH
The Sex on the Beach is built around fruit, so the balance between peach, orange and cranberry is what defines the drink.
For the vodka, choose a clean, neutral style that provides structure without interfering with the fruit.
A good peach schnapps should bring clear ripe-peach flavour and sweetness without becoming heavy.
For the citrus component, Drinkero recommends a quality orange juice with enough fresh fruit character to remain noticeable alongside the schnapps and cranberry.
The cranberry juice adds tartness, colour and a slightly drier fruit character, helping prevent the cocktail from becoming overly sweet.
Finish with a fresh orange slice and cocktail cherry for aroma, colour and the classic presentation associated with the drink.
HOW TO BALANCE A SEX ON THE BEACH
The foundation of our recipe is 40 ml vodka, 20 ml peach schnapps, 40 ml orange juice and 40 ml cranberry juice.
The equal quantities of orange and cranberry juice keep the fruit profile balanced. Orange provides rounder sweetness, while cranberry contributes tartness and freshness.
The 20 ml peach schnapps is enough to give the cocktail its distinctive peach character without overpowering the juices.
The result should taste fruity and juicy first, with soft peach sweetness and a fresh, slightly tart finish.
THE STORY BEHIND THE SEX ON THE BEACH
The Sex on the Beach is a modern cocktail that became especially popular during the 1980s and 1990s.
Its exact origin is disputed, but it is closely associated with the rise of colourful, fruit-forward cocktails made with vodka and flavoured liqueurs.
The combination of peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice gave the drink its distinctive sweet-tart flavour and bright colour, while its memorable name helped it become a fixture in bars around the world.
Today, it remains one of the most recognisable fruity vodka cocktails.
TECHNIQUE: BUILD DIRECTLY IN THE GLASS
The Sex on the Beach does not require a shaker.
Fill a highball glass generously with ice, then add the vodka and peach schnapps.
Pour in the orange juice and cranberry juice and stir gently until the drink is evenly mixed.
Avoid excessive stirring, which can dilute the drink unnecessarily.
Finish with the orange slice and cocktail cherry and serve immediately.
HOW TO SERVE A SEX ON THE BEACH
Serve the Sex on the Beach in a highball glass filled generously with ice.
The drink should be cold, juicy and brightly coloured, with the peach, orange and cranberry remaining clearly noticeable.
Garnish with a fresh orange slice and cocktail cherry. The orange adds fresh citrus aroma, while the cherry gives the drink the colourful, classic presentation that suits its tropical style.
Serving options:
- Classic: Highball glass + orange slice + cocktail cherry
- Tall: Collins glass + orange slice + cocktail cherry
- Simple: Highball glass + orange slice only
- Extra colourful: Skewer the orange and cherry together across the top of the glass
Questions about the Sex on the Beach
What is a Sex on the Beach made with?
A classic Sex on the Beach combines vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice, served over ice.
What does a Sex on the Beach taste like?
It is fruity, juicy and lightly sweet, with peach and orange at the front and cranberry adding a fresh, slightly tart finish.
What peach schnapps should I use?
Choose a peach schnapps or peach liqueur with a clear fruit character and moderate sweetness so it complements rather than overwhelms the juices.
What is the traditional garnish for a Sex on the Beach?
An orange slice and cocktail cherry work especially well and give the drink its classic colourful presentation.
Can I use 100% orange juice?
Yes. A quality 100% orange juice works particularly well because it provides fresh citrus character and natural fruit sweetness.
Should a Sex on the Beach be shaken or stirred?
Our recipe is designed to be built directly in the serving glass and stirred gently over ice.
Is the Sex on the Beach an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Sex on the Beach is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a Contemporary Classic. See the IBA’s official Sex on the Beach recipe for the classic specification.