Cocktail recipe

Sex on the beach

A fruity, vodka-based cocktail with peach schnapps and tropical flavours.

Cocktail List 5 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Sex on the beach

Description

Sex on the Beach is one of those cocktails that instantly sets a fun, carefree mood. Bursting with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice, it delivers a flavour that is fruity, juicy, and refreshingly easy to enjoy. Its bright colour and playful name helped make it a huge favourite during the rise of vibrant party cocktails, but its lasting appeal comes from its taste: a lively balance of sweet peach, sharp cranberry, and fresh citrus that feels made for sunshine, holidays, and relaxed good times.

What makes Sex on the Beach so popular is its easy-drinking charm. It is simple, colourful, and full of summery character, making it perfect for beach parties, barbecues, and casual evenings with friends. Beneath its playful reputation is a cocktail that gets the balance right, offering sweetness without becoming too heavy. Light-hearted, nostalgic, and full of tropical energy, it remains a go-to choice for anyone who wants a drink that feels cheerful, refreshing, and instantly uplifting.

Ingredients

  • 40 ml Vodka
  • 20 ml Peach Schnapps
  • 40 ml Cranberry Juice
  • 40 ml Orange juice
  • 1 orange slice (for garnish)
  • 1 cherry (for garnish)

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker – Used to shake the drink with ice. Fine Mesh Strainer – Used to strain into the glass.

Instructions

  1. Measure into a shaker: 40 ml Vodka, 20 ml Peach Schnapps, 40 ml Cranberry Juice, 40 ml Orange juice.
  2. Add ice, seal the shaker and shake hard until the outside feels cold.
  3. Strain into tall glasses filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a cherry.

Recommended glassware

Highball Glass
Highball Glass (Recommended)

A tall everyday glass for mixed drinks with ice and a longer pour.

240–350 ml Tall cylindrical shape with room for ice and mixer.

Best for: Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy, Scotch Highball, Rum and Coke, Mojito variations.

Garnish: Good for wedges, spears, herbs, and long-drink garnishes.

Collins Glass
Collins Glass

A tall straight-sided glass perfect for long refreshing cocktails.

Also works well.

300–410 ml Tall, straight-sided, narrower than a highball.

Best for: Mojito, Tom Collins, Paloma, Gin Fizz, long refreshing cocktails.

Garnish: Excellent for mint sprigs, lime wedges, citrus wheels, and straws.

Quick facts

5 minutes Easy Approx. 14% ABV 1.8 alcohol units 195 kcal Ice Mocktail
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