Noah Vinter
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a sweet and refreshing drink that gained popularity in the 1980s. It is typically made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, creating a fruity and tropical flavour profile. The drink is often served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with cocktail cherries and orange slices. While the exact origin of the cocktail is unknown, it is believed to have been created by a Florida bartender during the 1980s to promote the sale of peach schnapps. The memorable name and unique taste of Sex on the Beach have made it a well-known and beloved cocktail worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base Alcohol | Vodka |
| Liqueur | Peach Schnapps |
| Fruit Juices | Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice |
| Optional Fruit Juices | Pineapple Juice |
| Optional Additions | Crème de Cassis, Cherries, Orange Slice |
| Variations | "Sex in the Driveway", "Woo Woo", "Safe Sex on the Beach", "Cuddles on the Beach", "Virgin(s) on the Beach" |
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Vodka options
The Sex on the Beach cocktail includes vodka as one of its core ingredients. However, the choice of vodka is flexible, and almost any decent quality vodka will work. The role of the vodka is to provide a neutral base that allows the schnapps and fruit flavours to take centre stage. As such, a relatively neutral vodka is the best option.
For those who are new to drinking or do not like the taste of vodka, the good news is that Sex on the Beach is loaded with fruit juice, which takes the edge off the alcohol. The drink's signature combination of cranberry and orange juice, along with peach schnapps, means that the vodka is not overpowering. This makes Sex on the Beach a good option for those who want a cocktail without a strong alcoholic taste.
When choosing a vodka for Sex on the Beach, it is recommended to opt for a neutral profile vodka that will complement the other ingredients rather than compete with them. This allows the schnapps and fruit flavours to shine through. While the specific brand of vodka is not the most important factor, some popular options include Absolut Vodka or Archers, as suggested by a Reddit user.
Ultimately, the choice of vodka is flexible, and any decent quality, relatively neutral vodka will suffice. The key is to ensure that the vodka does not overpower the other ingredients, especially the peach schnapps and fruit juices, which are what give the cocktail its signature flavour profile.
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Peach schnapps
The exact origins of the Sex on the Beach cocktail are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the 1980s, possibly by a Florida bartender as part of a promotion for a liquor distribution company. However, the drink was included in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks, suggesting it may have been invented earlier. The cocktail gained widespread attention after appearing on cocktail lists at TGI Friday's and being featured in the 1987 film "Cocktail" starring Tom Cruise.
The choice of peach schnapps for a Sex on the Beach cocktail can vary according to taste. The original cocktail typically used DeKuyper, but other options include Drillaud Creme de Peach for a more complex peach profile, or Montbisou Peche. For a drier cocktail, peach brandy can be substituted for peach schnapps.
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Orange juice
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a drink with a memorable name and a tropical flavour profile. It is a combination of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. The drink is built over ice in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice and cherries. The orange juice is key to making the best Sex on the Beach, as it provides the acidity necessary to balance the sweetness of the schnapps.
The exact origin of the cocktail is unknown, but popular lore has often pointed to a Florida bartender who was said to have created the drink in the 1980s as part of a liquor distribution company's promotion to sell peach schnapps. However, the drink was included in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks, so its history remains a mystery.
The IBA official cocktail recipe calls for vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. However, there are many variations of the drink. Some recipes include crème de cassis, which adds a touch of blackcurrant depth and sweetness to the cocktail. Other recipes substitute pineapple juice for orange juice, and one variation, called "Sex in the Driveway," replaces the orange juice and cranberry juice with blue curaçao and Sprite.
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a simple and refreshing drink, perfect for those who don't drink often or are new to alcohol. It is bursting with fruity flavours and doesn't have a strong alcoholic taste. For a virgin or kid-friendly version, the vodka can be replaced with a soda or ginger ale, and the peach schnapps can be swapped for peach nectar.
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Cranberry juice
The typical recipe for a Sex on the Beach cocktail includes two parts vodka, one part peach liqueur (or peach schnapps), one part orange juice, and one part cranberry juice. This ratio can be adjusted to personal preference, and some recipes suggest adding a touch of crème de cassis for a hint of blackcurrant depth. However, this will make the drink sweeter, so the amount of peach liqueur or schnapps may need to be reduced to taste.
While fresh orange juice is recommended for its zesty freshness, the type of cranberry juice used can vary. Good quality cranberry juice will provide a natural tartness that complements the peach liqueur's fruitiness. However, the cranberry juice can be substituted with pomegranate or cherry juice to tailor the drink to personal preferences or ingredient availability.
The preparation method for a Sex on the Beach cocktail is straightforward. The ingredients are typically shaken or stirred with ice in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice and cocktail cherries. Some prefer to stir the cocktail directly in the glass to preserve the vibrancy of the fruit juices and create a colour gradient for added visual appeal.
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is known for its playful name and fruity profile, which made it a popular drink in the 1980s and 1990s. While its exact origins are unclear, it is often associated with Florida and was included in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks. The drink's memorable name, vibrant appearance, and easy preparation continue to make it a staple in modern cocktail culture.
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Creme de cassis
Crème de cassis, also known as cassis liqueur, is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. It is commonly used to add a sweet, tart blackberry flavour to cocktails. While crème de cassis is a speciality of Burgundy, it is also produced in other regions, including Anjou, England, Luxembourg, Alberta, Quebec, Vermont, and Tasmania, and Alsace, France. The quality of the liqueur depends on the variety of fruit used, the content of the berries, and the production process.
The modern version of crème de cassis first appeared in 1841, replacing the "ratafia de cassis" produced in prior centuries. In 2015, a new protected geographical indication (PGI) "Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne" was approved, guaranteeing the Burgundian origin and the minimum quantity of berries used in its production, specifically the Noir de Bourgogne variety. If the berries originate from Dijon, the label may state "Crème de Cassis de Dijon".
Crème de cassis is commonly used in cocktails such as the Kir, Kir Royale, tequila sunrise, and El Diabolo. It can also be served as an after-dinner liqueur or as a frappé. The traditional way to use crème de cassis is to make a Kir cocktail, which also includes a bottle of Aligoté, an acidic, dry white wine from Burgundy. Other dry white wines, like Riesling, can also be used. For a fancier version, one can substitute Crémant de Bourgogne, Champagne, or sparkling Chenin Blanc to create a Kir Royale.
For a modern twist on crème de cassis, C. Cassis is a light purple-hued liqueur inspired by New York state's abundance of blackcurrants. It aims to capture the acidity, depth, and herbaceousness of fresh blackcurrants, moving away from the typical concentration and sweetness of blackcurrant liqueurs.
In the Sex on the Beach cocktail, crème de cassis is not a necessary ingredient but is a popular addition that can enhance the drink with a touch of blackcurrant depth. However, as it contributes sweetness, the amount of peach schnapps may need to be adjusted to taste.
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Frequently asked questions
A Sex on the Beach cocktail typically contains vodka and peach schnapps.
Yes, some variations of the cocktail use gin, spiced rum, and elderflower. Another variation replaces the vodka with ginger ale, club soda, or lemon-lime soda.
The cocktail is typically garnished with cocktail cherries and orange slices.
