Recipe

Sex on the Beach Drink

A classic, fruity cocktail with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and orange juice that tastes like vacation and takes 5 minutes.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A chilled Sex on the Beach cocktail in a tall highball glass with ice, a deep pink to orange gradient, and an orange slice garnish on a sunlit kitchen counter

Jump to Recipe

Some drinks are all vibes, no balance. This is not one of them.

A Sex on the Beach is bright, fruity, and unapologetically fun, but the best versions still taste like an actual cocktail, not melted punch. The trick is simple: cold ingredients, enough ice, and a ratio that keeps the cranberry from bullying everything else.

Make it for a summer cookout, a girls' night in, or a random Tuesday when you want your “water with lemon” era to take the evening off. No judgment. Just stir, sip, taste, and adjust like you are the bartender and also the customer.

Vodka<!-- inpage-recommendation:22973 -->, peach schnapps<!-- inpage-recommendation:22686 -->, cranberry juice, orange juice, and fresh oranges arranged on a clean kitchen counter in natural light

Why It Works

Bright, peachy, and not too sweet, thanks to cranberry’s tart edge and fresh orange flavor.
Fast and low drama. No shaker required, just build it in the glass.
Easy to scale for a pitcher without losing the balance.
Flexible. You can dial sweetness up or down, and it still tastes like the classic.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Honestly, this drink is best made fresh over ice, but you can absolutely prep it ahead for an easier night.

Pitcher (no ice)

Mix everything except ice in a pitcher.
Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours for best flavor.
Fresh orange juice will dull a bit over time and separation is normal. Just stir before serving, then pour over fresh ice so it stays bold and not watered down.

Already poured over ice

If it is already diluted, it will taste flatter. If you must save it, strain out the ice and refrigerate up to 8 hours for quality.
Freshen it when serving with a squeeze of orange or a splash more cranberry.

Common Questions

What is in a Sex on the Beach?

A common classic version is vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice served over ice. Garnish is usually an orange slice and sometimes a cherry. (Some variations also add pineapple juice, depending on where you order it.)

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

Nope. This is a build and stir situation. A shaker is nice if you want it extra cold and slightly frothy, but not required.

What vodka is best?

Any decent mid-shelf vodka works. You do not need ultra premium, but avoid anything harsh since this drink is all about smooth fruit.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes. Use 100% cranberry juice (very tart) or a less sweet cranberry blend, and use fresh orange juice if possible. You can also reduce peach schnapps slightly and add a splash of soda water.

How do I make a Sex on the Beach without alcohol?

Swap the vodka and peach schnapps for peach nectar or peach juice plus a small squeeze of lemon. Then adjust to taste: add a little simple syrup if you want that schnapps-style sweetness, or use an NA peach syrup if you keep one around. Keep the cranberry and orange, serve over ice, and you have a very legit mocktail.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

Yes. Use the pitcher measurements in the recipe. Mix in advance, chill, and serve over ice. Add garnishes right before serving so they look fresh.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Highball glass (or any tall glass)
Jigger or measuring spoons
Bar spoon or long spoon for stirring
Citrus knife and cutting board (for garnish)
Pitcher (optional for batching)

I learned pretty quickly that the best “vacation drinks” are not complicated, they are just cold and built with a little intention. The Sex on the Beach is one of those recipes that sounds like it might be a sugary mess, but when you nail the ratio, it is crisp, peachy, and weirdly refreshing. It is the kind of drink you make for friends, then immediately make again because everyone suddenly becomes a garnish critic. Fair.