Sex on the Beach Cocktail
Texas Whiskey Style
Sex on the Beach – Texas Whiskey Style
Back in 1987, a Florida bartender named Ted Pizio was handed a challenge: sell more peach schnapps during spring break. So he did what any savvy bartender would do—he created a cocktail that leaned into what he thought partiers really came to Fort Lauderdale for. Thus, Sex on the Beach was born. Or was it?
Turns out, the drink may have shown up in a 1982 book under a slightly less polished formula—equal parts Fuzzy Navel and Cape Codder. Either way, the name stuck. And so did the fruity, beachy vibes.
Whiskey in, Vodka Out
The original recipe calls for vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. But we’re not here for the original—we’re here for the Texas whiskey version.
Our take keeps the fruit-forward profile but tones down the sugar. It’s not meant to taste like the original. It’s meant to taste better.
Why We Use Pfluger Single Malt
For this riff, we use the two-time Gold Buckle-winning Pfluger Single Malt. It’s made from 80% malted barley and 20% rye, giving it a light body, a touch of spice, and a nose full of fruit—banana, stone fruit, a little cereal sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the citrus and peach, cutting through without overwhelming.
You can also experiment with other Texas whiskeys. Stryker or Rimfire bring smoke that could either lift the fruit or knock it sideways. Try them and let us know what you think.
Want something with a bit more backbone? A Texas bourbon like Garrison Brothers or Ironroot Republic will turn this cocktail into a deeper, richer pour. Ranger Creek’s rye bring apple and citrus to the mix—perfect if you want to lean into those orchard notes.
You’ll find all these brands—and more—pouring at the Texas Whiskey Festival.
Sex on the Beach Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2.25 oz Texas whiskey (we used Pfluger Single Malt)
1 oz peach schnapps
2 oz orange juice
2 oz cranberry juice
Instructions
Pour the whiskey, peach schnapps, and orange juice into a glass with ice. Stir to mix. Float the cranberry juice on top. If you want to dress it up, garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
Pro Tip: No Peach Schnapps?
Use ¾ oz of juice from canned peaches and bump the orange juice up to 2.25 oz. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sex on the Beach traditionally made with?
Vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Ours swaps vodka for Texas whiskey to add depth and character.
Can you really make it with whiskey?
Absolutely. Our version has more personality, less sugar, and it gives Texas whiskey the spotlight it deserves.
Which whiskey works best?
We love Pfluger Single Malt for its fruit-forward notes, but try Stryker, Rimfire, Garrison Brothers, or Treaty Oak if you're feeling adventurous.
More Tropical Texas Whiskey Cocktails
If you like this one, try the Whiskey Hurricane, Bourbon & Pineapple, or browse all the Texas whiskey cocktails you can make at home. Sunshine not included—but the flavor is.