Peach schnapps rose to cocktail fame in the 1980s, becoming an essential ingredient in many popular drinks that continue to be enjoyed today. This sweet, fruity liqueur adds a distinctive peach flavor to classics like the Fuzzy Navel, Sex on the Beach, and Woo Woo.
You can use peach schnapps in a wide variety of cocktails, from refreshing summer drinks to warming winter treats.
Whether you’re looking to use up a bottle taking space in your liquor cabinet or wanting to explore new flavor combinations, peach schnapps offers versatility that might surprise you. It pairs well with vodka in spritzers, adds sweetness to martinis and margaritas, and can even enhance hot beverages like cocoa for a cozy twist.
The perfect balance of soft and sweet, peach schnapps delivers that unmistakable fruit flavor that transforms ordinary drinks into memorable cocktails.
1. Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a classic and refreshing cocktail that’s incredibly easy to make. This sweet drink combines orange juice with peach schnapps for a fruity flavor profile.
To make a Fuzzy Navel, simply mix 4 ounces of orange juice with 2 ounces of peach schnapps. Pour the mixture over ice and stir well.
For a variation called a “Hairy Navel” or “Pierced Fuzzy Navel,” add 1 ounce of vodka to the original recipe. This gives the cocktail an extra kick without overwhelming the fruity flavors.
Garnish your drink with an orange slice or fresh peach when in season for a beautiful presentation.
2. Woo Woo
The Woo Woo is a vibrant, fruity cocktail that combines vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. It’s like a blend between a cosmopolitan and a hairy navel.
To make a Woo Woo, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 parts vodka, 2 parts peach schnapps, and 1 part cranberry juice. Some recipes suggest using pomegranate juice as an alternative.
Shake the mixture until cold and pour it into a glass with ice. You can garnish with a peach slice if desired.
The Woo Woo can be served as a martini or as a party punch, making it versatile for different occasions. Its sweet, fruity flavor makes it appealing even to those who don’t typically enjoy stronger drinks.
3. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is one of the most iconic peach schnapps cocktails. This refreshing drink combines vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
To make this popular cocktail, you’ll need 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz peach schnapps, 1 oz orange juice, and 1 oz cranberry juice. Simply pour the ingredients over ice in a serving glass.
You can serve it over ice or straight up depending on your preference. The sweet peach flavor blends perfectly with the tartness of cranberry and the bright citrus notes.
This drink gained popularity in the 1980s and was even mentioned in the 1988 film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise.
4. Peach Margarita
The Peach Margarita is a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that combines tequila with sweet peach flavors. You can make this refreshing drink by muddling fresh peach in a cocktail shaker.
Add tequila, lime juice, peach schnapps, and ice to the shaker. Shake well until chilled. For an authentic touch, rim your glass with salt or Tajín before pouring.
This cocktail works best with silver tequila, which doesn’t overpower the peach flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute with peach nectar or puree.
Perfect for summer gatherings, this peachy variation balances sweet and tart notes beautifully.
5. Peach Sangria
Peach Sangria offers a refreshing twist on traditional sangria by highlighting the sweet flavor of peaches. This crowd-pleasing drink combines white wine with peach schnapps for an enhanced peachy taste.
To make this cocktail, mix white wine, peach schnapps, and peach juice in a large pitcher. You can also add vodka for extra kick if desired.
Fresh peach slices add visual appeal and intensify the flavor. For a bubbly version, add Prosecco or champagne just before serving.
If you don’t have peach schnapps, triple sec can work as a substitute, though it will provide less peach flavor. Add other fresh fruits like oranges or berries for more complexity.
6. Gummy Bear Martini
The Gummy Bear Martini offers a sweet, candy-like flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This fun cocktail tastes remarkably like the popular gummy bear candy.
To make this delightful drink, combine raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, and either sour mix or cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Some recipes also add a splash of lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
Shake the ingredients vigorously and strain into a martini glass. For a white gummy bear variation, use equal parts raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, and sour mix.
This simple yet delicious cocktail makes a perfect dessert drink or a fun addition to parties.
7. The Farmer’s Daughter
The Farmer’s Daughter is a fruity, vibrant cocktail that combines vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. This refreshing drink balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly.
To make this cocktail, mix 1 oz vodka, 1 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz orange juice in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange slice.
This drink is ideal for summer gatherings or relaxing after work. The fruity combination makes it approachable even if you’re not usually a cocktail drinker.
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry juice used.
8. Royal Flush
The Royal Flush is a sweet and sophisticated cocktail that blends Crown Royal Canadian Whisky with fruity flavors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy whisky with a touch of sweetness.
To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of Crown Royal, 1 ounce of peach schnapps, and 1.5 ounces of cranberry juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass.
Some variations include adding raspberry liqueur for extra flavor or topping with club soda or Sprite for a fizzy twist.
Garnish with orange slices to enhance the presentation. The combination of whisky and fruit creates a balanced drink that’s both refreshing and elegant.
9. Peach Vodka Spritz
This light and refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm summer days. The Peach Vodka Spritz combines the sweet flavor of peach with the crisp bubbles of soda water.
To make this simple drink, mix 1 part peach schnapps with 1 part vodka. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness and pour over ice in a tall glass.
Top with soda water and garnish with a fresh peach slice or mint sprig. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of simple syrup if desired.
This cocktail works well for both casual gatherings and more elegant occasions. The light peachy flavor pairs nicely with summer appetizers.
10. Iguana Wana
The Iguana Wana is a refreshing cocktail made with vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice. It’s simple to make but packs a flavorful punch.
To prepare this drink, add a handful of ice, vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Strain the mixture into a short glass filled with ice cubes. The result is a sweet, fruity cocktail with the perfect balance of peach flavor and citrus notes.
This easy-to-make drink is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing cocktail with tropical vibes.
11. Summer Peach Tea
Summer Peach Tea is a refreshing cocktail that combines the sweet taste of peaches with the classic flavor of tea. This drink is perfect for warm days when you need something cool and satisfying.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need peach schnapps, sweet tea vodka, and club soda. Some recipes also include elderflower liqueur for an extra floral note.
Mix the ingredients over ice for a bubbly, effervescent drink that’s full of Southern charm. You can garnish with fresh peach slices or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
This easy-to-mix cocktail works well for backyard barbecues or pool parties. Your guests will appreciate this sweet, fruity beverage on hot summer days.
12. Peach Martini
The Peach Martini is a sweet, fruity twist on the classic cocktail. It combines peach schnapps with vodka for a refreshing drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need peach schnapps, vodka, orange juice, triple sec, and a splash of lime juice. Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until cold and strain into a chilled martini glass. For a more luxurious version, some recipes suggest using high-quality peach liqueur instead of schnapps.
You can garnish with a fresh peach slice or twist of lime. This peachy drink is perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want a fruity cocktail.
13. Georgia Peach
The Georgia Peach cocktail is a fruity, refreshing drink that highlights the sweet flavor of peach schnapps. It typically combines peach schnapps with other spirits for a well-balanced taste.
A classic recipe includes 1/2 ounce each of gin, vodka, and rum, plus 1 ounce of peach schnapps and 1 ounce of simple syrup. You can enhance the peach flavor by using peach-flavored vodka if available.
You can also try an alternative version with peach schnapps, vodka, lemonade, and a splash of grenadine for color. For a twist, substitute white rum for vodka.
Garnish your Georgia Peach with a slice of fresh peach or an orange wedge to complete this summery drink.
14. Peach Daiquiri
The Peach Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic rum cocktail. It blends white rum with peach schnapps for a fruity summer drink that takes just minutes to make.
To create this cocktail, combine 1½ ounces white rum, 1 ounce peach schnapps, 1 ounce lime juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup in a blender. Some recipes also add 1 ounce of orange juice for extra flavor.
You can make this daiquiri frozen by adding ice to the blender, or serve it shaken and strained for a smoother texture. Garnish your drink with a slice of fresh peach for a perfect presentation.
15. Dracula’s Blood
Dracula’s Blood is a vibrant red cocktail perfect for Halloween parties or whenever you want a spooky-looking drink. This cocktail combines white rum, peach schnapps, black cherry juice, and a touch of grenadine for both color and sweetness.
To make it, add 2 oz white rum, 3/4 oz peach schnapps, 3 oz black cherry juice, and 2 teaspoons of grenadine to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10 seconds to properly mix and chill the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a glass over ice. The deep red color resembles blood, making it a conversation starter at any gathering.
16. Peach Punch
Peach Punch is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that brings Southern charm to any gathering. This crowd-pleasing drink combines peach schnapps with other simple ingredients for a sweet, fruity taste.
To make Peach Punch, mix peach schnapps with Sweet Tea Vodka and club soda. The combination creates a bubbly drink perfect for summer parties.
You can also create variations by using orange juice and sour mix with your peach schnapps. For a simple sour mix, combine simple syrup with lime and lemon juice.
Serve your Peach Punch in a large punch bowl with ice for parties, or in tall glasses for individual servings.
17. Blue Raspberry Vodka Lemonade
This refreshing cocktail combines blue raspberry vodka with lemonade for a sweet, tangy drink that’s perfect for warm weather. You can make it with just two main ingredients for a quick and simple cocktail.
Mix blue raspberry vodka with pink lemonade for a beautiful color contrast. For added peachy sweetness, include a splash of peach schnapps to complement the fruity flavors.
This drink works well for parties since you can easily scale it up into a punch. Rim glasses with sugar for extra sweetness and garnish with fresh lemon slices or raspberries.
For a fun variation, try freezing the mixture into popsicles for a boozy summer treat.
18. Bliss on the Beach
Bliss on the Beach combines vodka with peach schnapps for a refreshing cocktail perfect for sunny days. The recipe calls for 1½ ounces of vodka, ¾ ounce of peach schnapps, and ½ ounce of crème de cassis.
You’ll also need 2 ounces each of orange juice and cranberry juice to complete this colorful drink. The fruit juices balance the alcohol while adding vibrant color and flavor.
To make it, simply combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of peach or orange for an extra touch of beachy elegance.
19. Peach Martini with Mint
The Peach Martini with Mint is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines sweet peach flavors with cool mint. You can easily make this at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peach schnapps, and 1 oz fresh peach juice in a shaker. Add 1/2 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice for a bit of tartness.
Don’t forget to muddle 5-6 fresh mint leaves before adding the liquid ingredients. This releases the mint oils and gives the cocktail its signature flavor.
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. For an extra touch, garnish with a fresh mint leaf or peach slice.
20. Peach Mimosa
The Peach Mimosa is a delightful twist on the classic brunch cocktail. It combines champagne with peach nectar and a splash of peach schnapps for extra flavor.
To make this sweet drink, mix equal parts peach nectar and champagne. Add a small amount of orange juice for a citrus note, then finish with a splash of peach schnapps.
The result is a beautiful peachy-orange beverage that’s perfect for summer brunches or celebrations. It’s slightly sweeter than traditional mimosas but still refreshing.
Serve in champagne flutes for an elegant presentation. You can garnish with a small peach slice on the rim for a decorative touch.
21. Peach Bellini
The Peach Bellini is a classic cocktail that combines peach schnapps with Prosecco for a refreshing, bubbly drink. Originally made with white peach puree, many home bartenders now use peach schnapps for convenience and consistent flavor.
To make this elegant cocktail, pour a measure of peach schnapps into a champagne flute. Top with chilled Prosecco and stir gently. For the authentic pink glow, add a splash of raspberry or cherry juice.
You can garnish your Bellini with a fresh peach slice or a few raspberries for extra flair. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is perfect for brunches, celebrations, or anytime you want something light and fruity.
History of Peach Schnapps
Peach schnapps has evolved from traditional European spirits to become a staple in modern cocktail culture. Its journey spans centuries and continents, transforming from artisanal liqueur to mass-market favorite.
Origin and Development
Schnapps originated in Germanic regions of Europe as a fruit brandy distilled from fermented fruit. Unlike today’s sweet versions, traditional schnapps was often clear and potent.
The term “schnapps” comes from the German word “schnappen,” meaning “to snap,” referring to how it was quickly consumed.
True peach schnapps emerged as fruit-flavored spirits gained popularity. Early versions were made by fermenting actual peaches, creating a more authentic but labor-intensive product.
In America, peach schnapps took a different path. Companies developed sweeter, less alcoholic versions that were more accessible to casual drinkers. These modern interpretations typically contain less actual peach and more added sugar.
By the late 20th century, major liquor companies had standardized production methods, making peach schnapps widely available and consistent in flavor profiles.
Cultural Impact
Peach schnapps exploded in popularity in America during the 1980s, becoming an essential ingredient in trendy cocktails. The Fuzzy Navel (peach schnapps and orange juice) epitomized this era, becoming a symbol of casual drinking culture.
This fruity liqueur helped bridge the gap between serious spirits and more approachable alcoholic beverages. You could find it in bars, restaurants, and home liquor cabinets across the country.
Peach schnapps played a significant role in the evolution of cocktail culture. It helped introduce many Americans to mixed drinks beyond basic highballs and martinis.
Though its popularity waned somewhat in the 1990s as craft cocktails emerged, peach schnapps has experienced a nostalgic revival. Modern mixologists have rediscovered its versatility, incorporating it into both classic recipes and innovative new creations.
Mixology Techniques for Peach Schnapps
Peach schnapps brings a sweet, fruity flavor to cocktails that requires proper handling to create balanced drinks. The right techniques can transform this versatile liqueur from merely sweet to sophisticated.
Balancing Flavors
Peach schnapps has a pronounced sweetness that needs counterbalancing elements. Pair it with acidic ingredients like lemon or lime juice to create harmony in your drink. A good rule is to use a 1:1 ratio of schnapps to citrus for a balanced cocktail.
Combine peach schnapps with complementary spirits for depth. Bourbon works excellently, enhancing the peach notes while adding complexity. Rum also pairs well, creating tropical flavor profiles.
For less sweetness, dilute schnapps with club soda or tonic water. This technique works well for summer refreshers without overwhelming sweetness.
Tea makes a surprising mixer with peach schnapps. The tannins in black or green tea cut through the sweetness while complementing the fruit flavor.
Garnishing Tips
Proper garnishing elevates your peach schnapps cocktails visually and adds complementary aromas.
Fresh peach slices make an obvious choice – they reinforce the drink’s flavor while adding visual appeal.
Herbs pair wonderfully with peach flavors. Try a sprig of mint, basil, or rosemary to add aromatic complexity that balances the schnapps’ sweetness.
Consider citrus garnishes even when the recipe doesn’t call for juice. A lemon or orange twist provides bright aroma that enhances the drinking experience.
For summer cocktails, freeze peach slices to use as both garnish and cooling element. This prevents dilution while maintaining the peach theme throughout your drink.
