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.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice
Add vodka and peach schnapps
Pour in orange and cranberry juices
Stir and garnish with an orange slice and cherry
Glassware
Highball or Collins glass filled with ice
Garnish
Fresh orange slice
Maraschino cherry
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
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sex on the Beach.
Woo Woo
Drops the orange juice for a tarter vodka, peach, and cranberry combo.
Changes
Sex in the Driveway
Blue curaçao and lemon-lime soda turn the drink electric blue.
Changes
Sex on Fire
Uses cinnamon whisky in place of vodka for spicy heat.
Changes
Cuddles on the Beach
Virgin version swapping in peach nectar and grenadine.
Changes
Mr. Boston Version
Adds Chambord, Midori, and pineapple for a 1990s rainbow twist.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Woo Woo
Vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry shaken into a bright-pink party drink born from the peach schnapps boom of the 1980s.
Bay Breeze
Vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and pineapple juices for a tropical vodka highball.
Cape Codder
Vodka and cranberry juice built over ice for a tart, refreshing highball.