This sweet, fruity, and has an memorable (whether you hate it or love it) name – the Sex on the Beach Cocktail is a classic that we always love making. No matter if you love or hate the name – the good sweet tropical flavor is always there! We hope you love this drink as much as we do.

This classic cocktail is easy to drink, simple to make, and doesn't involve hard to find liquor – vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice for a fresh and good tropical flavor. Sex and the beach cocktails make solid arty drinks, can be made in big batches, and taste light and fruity – they aren't overwhelming with a strong alcohol flavor.

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Sex on The Beach Cocktails

There are a lot of backstories people attribute to the history of the Sex on the Beach drink, but many people say it originated in the mid 1980's at Confetti's Bar in Florida. Ted Pizio, a bartender who was supposed to be moving lots of peach schnapps, came up with the name as a nod to what he thought “really” brought tourists to Florida – and decided sex and beaches were more popular than Mickey Mouse, or so the story goes.

Sex on the Beach Ingredients

First assemble the following ingredients:

Vodka (2 ounces) – Vodka provides a clean, smooth base that lets the fruity flavors shine without overpowering the cocktail.
Peach schnapps (1½ ounces) – Peach schnapps adds sweet, juicy peach flavor that gives this cocktail its signature tropical vibe.
Orange juice (3 ounces) – Orange juice brings bright citrus freshness and balances the sweetness with a sunny, refreshing taste.
Cranberry juice (3 ounces) – Cranberry juice adds a tart pop and that classic layered sunset color that makes this drink so eye-catching.
Cranberries (for garnish) – Fresh cranberries add a festive touch and a subtle burst of tartness with each sip.
Maraschino cherry (for garnish) – A maraschino cherry finishes the drink with a sweet, nostalgic garnish that's as fun as it is flavorful.

Steps to Make Sex on the Beach Cocktail

Once you have assembled the ingredients, use this method:

Prep and Stir

Pour all ingredients into a tall glass with ice and stir to combine. Fill a glass with ice and some cranberries.

Garnish and Enjoy

garnish with cranberries, orange slices, and a maraschino cherry, and serve with a straw.

Kitchen notes

Try Other Flavors –You can make this drink stronger with more vodka; or make a tasty non-alcoholic version by adding tonic water instead of vodka and using peach simple syrup instead of peach schnapps – so everyone at your party can get in on the fun!

Make it Smoky – For a smoky, good version of a sex on the beach, try swapping the vodka with mezcal or a tequila you love. Both pair deliciously with peach schnapps and add a bit of a different twist to a Sex on the Beach!

Make it Creamy – if you like creamy, rich tropical drinks, add an ounce of heavy cream and shake to mix well for a flavor a bit like a tropical creamsicle!

Sex on the Beach Slush – blend with ice to create a slushy sex on the beach that is fun to drink, similar to a margarita!

Make it Fresh – use fresh oranges and fresh grapefruit juice to give a bright, tart, less sweet fresher kick!

Sex on the Beach Drink FAQs

Can we make non alcoholic sex on the beach drinks?

Use 2 oz tonic instead of vodka and 1 1/2 ounce peach simple syrup instead of schnapps for non alcoholic sex on the beach drinks.

Can we make a Sex on the Beach without peach schnapps?

Yes—while peach schnapps is traditional, you can substitute peach juice, peach nectar, or even apricot liqueur for a similar fruity note.

Is a Sex on the Beach a strong drink?

It's considered moderately strong; the fruit juices soften the alcohol, making it easy-drinking, so it's best enjoyed slowly.

Can we make a frozen Sex on the Beach?

Absolutely—blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy, frozen version that's suited to summer parties.

Can we make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes—skip the alcohol and combine orange juice, cranberry juice, and peach nectar for a refreshing mocktail.

Other Cocktails You'll Love

If you love this easy cocktails, check out more of our favorite easy drinks!

We're rounding up some of our favorites below:

find our entire drink recipe archive here.

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Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
1½ ounces peach schnapps
3 ounces orange juice
3 ounces cranberry juice
Cranberries, for garnish
Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Method

Pour all ingredients into a tall glass with ice and stir to combine
Garnish with cranberries and a maraschino cherry and serve with a straw.