The sex on the beach cocktail recipe is one of those classics that never really goes out of style. Fruity, vibrant and dead easy to throw together at home. It's perfect for garden parties, summer BBQs or just a lazy Friday evening when you fancy something a bit more exciting. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice, it hits that sweet spot between refreshing and indulgent. Want to skip the mixing altogether? Try Boozy's Peach On The Beach, a ready-to-drink version with all the peachy tropical flavour, zero effort required.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Serves: 1
- Glass: Highball
- Garnish: Orange wedge and maraschino cherry
- Difficulty: Easy
What Is the Sex On The Beach Cocktail Recipe?
The sex on the beach cocktail recipe has been a bar staple since the 1980s. It's widely believed to have originated in Florida, reportedly invented as a way to shift peach schnapps during spring break season. Whether that story holds up or not, the cocktail has clearly earned its place. It's fruity, smooth and just the right amount of sweet, the kind of drink that works as a party serve or a quiet afternoon treat in equal measure.
Unlike many cocktails, it doesn't require any specialist equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your drinks cabinet. That's a big part of why the sex on the beach cocktail recipe has stood the test of time for over four decades.
Sex On The Beach Cocktail Recipe: Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make one serving. Scale it up easily if you're making a jug for a crowd.
- 35ml vodka
- 25ml peach schnapps
- 40ml orange juice (fresh squeezed if possible)
- 40ml cranberry juice
- 10ml pineapple juice (optional, but recommended)
- Plenty of ice
- 1 orange wedge, to garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry, to garnish
Tip: You don't need an expensive vodka, but go for something smooth and neutral. A mid-range bottle makes a noticeable difference over the budget stuff.
How to Make a Sex On The Beach
Making this cocktail takes about five minutes from start to finish. Follow these steps and you can't go wrong:
- Fill a highball glass generously with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and peach schnapps.
- Add the orange juice, then the cranberry juice.
- Splash in the pineapple juice if you're using it.
- Stir gently until everything is combined and chilled.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.
If you want that eye-catching layered look, pour the cranberry juice last and don't stir, let it sit for a few seconds so the colours settle before you mix.
Tips for the Best Sex On The Beach Cocktail
Getting the basics right is easy enough. But a few small tweaks can take this from a decent drink to a genuinely great one:
- Chill your juices beforehand — room temperature juice will dilute the drink faster as the ice melts.
- Use fresh orange juice if you can — it has a brightness that carton juice struggles to match.
- Don't overdo the cranberry — too much and you'll lose the peach schnapps flavour that makes this cocktail so distinctive.
- Don't skip the garnish — an orange wedge and cherry makes the serve look as good as it tastes.
- Add the pineapple juice — it's technically optional, but it adds a tropical depth that works brilliantly with the peach.
- Use plenty of ice — a full glass of ice keeps the drink crisp and cold right to the last sip.
What Alcohol Is in a Sex On The Beach?
The classic sex on the beach cocktail recipe uses two spirits: vodka and peach schnapps. Vodka provides the alcoholic base without competing with the fruit flavours, it's essentially a clean, neutral carrier. Peach schnapps brings the sweetness and that characteristic peachy aroma that defines the cocktail's flavour. Together, they balance beautifully against the citrus and cranberry juices.
In terms of strength, it's a moderate cocktail. With 35ml vodka and 25ml peach schnapps, you're looking at roughly 1.5 units per serve, enough to feel it, but not so strong it overpowers the drink's refreshing character.
Sex On The Beach Variations Worth Trying
Once you've nailed the classic version, here are some fun ways to mix things up:
| Variation | What Changes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Twist | Swap cranberry for mango juice | Extra tropical vibes |
| Frozen Version | Blend with crushed ice | Hot summer days |
| Virgin Version | Remove alcohol, double the juices | Non-drinkers & designated drivers |
| Sparkling Twist | Top with lemonade or Prosecco | Lighter, more celebratory serve |
| Berry Boost | Add a splash of raspberry liqueur | Deeper berry flavour |
| Peach Vodka Version | Swap plain vodka for peach-flavoured vodka | Extra peachy intensity |
How to Make a Batch Sex On The Beach for a Crowd
This cocktail scales up brilliantly for parties. To make a jug for 6 people, simply multiply all the ingredients by six and mix everything in a large serving jug or punch bowl. Add ice just before serving to avoid over-diluting and keep a garnish bowl of orange slices and cherries nearby so guests can dress their own glasses.
Making the mix ahead of time and keeping it in the fridge (without ice) works well too. It'll stay fresh for a few hours and you can top up ice-filled glasses to order.
Sex On The Beach Cocktail Recipe FAQs
Is Sex On The Beach a strong cocktail?
Not especially. It's a moderate cocktail, similar in strength to a glass of wine. The fruit juices balance the alcohol well, which is partly why it's so easy to drink.
What glass should I use?
A highball glass is the classic choice, tall, straight-sided and roomy enough for a generous amount of ice. You could also use a large wine glass or a mason jar for a more casual serve.
Can I use flavoured vodka?
Absolutely. Peach or citrus vodka works especially well and amplifies the fruity character already in the recipe. It's a small change but it makes the sex on the beach cocktail recipe feel even more cohesive.
What is the difference between Sex On The Beach and Peach On The Beach?
They're very similar in style, but Peach On The Beach typically leans harder into the peach flavour with a more overtly tropical profile. Boozy's Peach On The Beach is a great ready-to-drink option if you'd rather skip the mixing.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, easily. Remove the vodka and schnapps, then double the juice quantities. Add a splash of peach cordial to keep that peachy sweetness, and you'll have a Virgin Sex On The Beach that still looks and tastes the part.
Why does my Sex On The Beach taste flat?
Usually it's one of three things: warm juices, too much cranberry drowning out the peach, or not enough ice. Chill your ingredients beforehand and stick to the ratios in the recipe above.
Want to Skip the Mixing?
If you love the sex on the beach cocktail recipe but don't always want the faff of measuring and mixing, Boozy's Peach On The Beach is a bar-quality ready-to-drink can with all the peachy, tropical flavour and zero effort. Perfect for festivals, BBQs, beach trips or just keeping a stash in the fridge.
Other fruity cocktails you might enjoy:
- Dragonfruit Mojito — bold, bright and tropical with a minty kick
- Hugo Spritz — light and floral, great for a sunny afternoon
- Blue Daiquiri — electric colour and a sweet tropical punch
- Pornstar Martini — passionfruit, vanilla and a whole lot of fun
The Final Pour
The sex on the beach cocktail recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser and has been for good reason since the 1980s. Fruity without being sickly, easy without being boring, it's the kind of drink you'll find yourself making on repeat all summer long. Nail the balance between the peach schnapps and cranberry juice, keep everything properly chilled, and you've got a cocktail that punches well above the effort it takes to make.
Give it a go. You'll see why it's stuck around.
