Fuzzy Navel

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/6/22
Tested by
Tom Macy
Photo of Tom Macy
Tested by Tom Macy
Tom wears many cocktail hats. He is a professional bartender, bar owner, recipe creator, and drink writer, though he prefers the title "obsessive cocktail nerd."
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Fuzzy Navel cocktail recipe in glasses garnished with oranges

The Spruce Eats
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
148 Calories
0g Fat
27g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 148
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 80mg 399%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 308mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The fuzzy navel is a peachy screwdriver that's very easy to make at home. After one taste, you'll discover why this sweet and fruity cocktail has been a favorite for many drinkers since its debut in the 1980s.

To make a fuzzy navel, all you have to do is pour a shot of peach schnapps over ice and fill the glass with orange juice. No shaking, straining, or any other fancy bar tricks are required; just pour and drink.

The combination of sweetened peach and orange is irresistible. It's a fun retro drink for a throwback party and easy enough for casual summer entertaining. Enjoy it with brunch and serve it in a pitcher if you like, or sip it at happy hour. It's a tasty, fruity vodka highball perfect for any time of day, season, or occasion.

As an extra bonus, the fuzzy navel is also very light on the alcohol. If you want something with a little more oomph, just add vodka and you have a hairy navel.

"Despite its silly name, that kind of makes you not want to order it aloud at a bar, the fuzzy navel is totally good. It's basically a slightly boozy peach OJ. The acidity in oranges keeps the sweetness in check. High-quality peach schnapps makes a big difference." —Tom Macy

Fuzzy Navel cocktail recipe In a glass garnished with oranges
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces peach schnapps

  • 4 1/2 ounces orange juice

  • Orange slice, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for fuzzy navel cocktail gathered

    The Spruce Eats

  2. Pour the peach schnapps into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.

    Peach schnapps poured into a tall glass with ice

    The Spruce Eats

  3. Top with orange juice.

    Orange juice poured into two glasses with the peach schnapps

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  4. Stir well and garnish with an orange slice. Serve and enjoy.

    Fuzzy navel cocktails with orange wedges and straws

    The Spruce Eats

Recipe Variations

This recipe is so simple that it begs for experimentation. When you're in the mood for something a bit of different, go ahead and add to the peachy-orange base:

  • Cut the orange juice in half and replace it with fresh-squeezed lemonade to give the average fuzzy navel a little more life.
  • Consider adding just a dash of your favorite fruit syrup, but don't overdo it or the drink will become too sweet. Raspberry syrup is a perfect place to begin.
  • Take inspiration from the tequila sunrise and add a small amount of grenadine (or another red fruit syrup) to finish off the drink with a sweet sunrise effect.
  • Save a little room in the glass to add a clear soda (e.g., ginger ale, lemon-lime, etc.). Just remember to pour slowly because the carbonation can react with the acids in the orange juice, so it likes to fizz up fast.
  • Make a frozen fuzzy navel for a blended, boozy treat. Place 1 cup of ice into a blender with 1 or 2 fresh peaches that are skinned, pitted, and sliced. Use a low setting to chop up the larger chunks. Add 3 ounces peach schnapps and 1 cup (8 ounces) orange juice and blend until smooth. Pour into 2 or 3 cocktail glasses and garnish with peach slices.

Why Is It Called a Fuzzy Navel?

The name "fuzzy" refers to the tiny hairs found on a peach and the "navel" refers to navel oranges. Remember that and you'll never forget which two ingredients to pour into this peach-flavored screwdriver.

How Strong Is the Fuzzy Navel?

The fuzzy navel is a relatively light drink, though its final strength will depend on the proof of your schnapps. You can find higher-proof peach schnapps, but most are a mild 24 percent ABV (48 proof). The average strength of the fuzzy navel is 6 percent ABV (12 proof). That's just a bit stronger than many beers.