Ingredients
- 3 oz Cranberry Juice
- 3 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 2 oz Peach Puree
- 1 Cherry
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and peach puree over ice in a chilled glass.
Stir:
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients well.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a cherry.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This non-alcoholic spin on the Sex on the Beach is a modern creation, emerging as demand for sophisticated zero proof options grew. It is not tied to a specific historical era or region, but rather to the contemporary trend of inclusive beverage menus.
It belongs to the broad category of mocktails or zero proof cocktails. Its alcoholic relative, the Sex on the Beach, gained popularity in the 1980s, known for its sweet, fruity profile. This version separates itself by omitting the spirits, focusing purely on the vibrant juice blend.
You would typically order or serve a Safe Sex on the Beach at daytime events, poolside gatherings, or any occasion where guests might prefer or require a non-alcoholic option. It is a reliable choice for family friendly venues or for those looking for a refreshing, alcohol free treat.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet and tangy explosion of fruit. Cranberry juice provides a tart backbone, while peach nectar or syrup brings a lush, stone fruit sweetness. Orange or pineapple juice rounds it out with bright, tropical notes, creating a balanced and refreshing profile.
With zero alcohol, this drink has an ABV of 0 percent. It is comparable to a glass of fruit juice or sparkling water in terms of its alcoholic content, making it a perfectly safe and refreshing choice at any time of day.
The technique
Building a Safe Sex on the Beach is straightforward. Fill a highball or hurricane glass with ice. Add your peach component, followed by orange or pineapple juice, then top with cranberry juice. A gentle stir before serving ensures all the flavors are integrated.
The key technique here is to use plenty of ice and to consider a gentle layering for visual appeal. Pouring the denser peach syrup first, then lighter juices, can create a subtle gradient before a final stir.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Cranberry Juice
- Use
- Unsweetened or 100 percent cranberry juice. It provides necessary tartness.
- Skip
- Cranberry cocktail blends that are mostly sugar water. They will make the drink cloyingly sweet.
- Why
- It is the essential tart counterpoint to the other sweet fruit components, giving the drink its signature tang.
Peach Nectar/Syrup
- Use
- High quality peach nectar or a well made peach syrup. The flavor should taste like actual peaches.
- Skip
- Artificially flavored peach syrups. They can give the drink a candy like, unpleasant taste.
- Why
- This ingredient provides the core peach flavor that defines the "Sex on the Beach" profile, even without the schnapps.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Tropical Safe Sex
- Pineapple and coconut for an island twist.
- Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut cream or syrup for a creamier, more tropical feel.
Sparkling Safe Sex
- Lighten it up with some fizz.
- Reduce the amount of juice slightly and top the drink with soda water or sparkling lemonade for a lighter, effervescent texture.
Berry Safe Sex
- Add more red fruit goodness.
- Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of the glass before adding ice and juices for an extra layer of berry flavor.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use tart cherry juice or pomegranate juice for a similar tang and color.
Try apricot nectar or a dash of grenadine for sweetness and color, though the peach flavor will be missed.
Pineapple juice works perfectly, or even a splash of grapefruit juice for a tarter profile.
A pint glass, a large tumbler, or even a mason jar will work just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Safe Sex on the Beach?
A Safe Sex on the Beach typically contains peach nectar or syrup, cranberry juice, and orange or pineapple juice, served over ice.
Is Safe Sex on the Beach alcoholic?
No, a Safe Sex on the Beach is a non-alcoholic mocktail. It is designed to mimic the flavors of a Sex on the Beach without any alcohol.
What does a Safe Sex on the Beach taste like?
It tastes sweet, fruity, and tangy, with prominent notes of peach, cranberry, and either orange or pineapple. It is very refreshing.
How do you make a Safe Sex on the Beach?
You build it directly in a glass over ice. Typically, peach syrup or nectar goes in first, followed by orange or pineapple juice, and then topped with cranberry juice.
What is the difference between a Sex on the Beach and a Safe Sex on the Beach?
The key difference is the alcohol content. A Sex on the Beach contains vodka and peach schnapps, while a Safe Sex on the Beach contains neither.
Can I add alcohol to a Safe Sex on the Beach?
Yes, if you add vodka and peach schnapps, it essentially becomes a Sex on the Beach. You can also experiment with other spirits if you prefer.
What kind of garnish works best?
A simple orange slice, a maraschino cherry, or a lime wheel makes for a classic and attractive garnish.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Yes, as it contains no alcohol, it is a perfectly suitable and fun fruity drink for children.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
