Sex on the beach combines the smooth silky flavor of peach with the sweetness of Florida orange juice. The cocktail and its name date back to 1987 and Ft. Lauderdale where National Distribution launched a new product, peach schnapps, to the market. In efforts to promote sales, National devised a contest among local establishments to see who could sell the most of the newly promoted liquor. The winning business was to receive $1000, and the bartender who was responsible for the highest sales would receive $100. Ted Pizio who worked at a club named Confetti’s came up with this fruity concoction. When asked what it was called, Pizio announced “Sex on the Beach”, reasoning that the thousands of people who visit Ft. Lauderdale for spring break only come for two reasons. The beach, and sex.
This scene from the 1953 movie From Here To Eternity starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr was considered very risqué. Tame by today’s standards, this “sex on the beach” scene was quite controversial. My how times have changed.
A seemingly innocent cocktail, fruity and refreshing with a powerful punch.
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce peach schnapps
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
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Pour all of the ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
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Stir well.
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Garnish with orange, kiwi, and a cherry.
Since the popularity and the recipe for this drink was spread primarily by college students returning home from Ft Lauderdale, there seem to be as many versions of this drink as drunken memories of spring break itself. This one claims to be Pizio’s original recipe from Confetti’s.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
