Sex on the Beach

The origins of the Sex on the Beach are shrouded in mystery. This beverage appeared on the scene in the early 80s, precipitated by the introduction into the market of DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps and Suntory's Midori Melon Liqueur. There are two basic strains of this drink, upon which are build numerous variations. Indeed, this drink is a good illustration to how there is often no "proper" recipe for a drink.

The first type, and arguably the original incarnation, is a logical evolutionary progression from the Fuzzy Navel and the Hairy Navel. It is essentially a Hairy Navel with cranberry juice.

The second type uses Chambord (or Razzmatazz) and Midori in place of peach schnapps, and pineapple juice instead of orange juice.

Other variations have combined features of the above two recipes, used rum instead of vodka, or have added Malibu or amaretto to the mix.

In any event, a Sex on the Beach should have cranberry juice. Bars in areas where cranberry juice is less available have been known to substitute grenadine.

Basic recipes

Here are the two basic versions, upon which a myriad other recipes are based. Proportions are omitted.

Sex on the Beach #1

• Vodka
• Peach schnapps
• Orange juice
• Cranberry juice

Shake and strain over ice into Collins glass.

Sex on the Beach #2

• Vodka
• Midori Melon Liqueur
• Chambord or Razzmatazz
• Pineapple juice
• Cranberry juice

Shake and strain over ice into Collins glass.

Published Recipes

Official IBA recipe

• 2 parts (4.0 cl) Vodka
• 1 parts (2.0 cl) Peach Schnapps
• 2 parts (4.0 cl) Orange juice
• 2 parts (4.0 cl) Cranberry juice

Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange slice.

Drinkmixer.com

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Peach schnapps
• 2 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Orange juice

Add vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice. Fill with equal measures of cranberry juice and orange juice, and stir.

Drinknation.com

• 1 1/2 oz. Peach schnapps
• 1 1/2 oz. Vodka
• 2 oz. Cranberry juice
• 2 oz. Orange juice
• 2 oz. Pineapple juice

Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass with ice.

Mr. Boston Official Bartender's & Party Guide

• 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Melon Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• Cranberry Juice.

Stir with ice and strain into a cordial or shot glass. Top with cranberry juice.

TGI Friday's recipe

• 3/4 oz. Vodka
• 3/4 oz. Midori
• 3/4 oz. Chambord
• 1 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice

Mix well and pour over ice.

Related Cocktails

• Safe Sex on the Beach: a "virgin" beverage made with cranberry juice, orange juice and peach nectar in a 3/3/2 ratio.
• Hairy Navel: vodka, peach schnapps and orange juice
• Woo Woo: vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice