Sex on the Beach is a perfect warm-weather treat that quenches one's thirst, yet leaves a desire for just one more. According to the International Bartender's Association, the cocktail is traditionally made with peach schnapps liqueur, as well as orange and cranberry juice, which gives it a vibrant color.
The History of the Beverage
A variety of stories have been attributed to the invention of this drink. One account states that in 1987, the drink was created in response to a contest, which was carried out to highlight and sell peach schnapps. A bartender in Florida, was credited with devising the concoction, and naming it after the favorite Spring-break pastimes of visiting college students. The San Francisco Chronicle attributed the cocktail to a group of students, from the University of Vermont, in the early 1980s. Regardless of where, when and how the Sex on the Beach beverage came to be, it remains a popular drink with a catchy name.
Necessary Equipment
- Collins, highball or hurricane glasses
- Cocktail shaker
- Fancy toothpicks
Ingredients and Variations
Northern Version:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 tbsp cocktail cherry liquid and a few cherries
- Pineapple wedges
Southern Version:
- 1 oz vodka
- 3/4 oz Chambord (black raspberry liqueur)
- 3/4 oz Midori (melon liqueur)
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp cocktail cherry liquid
Putting it all Together
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Begin making the drink by adding the vodka, and following with the remaining liquid ingredients, in the order in which they are listed. Shake until frothy, and pour into a Collins glass.
The Southern version is normally served without a garnish. Add a swirl of grenadine to the Northern version for a tropical color. Garnish it with cherries, alternated with pineapple wedges, and skewered on a fancy toothpick.
*Preceeding recipes adapted from the Web TV Bartenders series on You Tube.
Sex on the Brain
A layered version which resembles a stop light, is a fun and colorful twist to the original beverage. This recipe adapted from drinkswap.com.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz Midori liqueur
- pineapple juice
- cocktail cherry liquid
- 1 tbsp sloe gin
Fill a Collins glass with ice and insert a straw, to ensure that the mixture will not disperse, after it is layered. Add the peach schnapps, vodka, lime and Midori liqueur. Carefully spoon pineapple juice on the top, followed by the cocktail cherry liquid. Finish off with a tablespoon of sloe gin, as the final layer. Use the colorful garnish from the Northern version of the Sex on the Beach cocktail.
Additional Ideas
- Experiment with additional ingredients such as triple sec, amaretto, lime juice, blackberry schnapps, Bols raspberry liqueur or a flavored Malibu rum.
- For a tall drink, use a highball or hurricane glass.
- Omit the vodka for a Safe Sex on the Beach drink.
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