Sex on The Beach Drink: Recipes, History, and Fun Facts for Canadians

If you’re looking to bring a splash of summer to your next gathering—or just want to sip something fruity while dreaming of warmer days—the sex on the beach drink is a classic choice. This vibrant cocktail, with its playful name and tropical vibes, has been a go-to for decades. For Canadians of legal drinking age, it’s the perfect escape from our long winters, whether you’re mixing it up at a cottage by the lake or in your backyard in Montreal. Let’s dive into its origins, why it’s so loved, and, most importantly, a whopping 10 recipe variations you can try at home. Grab your shaker (or a spoon—no judgment here), and let’s get started.

A Little History Behind the Name

The sex on the beach drink popped up in the 1980s, a time when bold flavors and even bolder names ruled the cocktail scene. One popular story credits a Florida bartender named Ted Pizio, who worked at Confetti’s Bar. In 1987, he supposedly whipped up this concoction to push peach schnapps sales during a promotion. He named it after what he thought drew spring breakers to the Sunshine State: “sex” and “the beach.” It’s a cheeky tale, though some cocktail historians point out the drink appeared in the 1982 American Bartenders School Guide to Drinks, suggesting its roots might go back even further. Either way, it caught on fast, landing on menus everywhere from TGI Friday’s to beachside dives, and even getting a nod in the 1988 Tom Cruise flick Cocktail. Today, it’s an official International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktail, cementing its status as a modern classic.

For Canadians, it’s easy to see the appeal. With our love for summer getaways—think Muskoka or Prince Edward Island—this drink feels like a little vacation in a glass, no matter the season.

The Classic Recipe and Why It Works

Before we get wild with variations, let’s start with the standard recipe. The IBA version is simple and balanced: vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. It’s sweet from the schnapps, tart from the cranberry, and citrusy from the orange—a combo that’s easy to sip whether you’re in Vancouver or Halifax. Here’s how to make it:

Recipe 1: Classic Sex on the Beach

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in vodka and peach schnapps, then add orange juice. Top with cranberry juice and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
• Source: International Bartenders Association

It’s a no-fuss drink that’s perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to kick back. The layered look—cranberry sinking through the orange—also makes it a stunner without much effort.

10 Tasty Variations to Mix Things Up

Now, let’s have some fun. The beauty of this cocktail is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re tweaking it for a party in Calgary or a quiet night in Montreal, here are 10 verifiable recipes to suit any taste. I’ve pulled these from trusted sources across the web, so you know they’re legit—and delicious.

Recipe 2: Sex in the Driveway

• Ingredients: 1 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz blue curaçao, 4 oz Sprite
• Method: Fill a glass with ice, pour in vodka, peach schnapps, and blue curaçao, then top with Sprite. Stir lightly.
• Source: RIEDEL Canada
• Notes: Swap out the orange and cranberry for a bright blue twist—perfect for a summer BBQ.

Recipe 3: Woo Woo

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 3 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Pour all ingredients over ice in a highball glass and stir.
• Source: Wikipedia
• Notes: No orange juice here—just a punchier, simpler version for cranberry lovers.

Recipe 4: Frozen Sex on the Beach

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 cup crushed ice
• Method: Blend all ingredients until slushy. Serve in a chilled glass with a cherry garnish.
• Source: Taste of Home
• Notes: A frosty treat for those hot July days in Quebeck.

Recipe 5: Pineapple Twist

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Mix over ice in a highball glass and garnish with a pineapple slice.
• Source: Delish
• Notes: Pineapple amps up the tropical vibes—great for a tiki night.

Recipe 6: Midori Melon Version

• Ingredients: 1 oz vodka, 0.5 oz Midori melon liqueur, 2 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Build over ice and stir. Garnish with an orange slice.
• Source: CopyKat Recipes
• Notes: Swaps peach schnapps for melon liqueur—a sweet, summery shift.

Recipe 7: Coconut Rum Sex on the Beach

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz coconut rum, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz orange juice, 2 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Pour over ice, stir, and garnish with a cherry.
• Source: Veggie Society
• Notes: Coconut rum brings a creamy, island feel—perfect for a Canadian winter escape.

Recipe 8: Virgin Sex on the Beach (Cuddles on the Beach)

• Ingredients: 2 oz peach nectar, 3 oz orange juice, 3 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Mix over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.
• Source: RIEDEL Canada
• Notes: Alcohol-free and kid-friendly for family gatherings in Winnipeg.

Recipe 9: Grapefruit Variation

• Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz grapefruit juice, 2 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Combine over ice and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
• Source: Liquor.com
• Notes: A tart twist that’s refreshing and unexpected.

Recipe 10: Pitcher-Ready Sex on the Beach

• Ingredients: 8 oz vodka, 4 oz peach schnapps, 16 oz orange juice, 16 oz cranberry juice
• Method: Mix in a pitcher without ice, refrigerate, and serve over ice in glasses. Garnish each with cherries.
• Source: WikiHow
• Notes: Ideal for a crowd—say, a Canada Day party in your backyard.

Tips for Canadians Making It at Home

Living in Canada, we’ve got a few things to keep in mind. Vodka’s a staple here (shoutout to brands like Tito’s or local fave Iceberg), and peach schnapps is easy to snag at the LCBO or SAQ. For juices, pulp-free orange is best unless you’re into that extra texture—your call. Cranberry juice? Ocean Spray works fine, or go fancy with a local brand if you’re feeling it. And since our summers are short, why not batch these ahead of time? Most of these recipes (except the frozen one) can sit in the fridge for a day or two—just add ice when you’re ready to pour.

If you’re hosting, set out some garnishes like orange slices or cherries from a Canadian grocer like Sobeys or Loblaws. Want to get extra festive? Toss in a cocktail umbrella—because even in Edmonton, we can pretend it’s the tropics.

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends

• The drink’s name has inspired spin-offs like “Woo Woo” and “Sex in the Driveway,” proving its cultural staying power.
• It’s been Googled enough to be called one of the world’s most-searched cocktails, per Honest & Rare.
• In the Netherlands, a 1997 rap hit by T-Spoon was named after it—talk about a legacy!

Where to Take It Next

So, you’ve got 10 solid recipes to play with—why stop there? Experiment with what’s in your fridge. Maybe swap vodka for a Canadian rye whisky, or toss in some maple syrup for a patriotic twist (just kidding—maybe). The sex on the beach drink is all about fun and flexibility, so grab your glass, hit the deck, and make it your own. Cheers to that!