Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Coconut Rum
- 0.5 oz Triple Sec
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 1 Splash(s) Grenadine Syrup
- fill with Lemonade
- Lemon
- Lime
- 1 Splash(s) Irish Cream
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 0.5 oz coconut rum, 0.5 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz lime juice, and a splash of grenadine syrup.
- Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
Pour and Garnish:
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Fill the rest of the glass with lemonade.
- Garnish with slices of lemon and lime for a refreshing touch.
Finish with Cream:
- Add a splash of Irish cream down the middle of the drink for a creamy finish.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Sex with the Bartender, like many similarly named party drinks, does not have a formal historical record. It likely emerged from a resort bar or a high-volume club environment sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. Its origin is more about a marketing gag and a good laugh than a particular bar or bartender.
This drink falls squarely into the "shooter" or "dessert cocktail" family. It shares DNA with other sweet, multi-layered, or brightly colored concoctions like the Sex on the Beach or the Slippery Nipple. What sets it apart is primarily its suggestive name, which promises a playful experience rather than a complex flavor journey.
You would order a Sex with the Bartender on a cruise ship, at a spring break destination, or during a wild night out at a casual bar. It is a crowd-pleaser for those looking for something fun, sweet, and uncomplicated. Do not expect to find it on a craft cocktail menu.
What it tastes like
While a definitive recipe is elusive, drinks with names like Sex with the Bartender typically feature a sweet and fruity profile. Common components include peach schnapps, cranberry juice, orange juice, and sometimes a creamy liqueur or a hint of grenadine. The overall taste is usually vibrant, juicy, and very easy to consume, often masking the alcohol content.
Without a specific recipe, calculating the exact ABV is impossible. However, based on similar drinks, the Sex with the Bartender is likely to be moderately alcoholic, perhaps in the 10-15 percent ABV range. This puts it roughly on par with a strong glass of wine or a couple of light beers. It is designed to be palatable, not potent.
The technique
Building a drink like the Sex with the Bartender usually involves a simple pour or a quick shake. If it is layered, the heavier ingredients go in first, topped gently with lighter ones. It is almost always served chilled, often in a shot glass or a small tumbler, sometimes garnished with a fruit slice or a cherry. Speed and presentation are key here, not intricate stirring.
The single most important technique tip for a drink of this style is to ensure all your ingredients are well chilled before mixing. This keeps the drink refreshing and prevents rapid dilution, especially if it is served as a shot or a quick sipper.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peach Schnapps
- Use
- Bols Peach, DeKuyper Peachtree, or any decent peach liqueur.
- Skip
- Peach brandy or a dry peach eau de vie. These are too intense and not sweet enough.
- Why
- Provides the quintessential sweet, fruity, and slightly artificial peach note that defines many modern party drinks. It is a flavor backbone.
Cranberry Juice
- Use
- A standard sweetened cranberry juice blend. Ocean Spray is a common choice.
- Skip
- Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. It will make the drink too tart and unbalanced.
- Why
- Adds a tart counterpoint to sweet liqueurs and contributes to the drink's often vibrant color. It is a common mixer in this genre.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Creamy Bartender
- Dessert in a glass
- Add a splash of Irish cream or creme de cacao to make it richer and more dessert like. It softens the fruit notes.
Tropical Bartender
- Island getaway in a shot
- Swap out some of the cranberry for pineapple juice or a touch of coconut rum for a more exotic, beachy vibe.
Fiery Bartender
- A little kick
- A dash of hot sauce or a muddled jalapeño can add an unexpected spicy twist to the sweet fruit profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use apricot liqueur or a blend of orange liqueur and a touch of peach syrup.
Cherry juice or pomegranate juice can offer a similar tart, fruity profile and color.
Pineapple juice or even a splash of lemon-lime soda can work in a pinch for sweetness and acidity.
Any small, narrow glass will do. A cordial glass or even a small juice glass works fine for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Sex with the Bartender?
While no single official recipe exists, this drink commonly includes peach schnapps, vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Some versions may add grenadine for color or a splash of cream.
Is Sex with the Bartender a strong drink?
It is typically a moderately strong drink, similar to a glass of wine. Its sweetness often makes the alcohol less noticeable, so pace yourself.
What does Sex with the Bartender taste like?
Expect a sweet, fruity, and approachable flavor profile. It is usually a blend of peach, cranberry, and orange, designed to be very easy to drink.
Is Sex with the Bartender a shot or a cocktail?
It can be served either way. Often, it is presented as a layered shot, but it can also be a small, mixed drink in a tumbler.
How do you make a Sex with the Bartender layered?
For a layered version, pour the denser ingredients first, usually the liqueurs, then carefully float the lighter juices on top by pouring them slowly over the back of a spoon.
What kind of occasions is this drink for?
This drink is perfect for parties, casual gatherings, spring break, or any fun, lighthearted occasion where a playful, sweet drink is desired.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely. Combine peach syrup, cranberry juice, and orange juice, then top with a splash of soda water for a virgin Sex with the Bartender.
What are some similar drinks?
If you enjoy this, you might also like a Sex on the Beach, Fuzzy Navel, or a Slippery Nipple, all of which are sweet, fruity, and fun.
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