The Sex on the Beach Cocktail Was Invented for—and During—Spring Break (Really)

In 1987, a peach schnapps company organized a contest among Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bartenders to see who could sell the most of their new peachy liqueur during the busy March vacation season. With $1,000 up for grabs, a bartender named Ted Pizio, from the city’s Confetti Bar, hit upon a combo of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Chambord. Asked why young people flocked so heavily to Florida every spring break, Pizio listed two reasons, the beach, and the sex—and the cocktail’s dubious name was born.

Whatever you think of its title, the drink is a sweetly tasty vacation sipper. Here’s how to put it together:

Ingredients |

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • .5 oz peach schnapps
  • 1.5 oz fresh orange juice
  • 1.5 oz cranberry juice
  • .5 oz Chambord
  • Orange wheel, for garnish

Method |

  • Add vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice, and Chambord to a shaker tin with ice.
  • Shake to combine and chill.
  • Strain over fresh ice in a Highball glass, and garnish with an orange wheel.