When summer calls for something fun and fruity, mix a glass or a pitcher of the classic Sex on the Beach — a bright, easy cocktail that’s perfect for pool parties, barbecues, or relaxed afternoons in the sun.
Why We Love Sex on the Beach
- A retro favorite from the 1980s with sweet, sunny flavors that are easy to love.
- Only four main ingredients — vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice — make this a simple, crowd-pleasing cocktail.
- It’s just as easy to make by the glass as it is to batch in a pitcher, so you can keep the party going without interruption.
Sex on the Beach Ingredients
Liquor: You’ll need vodka and peach schnapps. Vodka can be mid-range; choose one you enjoy for a better-tasting cocktail.
Juice: Cranberry juice and orange juice form the fruity base. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is especially bright, but a pulp-free bottled OJ works well. Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart balance, or cranberry cocktail if you prefer it sweeter.
Garnish: Maraschino cherries and an orange slice or twist add a finishing touch and a pop of color.
How to Make a Sex on the Beach
Step 1 — Fill a cocktail mixing glass or mason jar halfway with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce peach schnapps, 1 1/2 ounces orange juice, and 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice.
Step 2 — Stir gently with a bar spoon until everything is well chilled and combined.
Step 3 — Fill a hurricane glass with fresh ice and strain the mixed cocktail into the glass.
Step 4 — Garnish with maraschino cherries and an orange slice or peel twist. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice brightens the drink, but a pulp-free bottled orange juice keeps the texture smooth.
- For a more tropical twist, try a pineapple-orange juice blend instead of plain orange juice.
- Keep juices and spirits chilled in the fridge so the cocktail stays cold longer and ice doesn’t dilute the flavor as quickly.
- To serve a crowd: combine 1 1/2 cups vodka, 1 cup peach schnapps, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, and 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice in a pitcher. Stir, chill, then pour over ice and garnish when ready to serve.
Sex on the Beach Recipe FAQ
What’s in a pub-style Sex on the Beach?
Typical pub variations use 50 mL vodka, 25 mL peach schnapps, juice from two fresh oranges (or equivalent bottled OJ), and about 50 mL cranberry juice, served over ice and garnished with cherries and orange rind.
How many carbs are in a Sex on the Beach?
This recipe contains about 16 g of carbohydrates per cocktail, depending on the juices and serving size.
Is Sex on the Beach vegan?
Yes — the standard Sex on the Beach is vegan-friendly because it’s made with distilled spirits and fruit juices. Be mindful with specialty liqueurs or garnishes that might contain non-vegan ingredients.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Tequila Sunrise
- Midori Sour
- Pina Colada Rum Punch
- Rum Runner
- Hurricane Party Punch
Sex on the Beach
Julie Kotzbach
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce peach schnapps
- 1 ½ ounces orange juice
- 1 ½ ounces cranberry juice
- Ice
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice. Add vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Stir until chilled.
- Fill a hurricane glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherries. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the brands and portions you use.
If you made this cocktail, leave a comment and star rating to let others know how it turned out.