The Sweet Fruity Flavors That Make Up The Fuzzy Navel Cocktail

You have probably heard of a Fuzzy Navel before. If you haven't enjoyed one of these strangely named cocktails, odds are that you have at least chuckled at its name on a drink menu. The reason behind the cocktail's christening is fairly straightforward, though. It was named after its ingredients to give you a hint at exactly what you'll be tasting: peach schnapps and orange juice.

The Fuzzy Navel was invented in the '80s by a bartender named Ray Foley. Peach schnapps had only recently come onto the scene, so it was ripe for creative souls to use in the invention of brand new cocktails. Foley kept things simple, choosing to combine the liquor in a one-to-one ratio with orange juice. It would seem that the name came to him just as easily, with each piece of the name referring to an ingredient: the first word acting as a nod to the fuzz of a peach and the second acknowledging navel oranges. Just like that, he'd made a hit that has lived on for nearly 40 years and that tastes just as sweet, tropical, and juicy as the name would imply.

Making a Fuzzy Navel is about as fuss-free as you can get when it comes to mixology. Simply fill a glass with ice, pour in equal parts peach schnapps and orange juice, and stir. For a luxurious touch, you can even garnish the glass with a decorative citrus peel and a maraschino cherry or top your drink with a peach slice. 

This drink is a perfect match for those new to exploring mixed drinks, someone who prefers things on the sweeter side, or anyone who is looking for a lower alcohol-by-volume (ABV) cocktail. Peach schnapps is only 40 proof, compared to other hard liquors common in mixed drinks, which are on average 80 proof. However, there is an almost equally well-known variation that allows the beverage to be adjusted to different tastes. By replacing half of the schnapps with vodka, you get a Hairy Navel, which is both less sweet and quite a bit stronger than the original.