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A Sex on the Beach cocktail is a fruity, colorful drink made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. It takes about five minutes to prepare and can be served stirred or layered over ice. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright note, while cranberry juice balances the peach sweetness with a little tartness.
The drink became popular in the 1980s. Its exact origin is uncertain, though one commonly shared account connects its creation to a Florida bartender promoting peach schnapps. It is traditionally served in a hurricane glass, but a tall tumbler works just as well.
Choosing vodka for a Sex on the Beach cocktail
Vodka provides a relatively neutral base, allowing the fruit flavors to stand out. Choose a smooth vodka that suits your preferences and budget; there is no need to use a flavored variety unless you want to add another fruit note. For a balanced result, measure the spirits rather than pouring by eye.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka: Adds the cocktail’s alcoholic base without dominating the fruit.
- 1 ounce peach schnapps: Brings sweetness and peach flavor.
- 2 ounces orange juice: Adds citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed juice is a good option for a brighter taste.
- 2 ounces cranberry juice: Contributes tartness and the drink’s red color.
You will also need ice. Cherries or orange wedges make simple garnishes. Chill the juice beforehand if you want the drink to stay cold without needing to stir it for long.
How to make a Sex on the Beach cocktail
- Fill a hurricane glass or tall tumbler with ice.
- Add the orange juice, peach schnapps, and vodka. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour in the cranberry juice. Stir again for an evenly colored drink, or leave it unstirred for a layered appearance.
- Garnish with a cherry or an orange wedge and serve promptly.
For visible layers, pour the cranberry juice slowly over the back of a spoon. The layers are most noticeable when the drink is not stirred, but they will naturally blend as you sip.
Tips for making and customizing the drink
- Help the cranberry layer sink: If the cranberry juice does not settle, mix a little grenadine into it before pouring. Grenadine adds sweetness and cherry flavor, so the finished drink will taste different.
- Increase the peach flavor: Add peach juice for a more pronounced peach taste without adding more alcohol. Adjust gradually to avoid making the cocktail too sweet.
- Try a flavored vodka: Pineapple or coconut vodka can add another tropical flavor. Use it in place of regular vodka and taste before adding extra sweetener.
- Balance the sweetness: Juice brands vary in sweetness. If the drink tastes too sweet, use a less-sweet cranberry juice or add a little more tart juice to suit your taste.
Because this is an alcoholic drink, serve it responsibly and keep it away from anyone who is under the legal drinking age.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a Sex on the Beach cocktail frozen?
Yes. Add the cocktail ingredients and 1 cup of ice to a blender, then blend until slushy. If the mixture is too thick, blend briefly again; avoid adding extra liquid all at once, since that can dilute the fruit flavor.
Recipe summary
Yield: 1 drink
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce peach schnapps
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Ice, plus cherries or orange wedges for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. Add the orange juice, peach schnapps, and vodka, then stir gently.
- Pour in the cranberry juice. Stir to combine or leave it layered.
- Garnish with cherries or orange wedges and serve.
Nutrition information
The supplied estimate is 223 calories per serving. It lists 20 g carbohydrates, 18 g sugar, 1 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 2 mg sodium, and 157 mg potassium. Nutrition values can vary depending on the juice and spirit brands used, so treat these figures as an estimate rather than an exact measurement.
For a quick, fruit-forward drink, the Sex on the Beach cocktail combines peach schnapps, vodka, and two juices in a simple single-serving recipe. Serve it over ice, choose a stirred or layered finish, and adjust the juice balance to your taste.
