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What is a Fuzzy Navel?
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
The Fuzzy Navel is an alcoholic cocktail that has been around since the 1980s. It is made from mixing equal parts peach schnapps and orange juice. Made from refreshing juice and usually served over ice, it is a common drink for brunches, bridal showers, and other festive daytime gatherings. The name comes from the two ingredients in the drink. The peach portion makes up the “fuzzy” component and the orange completes the “navel” portion of the drink.
Although the true Fuzzy Navel is made from orange juice and peach schnapps, there are countless variations. Regardless of the variation, the drink is best when it is served with fresh squeezed juice and chipped ice. It is commonly garnished with a fresh slice of orange as well.
Some people prefer to have a Fuzzy Navel with a little more alcohol in it. In those cases, there are plenty of options. For example, a shot or two of vodka can be added to the orange juice and the peach schnapps. The result is a Hairy Navel. If coconut rum is added to the orange juice and peach schnapps, the drink is called NASA Truth Serum.
There are versions of the Fuzzy Navel that substitute the orange juice with other juices. For example, instead of orange juice, lemonade can be used. If cranberry juice is used instead of orange juice, the drink is called a WooWoo.
A Fuzzy Navel does not always have to be served over ice. Some people prefer to drink their adult beverage as a frozen or slush. In those cases, the orange juice and peach schnapps can be blended with ice, until it forms a smooth, icy drink.
Occasionally, people may opt for a Jello® shot. Fuzzy Navel gelatin shots are made when peach schnapps is added to orange flavored gelatin and water. Once the gelatin shots reach the proper consistency, they are eaten, much the same way one would eat Jello®. These are especially popular amongst the younger, drinking-aged crowd.
Some people may enjoy the flavor of the Fuzzy Navel, but they may not want to indulge in alcohol. There are non-alcoholic versions of the drink that are very simple to make. Simply add peach syrup to orange juice and then pour the concoction over ice. An orange can still be used as garnish, although many people prefer to garnish it with a maraschino cherry.
As with any alcoholic drink, Fuzzy Navels should be consumed in moderation. If someone is going to drink alcohol, they should not drive a vehicle. Fuzzy Navels and other cocktails may taste great because the strong flavor of the alcohol is hidden. Consequently, it is easy to have the alcohol sneak up on people, especially if they are drinking in a social setting.
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to DelightedCooking.
Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to DelightedCooking.
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![A glass of orange juice, which is used in making a fuzzy navel.]()
By: karandaevA glass of orange juice, which is used in making a fuzzy navel. -
![Vodka is one component of a Fuzzy Navel.]()
By: dla4Vodka is one component of a Fuzzy Navel. -
![Orange slices are used to garnish a fuzzy navel.]()
By: volffOrange slices are used to garnish a fuzzy navel. -
![If a fuzzy navel is made using cranberry juice, the drink is called a WooWoo.]()
By: YingkoIf a fuzzy navel is made using cranberry juice, the drink is called a WooWoo. -
![Lemonade may be used in lieu of orange juice when making fuzzy navels.]()
By: al62Lemonade may be used in lieu of orange juice when making fuzzy navels. -
![Peach schnapps is often 40 proof, which means that it contains 20% alcohol.]()
By: Andres RodriguezPeach schnapps is often 40 proof, which means that it contains 20% alcohol. -
![Excessive consumption of alcohol, including fuzzy navels, may lead to high blood pressure.]()
By: DangubicExcessive consumption of alcohol, including fuzzy navels, may lead to high blood pressure.
Discussion Comments
I don't drink alcohol but I do enjoy alcohol-free variations of some cocktails. I don't enjoy an alcohol-free fuzzy navel though. It's just fruit juice and tastes a little strange too. Maybe if it had sparkling water or soda in it, it would taste better.
I wish bartenders would experiment as much with alcohol-free drinks as they do with alcoholic drinks. I know that their job is alcohol. But there are also many people like me who want to have a nice tasting alcohol-free drink at parties and events. We don't want to stand out, we want to fit in without feeling stupid or without being belittled for not drinking.
@literally45-- Don't most cocktails have funny names though?
I know what you're thinking of when you hear fuzzy navel. You're thinking of a tummy with fine hairs right? Actually, the "navel" in fuzzy navel comes from navel oranges. This is the type of orange generally used to make a fuzzy navel. But I don't blame you because the "navel" in navel oranges also comes from the fact that the top of navel oranges resemble a human navel.
But Ray Foley, who invented the fuzzy navel cocktail was not actually thinking of a human navel when coining the name. He was just inspired by the name of the orange and the fuzz from the peach schnapps.
What a strange name for a cocktail! I would have never thought of it. I suspect it was termed by a man. Hearing "fuzzy navel" just makes me want to laugh!
I have a frozen Fuzzy Navel drink recipe that is really popular during the summer. I add some real peach puree to the mix, along with the Peach Schnapps and Vodka. Sometimes I'll use pineapple juice along with the orange juice to make it even sweeter. I don't like to get too far away from the traditional recipes when I'm bartending, though.
I have seen Fuzzy Navels in cans or bottles at liquor stores, too. It was probably the first alcoholic drink I heard of when I was a kid. There was also the Screwdriver and a Harvey Wallbanger. Being a kid, I just thought the names sounded funny. When I turned 21, my first adult beverage was a Fuzzy Navel, since the bartender suggested I start with something really sweet and not too strong.
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