Sex on the Beach

ABV 15% / 3 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Vodka

A Brief History of Sex on the Beach

The origins of the Sex on the Beach cocktail are somewhat murky, with multiple claims to its creation. It gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and quickly became a beloved classic. The provocative name of the cocktail adds to its allure, making it a fun and flirtatious choice for beachgoers and cocktail enthusiasts.

Taste and Flavour Profile

A Sex on the Beach cocktail is a harmonious blend of fruitiness and sweetness:

• Cranberry Juice: This vibrant red juice provides a tart and refreshing base note, balancing the cocktail's sweetness.

• Orange Juice: The sunny sweetness of fresh orange juice adds a bright and citrusy layer to the mix.

• Peach Schnapps: This peach-flavoured liqueur infuses the cocktail with luscious fruitiness and depth.

• Vodka: Vodka, a neutral spirit, serves as the base, adding a clean and smooth character that lets the fruity elements shine.

The result is a cocktail that's both invigorating and indulgent, a taste of paradise in a glass.

Food Pairings

To complete your beachside experience, consider these delectable food pairings:

• Seafood: The cocktail's citrusy and fruity notes make it an excellent companion to seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails, ceviche, or grilled fish.

• Tropical Fare: Enjoy Sex on the Beach with tropical cuisine such as coconut shrimp, pineapple salsa, or mango chicken.

• Light Salads: The cocktail's refreshing qualities make it a suitable match for light and fresh salads, like a citrus avocado salad or a classic Caesar salad.

• Desserts: Sip your cocktail alongside desserts like key lime pie, fruit tarts, or coconut-flavoured treats for a sweet ending to your meal.

Difficulty rating - Easy

Easy to make, but may take some trial and error to perfectly suit your palate. Just remember to stir with the straw to combine the flavours before drinking!

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Highball /hurricane glass

Ingredients

• 45ml Vodka
• 15ml Peach Schnapps
• 15ml Chambord
• 45ml Freshly squeezed orange juice
• 45ml Cranberry juice
• Ice

Method

• Shake with ice the Vodka, Chambord and cranberry juice and gently strain into the highball/hurrglass filled with ice
• Then shake with ice the Peach Schnapps and orange juice together and gently strain into the highball layering the colours
• Garnish with a orange slice, maraschino cherry and paper straw

What's the best Vodka for a Sex on the Beach cocktail?

The best vodka for a Sex on the Beach cocktail is typically a good-quality, unflavoured vodka. Here's why unflavoured vodka is the preferred choice

• Clean and Neutral Flavour: Unflavoured vodka has a clean, neutral, and crisp flavour profile. It doesn't introduce additional flavors or aromas that might interfere with the fruity and citrusy elements of the Sex on the Beach cocktail. This neutrality allows the other ingredients to shine.

• Versatility: Unflavoured vodka is highly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of cocktail ingredients. It serves as a blank canvas, allowing the cocktail's fruit juices and peach schnapps to be the stars of the show.

• Smoothness: High-quality unflavoured vodka tends to be smoother, which is desirable in cocktails like the Sex on the Beach, where a clean and balanced flavour profile is essential.

• Purity: A good-quality vodka ensures that you're starting with a pure and well-distilled spirit, which contributes to the overall quality of the cocktail.

When selecting vodka for your Sex on the Beach cocktail, consider popular brands known for their quality and purity. It's not necessary to opt for the most expensive vodka, but choosing a well-regarded and reputable brand will enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of the cocktail.

Its clean and neutral characteristics allow the fruity and citrusy components of the cocktail to shine, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing drink reminiscent of a day at the beach.