Episode 100 Sex on the Beach

Ep. 100 Sex On The Beach (the drink): How Sex On The Beach Became a Cultural Icon

Welcome to Season 7 episode 100 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

Get ready for a cocktail journey that's as fun as its name suggests! In this episode, Join_Jules and Uncle Brad dive deep into the scandalous world of Sex On The Beach—the iconic 1980s cocktail that became a cultural phenomenon. We're uncovering the tantalizing history behind how this provocatively named drink burst onto the cocktail scene, tracing its roots through the wild landscape of Reagan-era mixology. Nancy would not approve.

Join us as we break down the perfect technique for crafting this classic cocktail, and Jules’ riffy-do Where’s The Beach. Then we’ll explore how the Fuzzy Navel's popularity paved the way for this drink and a slew of other attention-grabbing names. You'll get an insider's look at the drink's origin, the marketing genius behind its creation, and how it became a staple of bar menus across America.

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Quick little history of the Sex on the Beach, listen to the full episode for more

The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a fruity and refreshing drink that gained popularity in the 1980s, an era known for colorful, tropical-style cocktails. While its exact origins are debated, one of the most widely accepted stories attributes its creation to a bartender in Florida.

Legend has it that in 1987, a distributor was promoting Peach Schnapps, a relatively new spirit in the U.S. at the time, by offering bartenders incentives for selling the most. A bartender named Ted Pizio, working at a bar in Fort Lauderdale, supposedly created the drink by mixing peach schnapps with vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice—a combination that highlighted the flavors of the era.

When asked to name his new cocktail, Pizio allegedly chose "Sex on the Beach" because, as he put it, those were the two things spring breakers came to Florida for. The drink took off, becoming a staple of beach bars, nightclubs, and 1980s party culture.

Fun Facts About the Sex on the Beach Cocktail

🍑 A Schnapps-Driven Creation – The cocktail was essentially a marketing stunt to sell more Peach Schnapps, which was new to the U.S. market at the time. The campaign was a success, and the drink became a classic.

🏝 A "Vacation" in a Glass – Its tropical, fruity flavors and vibrant colors make it one of the most recognizable and easy-drinking cocktails associated with beach vacations and summer parties.

📺 Pop Culture Appearances – The Sex on the Beach cocktail has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, reinforcing its reputation as a fun, carefree party drink. It was particularly popular during the "neon" cocktail era of the '80s and '90s.

🍹 Variations Exist! – Some versions swap the orange juice for pineapple juice, use Chambord instead of cranberry juice, or even add coconut rum for extra tropical vibes.

🇩🇪 Not So Popular in Germany – Due to the suggestive name, the drink has been rebranded in some places. In Germany, it's often listed as "Fun on the Beach" or just "Beach Cocktail" in more formal menus.

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