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
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
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Sex on the Beach.
Woo Woo
Vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry shaken into a bright-pink party drink born from the peach schnapps boom of the 1980s.
Sex in the Driveway
A vibrant blue variation of Sex on the Beach, featuring vodka, peach schnapps, and blue curaçao topped with lemon-lime soda for a sweet, fizzy party drink.
Sex on Fire
A potent and evocative cocktail that transforms the Sex on the Beach with the fiery introduction of cinnamon whisky, creating a sweet and spicy party drink.
Cuddles on the Beach
The most widely recognized non-alcoholic interpretation of the famed Sex on the Beach cocktail, capturing the original's vibrant, fruity essence.
Other Variations
Mr. Boston Version
Adds Chambord, Midori, and pineapple for a 1990s rainbow twist.
Changes
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.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Baby Woo Woo
A shot‑size Woo Woo—vodka and peach schnapps shaken with cranberry for a tart, fruity shooter.
Hairy Navel
Fuzzy Navel with a kick—vodka joins peach schnapps and orange juice for a stronger, fruity highball.
Madras
Simple and refreshing—vodka with cranberry and orange juice over ice for a tart, fruity highball.