Sips on the Beach (Applebee’s-Inspired Mocktail)
A bright, fruity, alcohol-free take on the classic Sex on the Beach—peachy, citrusy, and cranberry-tart—perfect for sipping any time.
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time0 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Servings2
Ingredients
- Ice, for shaking and serving
- 4 oz peach nectar (chilled)
- 4 oz cranberry juice cocktail (chilled)
- 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible, chilled)
- 2 oz pineapple juice (chilled; optional but recommended)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda or club soda (chilled), to top
- Orange wheels, for garnish
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
- Fresh peach slices, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (or a jar with a tight lid)
- Jigger or measuring cup
- 2 highball or Collins glasses
- Bar spoon (or regular spoon)
- Citrus knife and cutting board
Instructions
- 1
Chill two highball glasses by filling them with ice or placing them in the freezer for a few minutes.
- 2
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the peach nectar, cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice (if using), and lime juice (if using).
- 3
Seal and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
- 4
Fill the chilled glasses with fresh ice. Strain the mixture evenly into the two glasses.
- 5
Top each glass with about 2 oz of lemon-lime soda or club soda. Give a gentle stir to combine without knocking out all the bubbles.
- 6
Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry. Add a peach slice if you have one. Serve immediately with a straw.
Recipe notes
- Flavor balance: For a sweeter drink, use lemon-lime soda; for a less sweet, cleaner finish, use club soda.
- No peach nectar? Substitute 3 oz peach juice plus 1 oz peach syrup, or use 4 oz white grape juice with 1/2 oz peach syrup for a schnapps-like vibe.
- Make-ahead pitcher: For 6 servings, combine 12 oz peach nectar, 12 oz cranberry juice, 12 oz orange juice, and 6 oz pineapple juice in a pitcher and chill. Pour over ice per glass and top with soda just before serving.
- Lower sugar option: Use 100% cranberry juice (not cocktail) and top with club soda; sweeten to taste with a teaspoon or two of simple syrup if needed.
- Frozen version: Blend the juices and peach nectar with 2–3 cups of ice until slushy; pour into glasses and top with a splash of soda.
- Garnish tip: A light twist of orange peel over the drink adds an aromatic lift.
Tags
MocktailNon-AlcoholicBeverageCopycatSummerPartyKid-FriendlyEasyBrunchFruity
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