Peach schnapps and orange juice come together for a cocktail that’s on the sweet side. When you don’t want something too hairy, reach for a Fuzzy Navel.
1984 was a banner year. Los Angeles hosted the Olympic Games, Ghostbusters was a big box-office success, Michael Jackson dominated the charts, and Bruce Springsteen released Born In The U.S.A. to instant classic status. And as I was collecting G.I. Joe action figures, watching the Junkyard Dog rassle on Saturday mornings and running to the drug store once a month to collect my Marvel comics, something called “peach schnapps” was unleashed onto an unsuspecting, but very welcoming public.
National Distillers began producing DeKuyper Original Peachtree, the first peach schnapps sold in the U.S.A. in 1984. To generate interest and drum up sales, they would release promotional recipes for cocktails that would feature their new low-calorie and fruity liqueur. The Screwdriver, a simple mixture of vodka and orange juice, was proving itself to be very popular. Some drinkers were finding them a little too strong-tasting, however, so DeKuyper came up with an alternative concoction, the Fuzzy Navel.
The cheeky name, which references the fuzz of a peach as well as navel oranges, was memorable and cute, and the drink soon became a hit, especially with women. By 1985, Peachtree was the best-selling schnapps in the United States. The more I think about those years, the more I feel like making a few Fuzzy Navels and listening to all of my girlfriend’s Duran Duran albums. Or maybe I’ll just watch A View to a Kill. It all sounds like a good time, honestly.
What Is The Best Schnapps To Use In A Fuzzy Navel?
There are two kinds of schnapps that exist in the world, American and European. An American schnapps is a sweetened liqueur, while European schnapps is a clear-colored fruit brandy. For tonight’s drink, we’ll be using an American-style peach schnapps. And while there are a few different brands of this on the market, why not grab a bottle of the original liqueur that started it all, DeKuyper Peachtree. It’s been around since the 1980s for a reason, and it’s easy on the wallet.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces peach schnapps
- 4 ounces orange juice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the peach schnapps into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Pour the orange juice into the glass, directly over the peach schnapps. Stir for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Garnish with a slice of orange.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a highball or collins glass with ice and stir your Fuzzy Navel ingredients gently into it until it’s mixed. Pop an orange wheel on the rim or a slice on top of the drink for garnish.
Can this cocktail be enjoyed at brunch?
Why yes, it can. The sweetness from the peach schnapps and orange juice makes this a nice alternative to a Mimosa.
Similar Cocktails To The Fuzzy Navel
If you’re looking for a little time travel this weekend, and you feel like a trip to the 1980s, the Fuzzy Navel is a great way to start your journey. But as your friends arrive to join you in their neon and pastels, you might want to have a few other tubular tipples to offer them. Twist & Toast has you covered. Check these recipes out below for a totally radical time.
- Hairy Navel – Add vodka to your Fuzzy Navel to make it a little hairier.
- Harvey Wallbanger – Add Galliano to your next Screwdriver to say hello to Harvey.
- Brass Monkey – Dark rum, vodka and orange juice make this Monkey funky. It’s not just a song.
- Breakfast Shot – It might not be the cornerstone of a nutritious breakfast, but it sure is fun.
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