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Try this Fuzzy Navel recipe, that classic drink that pairs with orange juice and peach schnapps for a refreshingly smooth sip! Here are a few tricks to take it to the next level.
The Fuzzy Navel has a reputation that precedes it. This fruity party drink is a child of the 1980s, a marriage of peach schnapps and orange juice. Like many drinks of that era, it’s sweet and uses a trendy ingredient. But guess what? This drink is pretty darn tasty.
In fact, you can make a classy Fuzzy Navel drink to rival any orange juice-based cocktail! As a cocktail expert and certified mixologist, I was honestly a little surprised to be won over by its “pleasantly peachy” aroma.
Fuzzy Navel ingredients
The Fuzzy Navel is a highball cocktail that mixes peach schnapps and orange juice. It was invented in the 1980s as a marketing ploy for DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps.
In its colorful name, “fuzzy” refers to peach fuzz, and “navel” refers to oranges, though of course you can let your mind wander to other meanings! The drink was inspired by the classic orange juice and vodka combination in the Screwdriver, and remains popular to this day.
The Fuzzy Navel’s two main ingredients are often combined in an equal parts ratio, but that makes for an intensely sweet drink. In my opinion, the ratio for a more balanced drink is this:
- 1 part (3 oz) peach schnapps
- 2 parts (6 oz) orange juice
A few more Fuzzy Navel tips
The Fuzzy Navel is a 1980s party drink, so there’s really no need to turn it into a sophisticated craft cocktail. At the same time, there are a few things you can do to class it up. Here’s what I recommend for the best Fuzzy Navel:
- Use the 1:2 ratio. I’ve said this already, but equal parts is much too strong. A more balanced Fuzzy Navel recipe has less peach schnapps than OJ.
- Use no-sugar-added orange juice or fresh juice. Grab the best quality brand of orange juice you can. No-sugar-added is a must. Even better, make it with fresh orange juice! You can taste the difference.
- Add garnishes. A few orange slices and mint sprigs take the drink from blah to beautiful.
More about peach schnapps
Peach schnapps is the main ingredient in a Fuzzy Navel. But what is it, really? Here’s a little more background:
- Peach schnapps is a type of schnapps made by adding peach flavoring to a clear grain spirit. It was introduced in 1984 under the DeKuyper brand and quickly became the top-selling schnapps in America.
- The flavor of peach schnapps is intensely fruity and peachy. A little goes a long way!
- What other drinks use peach schnapps? Use it in place of peach puree in a Bellini, or add a little swig to intensify the flavors in a Peach Margarita. Or, just combine it with bubbles and a squeeze of lime for a drink called a Fizzy Peachtree.
Make enough for a crowd
A pitcher of this one is easy to throw together and takes just a few minutes. Here’s what to pour together in a pitcher for 8 servings:
- 2 cups peach schnapps
- 4 cups orange juice
- Add a few handfuls of ice
- Orange wheels and mint sprigs, as a garnish
Fuzzy Navel
Try this Fuzzy Navel recipe, that classic drink that pairs with orange juice and peach schnapps for a refreshingly smooth sip! Here are a few tricks to take it to the next level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) peach schnapps*
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) no-sugar-added orange juice (fresh squeezed if possible)
- Ice, for serving (Try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: orange wedges, fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Single drink: Place the ice into a highball glass. Pour in the peach schnapps and orange juice. Garnish with orange wedges and fresh mint.
- Pitcher variation (8 servings): In a large pitcher, add 2 cups peach schnapps and 4 cups orange juice. Add a few handfuls of ice. Garnish with orange wheels and mint sprigs right into the pitcher.
Notes
*If you prefer a sweeter drink, go for 4 ounces of each. It’s more balanced with this ratio, though!
Variations and related cocktails
There are several cocktails that are related to the Fuzzy Navel, most of them in the orange juice cocktail world:
- For a Hairy Navel, swap half of the peach schnapps for vodka.
- The Screwdriver is another classic highball brunch drink, starring OJ and vodka.
- Try the Harvey Wallbanger, another 1980s drink with OJ and Galliano.
- Invented in the 1920s, the Mimosa mixes OJ and sparkling wine.
- For a Tequila Sunrise, pair OJ and grenadine for a sunrise-colored drink.
That’s a screwdriver!