Bliss on the Beach Cocktail

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

A fruity vodka cocktail, it's hard to resist a bliss on the beach. More commonly known under the provocative name, sex on the beach, it has been a popular cocktail since the 1980s. There are many recipes for this drink because bartenders often came up with their own versions as it spread across the U.S. This is one of the most common versions, though it also has a few variables.

Bliss on the beach recipes have two main things in common: vodka and lots of fruit flavors. The majority also include peach schnapps and orange and cranberry juices. Essentially a spiked tropical fruit punch that's a cross between the fuzzy navel and Cape Codder, it's very easy to mix up and rather delicious, especially on a hot summer day.

You may want to add your own twist by switching to a flavored vodka as well. Start out with either strawberry or coconut as they're both fun additions, but don't stop there. The sweet blend of fruit flavors will host almost any vodka you want to pour.

Bliss on the Beach Cocktail

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

"Sex sells. This drink is all about the name. It's unforgettable, great branding. It’s basically a spiked fruit punch, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's worth adding a touch of lemon or lime juice to balance things out. A little soda water and a bit less juice doesn't hurt either." —Tom Macy

Bliss on the Beach Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka

  • 3/4 ounce peach schnapps

  • 1/2 ounce crème de cassis liqueur

  • 2 ounces orange juice

  • 2 ounces cranberry juice

  • Orange slice, for garnish

  • Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Bliss on the Beach Cocktail ingredients

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, pour all of the ingredients.

    cocktail shaker, bowl with ice and cocktail ingredients

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  3. Shake well.

    shake the cocktail ingredients in the cocktail shaker

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  4. Strain into a highball glass packed with ice.

    strain the cocktail into a glass with ice

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  5. Garnish with the orange slice and maraschino cherry. Serve and enjoy.

    Bliss on the Beach Cocktail garnished wither cherries and an orange slice

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Tip

Recipe Variation

  • Pineapple juice is a common substitute for orange juice in this drink.

Is There a Good Substitute for Crème de Cassis?

Crème de cassis is a black currant-flavored liqueur that also makes an appearance in the Kir and Chimayó cocktails. While not essential in the bar, it's a nice, inexpensive liqueur to have around. Though it's key in the more traditional bliss on the beach recipe, its infrequent use in the bar has caused many to turn to Chambord as a substitute; the difference between the black currant and black raspberry liqueurs is not significant. Grenadine can also be used.

Where Was the Sex on the Beach Created?

It is without fail that the true origins of many famous cocktails are a little hazy. This drink is no different and there are a few popular stories circulating. One of the more common accounts for this cocktail's creation points to 1987 and the rise of peach schnapps. Reportedly, liquor distributor National Distribution held a contest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to see which bartender could sell the most peach schnapps. Ted Pizio from the bar Confettis won the $1000 prize thanks to his mix of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and grenadine. He gave it the name because "sex on the beach" was one of the main reasons to spend spring break in Ft. Lauderdale. While that is a great story, according to some bartenders who worked in the '80s, this was not the drink's first appearance. Some claim to have mixed the drink as early as 1981. There are also stories from that early that refer to the Chambord version under the name "Florida sunset."

Why Is It Called Sex on the Beach?

Since the origin is unclear, the true meaning behind the name is as well. However, it likely stems from a scenario similar to the spring break theory. The '70s and '80s were filled with tall, fruity, vodka-based drinks and many had the funky, sexy, and sometimes wacky names that get stuck in the minds of drinkers. "Sex on the beach" is great for selling drinks, though we like to call it "bliss on the beach" because everyone should be comfortable talking about this great drink.

How Strong Is the Bliss on the Beach?

The bliss on the beach is made primarily of nonalcoholic mixers, so it's not as strong as you might expect. Typically, the alcohol content falls in the 11 percent ABV (22 proof) range. It is a very average mixed drink, but it's easy to drink, too. This one can sneak up on you.

What Mixes Well With Peach Schnapps?

Peach schnapps is a sweet, fruity liqueur that's a common fixture in bars. Its strength varies, from 20 percent to 50 percent ABV (40 to 80 proof), so some peach schnapps can be stronger than the average vodka. You can drink peach schnapps straight, though some can be rather syrupy and better served on the rocks. It's also a versatile mixer and the key ingredient in many peach cocktails. It pairs well with other fruits, including cranberry juice in the woo woo cocktail, though it's also delicious when mixed with hot chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
248 Calories
0g Fat
29g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 248
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 60mg 302%
Calcium 30mg 2%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 218mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)