Some cocktail enthusiasts might be turned off by its name, but rest assured, the Fuzzy Navel has actually nothing to do with a body part. The citrusy cocktail is packed with fruit flavors, making it a refreshing cocktail that’s easy to whip up.
What Is a Fuzzy Navel?
Invented in the 1980s, the Fuzzy Navel is a cocktail that combines peach schnapps and orange juice. The iconic cocktail was inspired by the Screwdriver, a popular combo of orange juice and vodka that rocks brunchtime to this day.
Peach schnapps is 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 the U.S.
Although the classic Fuzzy Navel recipe calls for equal parts orange juice and schnapps, that tends to make the drink too sweet in our opinion. (The 80s were all about the ultra-sweet drinks.) Our modern version, however, is more balanced.
Another change from the original recipe? Swapping out store-bought orange juice for fresh squeezed. After all, if you have time, fresh-squeezed juice wins on flavor every time. To kick things up a notch, add vodka, which turns the drink into a Hairy Navel.
How to Make a Fuzzy Navel
Recipe by Jacy Topps
Ingredients
Instructions
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the peach schnapps, then top with orange juice. Garnish with orange wedge or quarter.
FAQ
Where Did a Fuzzy Navel Come From?
The peach-flavored drink was allegedly invented as a marketing ploy for DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps, which launched in 1984.
Why Is It Called a Fuzzy Navel?
Nope, no belly buttons were involved in this drink’s origin story. Its name refers to peach fuzz, and navel refers to orange.
What Is in a Fuzzy Navel?
Peach schnapps and orange juice.
Is There Alcohol in a Fuzzy Navel?
You bet. DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps, which may have created the original Fuzzy Navel, is 15% abv. When mixed with orange juice according to the recipe above, the drink’s total abv clocks in around 4.3%.
Last Updated: June 6, 2023
