The Fuzzy Navel recipe has been around for ages and is a combination of peach schnapps and fresh orange juice. While making this peachy drink is super simple, the trick is to balance the flavors to get it juuuuust right. Serve this sweet and tangy sipper on a relaxing afternoon with friends or as a new addition to your brunch menu.
Add peach schnapps and orange juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
Shake well for at least 15 seconds
Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of peach or a twist of orange peel
The 1980s were a time of big hair, neon lights, and cocktails that were more about fun than finesse. Enter: the Fuzzy Navel, a two-ingredient wonder that perfectly captured the era’s spirit. But unlike many of its sugary brethren, this compelling clinker has a surprisingly clear-cut origin story that’s tied to the rise of a new flavor in the American market: peach schnapps.
In 1984, DeKuyper introduced its Peachtree Schnapps to the US, offering bartenders a sweet and playful new ingredient. Around the same time, New Jersey bartender Ray Foley (known for his book Bartending for Dummies) saw the potential of this fuzzy fruit liqueur. Taking inspiration from the popular Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice), Foley experimented with a simpler, fruitier alternative. The result? A delightful mix of peach schnapps and orange juice that became a nationwide sensation.
The easy recipe and fun-loving taste quickly propelled it to bar menus everywhere. It wasn’t just the drink that gained fame, though. DeKuyper’s Peachtree Schnapps saw a meteoric rise in sales, solidifying its place as a best-selling spirit thanks in part to this iconic concoction.
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Craving a fruity cocktail with a bit more bite? Look no further than the Hairy Navel, a twist on the classic. This drink combines the sweet charm of peach schnapps and orange juice with a kick of vodka. To make your own Hairy Navel, simply fill a glass with ice, pour in one part vodka, one part peach schnapps, and top it all off with two parts orange juice. Stir it up, garnish with an orange slice if desired, and enjoy!
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Want a concentrated burst of the drink’s peachy goodness? Try the shot variation! This mini drink combines equal parts peach schnapps and orange juice in a shot glass for a simple yet potent twist on the classic. For a layered presentation, add a splash of grenadine first, then carefully pour the schnapps and orange juice to create a vibrant tricolor effect. Enjoy this fruity pick-me-up chilled and remember to adjust the schnapps to orange juice ratio if you prefer a milder shot.
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