Ingredients
- 1 Part(s) Orange Juice
- 1 Part(s) Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Peach Puree
- 1 tbsp Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
- Mix Juices:
- Combine equal parts of orange juice and cranberry juice in a glass.
- Add Peach Puree:
- Stir in the peach puree to enhance the fruity flavor.
- Pour Over Ice:
- Fill a glass with ice and pour the juice mixture over it.
- Add Grenadine:
- Slowly pour in the grenadine syrup, allowing it to sink to the bottom for a layered effect.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The original Sex On The Beach cocktail likely hit the bar scene in the 1980s, a decade known for its sweet, vibrant drinks. Its exact origin is debated, with Florida and California bartenders both staking a claim. The virgin version naturally followed, a smart move to keep the party going for everyone.
This drink is a classic example of a 'mocktail,' designed to mimic popular alcoholic drinks without the booze. Think of it as a close relative to other fruit-forward non-alcoholic options like a Shirley Temple or a Virgin Piña Colada, but with a distinct cranberry and peach profile.
You'll find this one everywhere from resort bars to brunch spots, or anywhere someone wants a festive drink without the alcohol. It's a solid choice for pool parties, family gatherings, or when you just want a bit of sunshine in a glass.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet and tangy ride. Cranberry juice brings the tartness, orange juice adds a citrusy brightness, and a touch of peach nectar smooths it all out. It's a layered fruit punch, juicy and refreshing, definitely on the sweeter side, but the tart cranberry keeps it from being cloying.
This drink is completely non-alcoholic, so you're looking at 0.0% ABV. You could drink a gallon of these and still pass a breathalyzer. Think of it as a step up from a soda, offering more complex fruit flavors without any buzz.
The technique
This is a straightforward build. Fill a highball or hurricane glass with ice. Pour in your cranberry juice, orange juice, and peach nectar. Give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors. A splash of grenadine at the end will give it that signature sunset fade.
Don't skimp on the ice. This is a drink that needs to stay ice-cold to be truly refreshing. Warm fruit juice is a crime against humanity.
Want the original with alcohol?
The classic Sex on the Beach is this exact drink with 45ml of vodka and 30ml of peach schnapps doing the work the peach nectar does here. Build it the same way: ice, cranberry in first, orange floated on top, and you get the same sunset stripes with the 1987 Spring Break kick.
Exact ratios, the layering trick, and the full origin story live on our classic Sex on the Beach recipe.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Cranberry Juice
- Use
- 100% unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart kick, or a cranberry cocktail blend if you prefer it sweeter.
- Skip
- Anything artificially flavored or 'cranberry-flavored drink.' You want actual cranberry.
- Why
- It provides the essential tart backbone that balances all the sweetness. No cranberry, no Sex On The Beach.
Orange Juice
- Use
- Freshly squeezed if you're feeling fancy, otherwise a good quality pulp-free OJ.
- Skip
- Orange juice concentrate or anything with added sugars that will make it syrupy.
- Why
- Adds a bright, sunny citrus note and a touch of natural sweetness that plays well with the cranberry.
Peach Nectar
- Use
- A high-quality peach nectar or a good non-alcoholic peach syrup.
- Skip
- Artificial peach flavoring or peach schnapps (obviously, it's virgin).
- Why
- Delivers the characteristic peach sweetness and aroma that defines this drink's profile.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Virgin Sunset
- A more dramatic color gradient.
- Build with orange juice and peach nectar first, then slowly float the cranberry and grenadine on top for a layered effect.
Tropical Beach
- Pineapple power.
- Swap out some of the orange juice for pineapple juice to give it an extra tropical tang and sweetness.
Sparkling Beach
- Add some fizz.
- Top the finished drink with a splash of soda water or sparkling lemonade for a lighter, effervescent texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try pomegranate juice for a similar tart, fruity profile.
Pineapple juice or even a good quality apple juice can work in a pinch.
A splash of apricot nectar or a simple peach tea concentrate will get you close.
Any tall glass will do the job. A pint glass works, or even a large tumbler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Virgin Sex On The Beach?
A Virgin Sex On The Beach typically contains cranberry juice, orange juice, and peach nectar or syrup, often with a dash of grenadine for color.
Is Virgin Sex On The Beach alcoholic?
No, it contains zero alcohol. It's designed to be a non-alcoholic alternative to the classic cocktail.
What does a Virgin Sex On The Beach taste like?
It tastes sweet, fruity, and tangy, with dominant notes of cranberry, orange, and peach. It's refreshing and juicy.
How do you make a Virgin Sex On The Beach at home?
Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and peach nectar over ice in a tall glass. Stir gently and, if desired, add a splash of grenadine.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Mix all the juices and peach nectar in a pitcher ahead of time. Serve over ice in individual glasses.
What's the best juice for a Virgin Sex On The Beach?
Use good quality, 100% juices for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a difference.
Why is it called Sex On The Beach?
The name is purely suggestive, meant to evoke a fun, vacation vibe. It's a marketing gimmick that stuck.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
While non-alcoholic, the name "Sex On The Beach" might not be what you want to serve to kids. Call it a "Tropical Fruit Punch" if you're serving a younger crowd.
Can I turn this into the classic Sex on the Beach?
Yes. Add 45ml of vodka and 30ml of peach schnapps and you’ve got the original 1987 cocktail. We keep a separate classic Sex on the Beach recipe with the exact ratios and the layering trick.
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