1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Spring break, sand volleyball, bikinis, and Sex on the Beach; all mark the end of a long bitter winter and the beginning of fun in the sun. While some may view Sex on the Beach as a girlie cocktail with its pinkish hue and fruity flavor, there was a time when this particular drink topped cocktail lists in the hottest bars across the country due to the name alone. This drink has taken on a life of its own with variations such as Creamy Sex on the Beach, Oral Sex on the Beach, Quick Sex on the Beach, Sex on the Brain, Sex on the Pool Table, or even Sex with the Bartender.

Although it is difficult to pinpoint when or where the first Sex on the Beach cocktail originated, there is no doubt what makes for a good one. The Sex on the Beach cocktail is classified within the New England Highball family of drinks. All New England Highballs contain cranberry juice. From there various liqueurs or juices are added to create the other cocktails within this family grouping.

The key to creating a fabulous Sex on the Beach is the right ratio and quality of ingredients brought to the shaker. While Chopin vodka with its four times distillation is fabulous for a straight up martini, it is not necessary for your average highball. A good quality average Joe vodka is essential. Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka is the ideal vodka for most average mixers. It has a clean taste rather than that nose turning, rubbing alcohol scent that most lower end and even some flashier advertised vodkas share. An additional benefit is the eleven flavors Smirnoff has introduced to the market including blueberry, which mixes wonderfully with Caravella Limoncello.

Whenever possible fresh fruit juices make the difference between a ho hum cocktail and a "Wow!" cocktail. If fresh juices are not available, at least do not forget to garnish the drink. Garnishing is the finishing step. There are some cocktails that a garnish is merely an accessory to pretty the glass up a bit. However, more often than not garnishing adds just that little extra hint of flavor to the cocktail. Whether it is slightly pungent from citrus twists, sweet from the syrup of maraschino cherries, or briny like dunked olives, every garnish serves its purpose in a cocktail.

Sex on the Beach

1 and 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Peachtree Schnapps
1/4 ounce Chambord
2 ounces Cranberry Juice
2 ounces Pineapple Juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled 1/3 full of ice. Shake 10 15 seconds until frothy. Strain into a highball glass filled 1/2 to 2/3 full of ice. Garnish with a skewer of fresh pineapple chunks.

For those who would like to enjoy Sex on the Beach all day, this is a little something I concocted that is non alcoholic.

Faux Sex on the Beach

3 ounces Pineapple juice
2 ounces Cranapple juice
1/4 ounce Raspberry syrup (found on the coffee aisle)
2 ounces Apricot nectar
Club Soda

Pour all ingredients except Club Soda into a cocktail shaker filled 1/3 full of ice. Shake 10 15 seconds. Pour into a highball glass filled 1/2 to 2/3 full of ice. Top off with Club Soda. Garnish with a skewer of fresh pineapple chunks & maraschino cherries.

Learn more about this author, The Intoxicologist.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Drink recipes: Sex on the Beach?
We want to hear your view. Write now!