There are a few cocktails that just scream summer, and the Sex on the Beach is definitely one of them. It’s one of those drinks that sounds a bit more scandalous than it is, but the name definitely sticks in your memory.

What you get is a brilliantly refreshing, fruity sip that absolutely lives up to its vacation-ready name. It tastes like a sunset in a glass, sweet and tart and impossibly easy to drink.

I first had one on a patio years ago, and it just instantly became my go-to for hot afternoons. It’s not a fussy cocktail, which I love. You don’t need any fancy tools, just a glass and a few juices you probably already have.

It’s the kind of drink that makes any backyard feel a little closer to the ocean. Let’s make one.

What is a Sex on the Beach Cocktail?

If you're new to this drink, don't let the name throw you off. At its heart, the Sex on the Beach is a vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail built for pure enjoyment.

It was born in the 1980s, a time known for big flavors and fun, approachable drinks. The goal was simple, to create something incredibly delicious and visually appealing that anyone would love.

The magic is in the combination of spirits and juices. You get the clean kick of vodka, the sweet stone fruit flavor of peach schnapps, and then the wonderful tartness of cranberry and orange juice.

They all come together to create a flavor that’s somehow both familiar and exciting. It’s sweet, but not cloying, and has a beautiful sunset color that just makes you happy to look at.

It’s a social drink, a celebratory drink, and honestly, a perfect "I survived that Tuesday" drink. It’s versatile like that.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

One of the best things about this cocktail is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to make something truly special. Here is what you’ll want to gather.

• Vodka: This is your neutral spirit base. It provides the alcohol backbone without competing with the fruit flavors. A standard, decent-quality vodka works perfectly here.
• Peach Schnapps: This is the signature flavor. It brings a lovely, sweet peach essence that defines the drink and ties the other juices together beautifully.
• Orange Juice: Use a good pulp-free juice for a smooth texture. It adds a bright, sunny citrus note and a touch of natural acidity.
• Cranberry Juice Cocktail: This is key for the signature color and tart balance. I say "cocktail" specifically because the sweetened blend works better than pure, unsweetened cranberry juice, which can be too bitter.
• Ice: Plenty of fresh ice is non-negotiable. It chills the drink quickly and keeps it refreshing from first sip to last.
• Garnish (Optional but Recommended): An orange slice or a maraschino cherry adds that final festive touch. It makes the drink feel complete.

How to Make Sex on the Beach?

The process is wonderfully straightforward. We’re building this drink directly in the glass, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying it. Here is your simple, step-by-step guide.

Step 1 – Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

First, take a moment to get everything out. You'll need a highball glass, which is just a tall, straight-sided glass. It’s the perfect vessel for this drink.

Get your bottle of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice out on the counter. Having it all ready makes the process flow so smoothly, you’ll feel like a professional bartender.

This "mise en place" approach is a game-changer, even for simple recipes. It prevents that frantic search for the cranberry juice halfway through.

Step 2 – Build the Spirit Base

Fill your highball glass to the top with fresh, crisp ice. The sound of the cubes clinking is the official start of cocktail hour.

Now, pour your measured vodka and peach schnapps directly over the ice. I love watching the clear liquids cascade down into the glass, knowing the magic is about to happen.

You can give it a very gentle stir at this point to just start combining the spirits. They’ll mix fully once we add the juices, but this gets things moving.

Step 3 – Add the Juicy Character

This is where the color and the real flavor develop. Slowly pour in your orange juice next. It will mix with the clear spirits and turn the whole thing a cheerful, pale orange.

Then, take your cranberry juice and pour it in. Here’s a little bartender’s trick, you can pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to help it layer slightly, or just pour it right in.

If you pour it directly, it will create those beautiful swirls and gradients that look like a beach sunset. It’s a gorgeous effect, and it’s completely effortless.

Step 4 – Garnish and Serve Immediately

Your cocktail is essentially ready. Give it one more gentle stir with a long spoon to blend everything into a harmonious, unified flavor.

Now, slide an orange slice onto the rim of the glass, or drop a cherry in. This isn’t just decoration, it adds a hint of aroma as you drink.

Serve it right away, with a straw if you like. The ice is fresh, the colors are vibrant, and the taste is at its absolute peak. Take that first refreshing sip and enjoy.

My Favorite Variations to Try

The classic recipe is fantastic, but part of the fun of a drink like this is making it your own. Over the years, I’ve played around with a few twists that are absolutely worth trying.

Swapping the vodka for coconut rum is a phenomenal move. It gives the whole drink a tropical, piña colada vibe that’s incredibly delicious. It feels even more like a beach vacation.

Using pineapple juice instead of orange juice is another popular switch. It makes the drink sweeter and more distinctly tropical. I sometimes do half orange, half pineapple for the best of both worlds.

If you have flavored vodka on hand, this is the time to use it. A citrus vodka enhances the bright notes, while a vanilla vodka adds a subtle, creamy undertone that’s surprisingly good.

Feel free to get creative. The basic formula of spirit, peach liqueur, and tart/sweet juices is a wonderfully adaptable canvas for your own ideas.

Serving and Occasion Ideas

This cocktail is inherently social. Its cheerful appearance and crowd-pleasing taste make it ideal for gatherings. I almost always make them in batches when friends come over.

It’s the star of any summer barbecue or pool party. You can easily mix a large pitcher of the spirits and juices ahead of time, then pour over individual glasses of ice when guests arrive.

I also think it’s a perfect brunch cocktail. It’s fruity and not too heavy, pairing wonderfully with both sweet pastries and savory egg dishes. It just feels like a celebratory morning.

For a simple weeknight treat, one single cocktail feels like a mini-vacation. It’s a great way to signal the transition from work time to your own personal time, a little ritual I truly cherish.

Tips

A few small pointers can really elevate your cocktail from good to exceptional. These are the little things I’ve learned that make a noticeable difference.

• Always use cold juices straight from the refrigerator. This keeps your drink icy cold without having to use excessive ice that waters it down too quickly.
• Invest in a simple jigger for measuring. Eyeballing liquor can lead to a drink that’s too weak or too strong. Balance is key, and a jigger ensures you get it right every single time.
• If you’re making more than two drinks, consider mixing a batch in a pitcher. Just combine everything except the ice, stir well, and chill it. Pour over fresh ice when serving for consistent flavor and ease.
• For a lighter version, you can use diet cranberry juice or reduce the amount of peach schnapps slightly. The drink will be less sweet but still retain its essential character.
• Don’t skip the garnish. That orange slice or cherry really does complete the experience. It shows you took that extra moment to make it special, whether for yourself or a guest.

Making a Sex on the Beach is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about capturing a feeling of ease and enjoyment in a glass.

It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious. So grab your ingredients, fill a glass with ice, and mix up a little taste of summer, no matter what the calendar says.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a true classic for a reason, and I have a feeling it might become a new favorite in your rotation too. Cheers.