SEX ON THE BEACH
Sex on the Beach: A 1980s Spring Break Classic
Sex on the Beach was created in the late 1980s, with bartender Ted Pizio often credited with inventing the drink while working in Florida. According to various accounts, Pizio created the cocktail during a promotional contest by a peach schnapps company to sell the most product, developing a fruity drink with a provocative name to attract spring break crowds, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail combines vodka with peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. This formula creates a sweet, fruity drink with a vibrant red-orange color that appealed to casual drinkers seeking accessible, fun cocktails, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The name "Sex on the Beach" was designed to be attention-grabbing and memorable, fitting perfectly with Florida's beach party culture and 1980s spring break atmosphere. The drink's provocative name and sweet flavor profile helped it become one of the most popular cocktails of the late 1980s and 1990s, according to Punch.
The Sex on the Beach remains popular in beach bars and casual drinking establishments, though it's often dismissed by craft cocktail enthusiasts for its sweetness and artificial ingredients. Numerous variations exist with different juice combinations.
RECIPE:
1.5 oz vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps
2 oz cranberry juice
2 oz orange juice
Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Method:
Add vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
Garnish with orange slice and cherry.