Sex On The Beach And Other Cocktails To Get Your 80s Party Swinging
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Chantel is a Brisbane-based marketing and graphic designer who thinks through visualisations and plans through ipad sketchs. You will find her planning themed parties, renovating houses and caravans, as well as upcycling furniture.
Like 80's fashion, 80's cocktails were not subtle, they were loud and brash in look, taste and in name. Sugary liqueurs, packaged juices and tiny shots of layered neon and milky substances were the order of the day, often all in the same glass. These sugar bombs were named primarily after sexual innuendos, because asking the bar tender for an Orgasm was how people rolled in the 80’s.
Yes, it’s time to embrace those Slippery Nipples and get ready for Sex on the Beach - it's 80's cocktail party time again!
Here are 7 party favourites simple enough to mix up in your kitchen, even after a few bev’s have been served.
1. Orgasm
The name, if it wasn't controversial enough, is also referred to as a "Screaming Orgasm" due to the addition of vodka. This popular, creamy drink can be served on the rocks or as a shot.
You’ll Need:
- 20ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 20ml Kahlua
- 20ml Vodka (try these!)
- 20ml Amaretto
- 20ml Cream
- Cherries for Garnish
Directions: Combine all ingredients over ice in an old fashioned glass and give it a good stir. Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Image source: Wikipedia
2. Sex On The Beach
If fruity-vibes are your thing, then Sex on the Beach is sure to become your go-to party drink (if it isn't already).
You’ll Need:
- 10ml Peach Schnapps
- 40ml Vodka (try these!)
- 60ml Orange Juice
- 60ml Cranberry Juice
- Garnish of choice
Directions: It’s as easy as adding ice to your glass and topping with the ingredients in the order listed above. You can choose to garnish with a slice of orange and/or cherry on the edge of the glass.
Image source: The Bar
3. Blue Lagoon
Only three ingredients, what could go wrong? Well, not much when making it but who can say after you've downed a few.
You’ll Need:
- 30ml Vodka (try these!)
- 30ml Blue Curacao
- Lemonade
- Garnish of choice
Directions: Simply add ice and all the liquids to a shaker, shake it up enough to chill the ingredients, then pour into your cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of orange, lime, mint or a cherry - enjoy.
Image source: Shake Drink Repeat
4. Slippery Nipple
This sweet and flavourful shot requires a little skill to ensure the layers are kept separate between pours, therefore, we recommend using the back of a spoon to gently pour each ingredient into the shot glass. The ratio of each ingredient is really up to you - equal parts of each, or a thinner layer of grenadine and Baileys, making the sambuca the star of the show. Either way, the defined layers are what make this a Slippery Nipple.
You’ll Need:
- Grenadine (Red Syrup)
- Sambuca
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Optional red glazed cherry (stem removed)
Directions: In a tall, clear shot glass, gently add grenadine, carefully topped with sambuca, and then finish with a layer of Baileys to float on top. You may choose to place a red glazed cherry at the bottom before pouring - yes this signifies the slippery nipple. Now don’t over think it and take your shot!
Image source: A Spicy Perspective
5. Tequila Sunrise
As with most of these cocktails, the alcohol can be substituted for your preferred choice. This recipe is also very well-known as “Vodka Sunrise,” using vodka in replacement of the tequila.
You’ll Need:
- 45ml Tequila (try these!)
- 90ml Orange Juice
- 15ml Grenadine
- Garnish of choice
Directions: Measure out the tequila and orange juice into a glass of ice. Pour the grenadine slowly down the inner edge of the glass and watch it sink to the bottom to give it that sunrise two-tone glow. Some people like to add a chilli and lemon slice to the tequila version of the sunrise, but if you have opted for vodka, you may want to garnish with a slice of orange instead.
Image source: Isabel Eats
6. Dirty Banana
If your party guests are requesting a creamy cocktail but you’re also feeling super lazy, you’ll love the Dirty Banana. It is the ultimate quick blend-up cocktail that is uber tasty.
You’ll Need:
- 45ml White Rum (try this!)
- 30ml Kahlua
- 30ml Milk
- 30ml Cream
- A Banana
Directions: Chuck all the ingredients in a blender, pour into a chilled glass, garnish with a banana slice, and you’re done! Um, yeah, told ya you’d love it.
Image source: Cocktail Kit
7. Long Island Iced Tea
This has to be the cocktail that packs the most punch, but also requires patience as it appears to contain every alcohol on the liquor shelf. If you’re making cocktails for a group of people feel free to adjust the measurements (multiply by number of people) and make this one in a large jug or punch bowl to save yourself precious drinking time.
You’ll Need:
- 15ml Tequila
- 15ml Vodka
- 15ml White Rum
- 15ml Gin
- 30ml Lemon Juice
- Cola
- Slice of Lemon
Directions: You can’t really mess this one up when all you have to do is add the alcohol and lemon juice into a glass (or jug), add ice, top with cola and a slice of lemon. Voila! You've got yourself a real party-starter.
Image source: Simple Joy
If you want to choose cocktails purely based on their names, just to see your guests reactions as you announce the next round, here are some more 80's favs:
