Sex on the Beach Cocktail | Vodka & Peach Schnapps Highball with Cranberry and Orange Juice
A playful 1980s classic that mixes vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and orange juice into a bright, layered highball. Fruity, tart, and easy to love—every sip feels like summer.
The Carefree Classic
The Sex on the Beach is pure sunshine in a glass—a smooth, fruit-forward highball that balances tart cranberry, juicy orange, and sweet peach. With a clean vodka base and a blush of grenadine, it’s as nostalgic as it is refreshing.
Background
Born during the 1980s flavored-liqueur craze, this drink shot to fame thanks to its cheeky name and approachable sweetness. It remains an enduring symbol of easy-drinking fun from beach bars to brunch menus.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Vodka – the neutral base that carries the fruit flavors
- Peach Schnapps – adds sweet stone-fruit depth
- Orange Juice – brings brightness and acidity
- Cranberry Juice – adds tart contrast and color
- Grenadine (optional) – for color layering and a touch of sweetness
Equipment
Highball glass · Bar spoon · Jigger · Ice
Why It Works
This cocktail hits the sweet-tart midpoint perfectly: orange and cranberry balance the schnapps, while vodka keeps it crisp. It’s light enough for daytime drinking but flavorful enough to linger over.
Substitutions & Variations
- Tropical Twist: Swap cranberry for pineapple juice for a softer, beachy vibe.
- Spritz Style: Top with soda water and cut the grenadine for a lighter serve.
- Frozen Version: Blend with crushed ice for a slushy treat.
Helpful Tips
- Use 100 % juice for the cleanest flavor.
- Chill ingredients before mixing to minimize dilution.
- For Instagram-ready color, drizzle grenadine last and don’t stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry to complete the look.
Sex On The Beach Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz.
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 2 oz.
- 2 oz.
- 1/4 oz., optional
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add vodka and peach schnapps directly into the glass.
- Pour in orange and cranberry juice.
- Drizzle grenadine slowly for a layered look. Do not stir if you want color separation.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Colorful, refreshing, and timeless—Sex on the Beach proves that playful cocktails can still show real balance and charm.
