Vivian Marlowe
Sex on the Beach is a cocktail that gained popularity in the 1980s. It is made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. The cocktail is known for its fruity, refreshing taste and is often served in a highball glass over ice. The alcohol content of this drink varies depending on the recipe and the brand. For example, the Clubtails Sex on the Beach cocktail in a can has 10% alcohol, while a traditional Sex on the Beach cocktail made from scratch typically has an alcohol content of around 11%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol percentage | 10-11% |
| Ingredients | Vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice, and crème de cassis |
| Recipe | Mix vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice over ice. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge. |
| Variations | "Sex in the Driveway" (made with blue curaçao and Sprite instead of orange and cranberry juice), "Woo Woo" (made without orange juice), and non-alcoholic variations ("Safe Sex on the Beach", "Cuddles on the Beach", or "Virgins on the Beach") |
| History | Created in the 1980s, possibly by Florida bartender Ted Pizio in 1987 to promote peach schnapps |
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What You'll Learn
The drink's alcohol content is 10%-11%
The "Sex on the Beach" is a popular cocktail that rose to fame in the 1980s. It is a mix of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, with some recipes adding in crème de cassis or lemon juice. The drink is typically served in a highball glass over ice, or strained into a shot or martini glass. It is a fruity, refreshing cocktail, perfect for summer and ideal for serving in large batches at parties.
The cocktail is said to have been created by a Florida bartender, Ted Pizio, in 1987, as part of a promotion to sell more peach schnapps. However, the drink was already included in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks, and its popularity was further solidified by its appearance in the 1987 movie "Cocktail", starring Tom Cruise.
The key to making a great Sex on the Beach is to use fresh orange juice, which provides the acidity needed to balance the sweetness of the schnapps. While the original recipe calls for orange juice, some prefer to substitute it with pineapple juice. The vodka used should be of decent quality and have a relatively neutral profile, allowing the schnapps and fruit flavors to take center stage.
For those who want to enjoy the taste without the alcohol, an alcohol-free variation, sometimes called "Safe Sex on the Beach", "Cuddles on the Beach", or "Virgins on the Beach", can be made by swapping the peach schnapps for peach nectar and leaving out the vodka.
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It's an IBA official cocktail
Sex on the Beach is an alcoholic cocktail that is internationally recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as an official cocktail. The IBA maintains a list of official cocktails, which are deemed to be the most requested recipes at bars worldwide. The IBA's list is akin to a canonical list for bartenders, and the "Sex on the Beach" cocktail has earned its place on this prestigious list.
The IBA's official version of the cocktail consists of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. This drink is typically built over ice in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice. The combination of vodka, a clear and versatile spirit, with the sweet and fruity flavors of peach schnapps and orange and cranberry juices, creates a refreshing and vibrant cocktail.
The "Sex on the Beach" cocktail has an interesting history. It dates back to the 1980s, specifically to the year 1987, when it was created by Ted Pizio, a bartender from Florida. The cocktail was invented to promote peach schnapps, and its unique name likely contributed to its popularity. The name "Sex on the Beach" is undoubtedly attention-grabbing and has become synonymous with a fun and fruity drink, perfect for summer days and barbecues.
As an IBA official cocktail, "Sex on the Beach" has inspired various variations and twists. The 2008 Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide, for instance, suggests a version crafted from vodka, Chambord, Midori Melon Liqueur, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Additionally, there are non-alcoholic variations, often referred to as "safe sex on the beach," "cuddles on the beach," or "virgin(s) on the beach," which are made by substituting the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives.
The IBA's recognition of "Sex on the Beach" as an official cocktail has solidified its place in the world of mixology. It has become a classic, with its own unique story and a dedicated following. The cocktail's inclusion on the IBA's list not only provides a standardized recipe for bartenders worldwide but also ensures that the legacy of its creation continues to be celebrated and enjoyed.
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It's a mix of vodka, peach schnapps, and juice
Sex on the Beach is a cocktail that gained popularity in the 1980s and is still enjoyed today, especially at beach bars and vacation spots. It is an official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association. The drink is a mix of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, with some recipes adding a squeeze of lemon juice or crème de cassis. It is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice.
The key to making the perfect Sex on the Beach is to use fresh orange juice, which provides the acidity needed to balance the sweetness of the schnapps. While any decent quality vodka with a neutral profile will work, the choice of peach schnapps can be more varied. The original Sex on the Beach recipe from the 1980s used DeKuyper, which was first released in 1984 and became popular in peach-forward drinks of that era. However, there are now many other peach brandies and liqueurs on the market that can be used to tailor the sweetness to your taste. For a classically sweet peach flavor, go-to schnapps like DeKuyper Peachtree is a good option. For those seeking a drier cocktail, a peach brandy can be substituted for the usual peach schnapps.
The alcohol content of Sex on the Beach is approximately 11 percent by volume, making it a great option for serving in large batches at gatherings or when hosting a crowd. The drink is often enjoyed during the summer months as it is refreshing and pairs well with barbecue and grilled foods.
There are also variations of the cocktail that alter the alcohol content. For example, "Sex in the Driveway" replaces the orange and cranberry juice with blue curaçao and Sprite, and a "Woo Woo" is a Sex on the Beach without orange juice. The alcohol-free variation is sometimes called "Safe Sex on the Beach", "Cuddles on the Beach", or "Virgins on the Beach", and can be made by swapping the peach schnapps for peach nectar and leaving out the vodka.
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It's served in a highball glass over ice
Sex on the Beach is a popular cocktail that typically contains about 15% to 20% alcohol by volume. The exact alcohol content can vary depending on the specific recipe and the pouring habits of the bartender, but it is generally considered a moderately strong drink. Now, let's talk about the serving style:
Being a refreshing and fruity cocktail, Sex on the Beach is typically served in a highball glass over ice. The highball glass is tall and slender, usually holding around 8 to 12 ounces of liquid. This glass is ideal for showcasing the vibrant colors of the drink, which is often a bright pink or orange, depending on the ingredients used. Serving Sex on the Beach over ice is essential to maintain the chill and slightly dilute the drink as the ice melts, given the cocktail's relatively high alcohol content.
The preparation of Sex on the Beach in a highball glass typically involves building the drink directly in the glass itself. The ice goes in first, followed by the measured amounts of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Some recipes may also call for a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice to add a tart twist. A bar spoon or long-handled spoon is then used to gently stir the ingredients, taking care not to crush the ice too much.
Garnish is also an important part of the presentation. A classic garnish for Sex on the Beach is a cherry, which adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Some recipes may also call for an orange slice or a twist of orange peel, adding a bright citrus aroma to the drink. These garnishes are usually placed on a small skewer or toothpick and rested on the rim of the highball glass, creating an inviting and visually appealing cocktail.
The highball glass and ice combination is a standard way to serve mixed drinks like Sex on the Beach because it allows the drinker to easily swirl the cocktail and appreciate its aroma. The ice chills the drink to the perfect temperature and ensures that the last sip is just as refreshing as the first. As the ice slowly melts, it also ensures that the cocktail becomes slightly more diluted over time, softening the edge of the alcohol and making it a pleasant and leisurely drink to enjoy.
In conclusion, serving Sex on the Beach in a highball glass over ice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It ensures the drink stays cool, dilutes the strong alcohols slightly, and makes for a refreshing and leisurely drinking experience. So, whether you're at a bar or making this cocktail at home, remember that the highball glass and ice are essential components to truly enjoy this fruity and vibrant cocktail.
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It's a popular drink at beach bars
"Sex on the Beach" is a popular cocktail that contains alcohol. The drink is a combination of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. It is an official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association, and its popularity has made it a common offering at beach bars. With its fruity and refreshing flavour, it is particularly well-suited for beach settings.
The exact alcohol content of "Sex on the Beach" can vary depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used. However, on average, it typically falls around 11 percent alcohol by volume. This relatively lower alcohol content compared to other cocktails makes it a great option for serving in large batches at gatherings or when hosting a crowd.
The drink's origin is somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have first appeared in the 1980s. One popular theory attributes its creation to a Florida bartender named Ted Pizio in 1987. The story goes that Pizio invented the cocktail to promote peach schnapps. However, evidence suggests that the drink was already included in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks, leaving its true origin a mystery.
Over time, "Sex on the Beach" gained widespread recognition, especially after its mention in the 1987 movie "Cocktail" starring Tom Cruise. Its catchy name, bright colour, and sweet flavour profile made it a staple on drink menus across the nation. While its popularity experienced a dip during the early 2000s with the rise of craft cocktails, it remains a beloved choice at beach bars, tropical destinations, and vacation spots.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be customised to suit individual tastes. While fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavour, some people prefer to substitute it with pineapple juice. Additionally, there are alcohol-free variations, often referred to as "safe sex on the beach," "cuddles on the beach," or "virgin(s) on the beach," which can be made by swapping the peach schnapps with peach nectar and omitting the vodka.
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Frequently asked questions
The cocktail Sex on the Beach is about 11 percent alcohol by volume.
The cocktail typically includes vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
To make a non-alcoholic version, also known as "safe sex on the beach", "cuddles on the beach", or "virgin(s) on the beach", swap the peach schnapps for peach nectar and leave out the vodka.
