Peach schnapps became a cocktail staple in the 1980s, featuring in classic drinks like the Fuzzy Navel, Sex on the Beach, and Woo Woo. This sweet, peachy liqueur continues to maintain its popularity in mixed drinks today.
You can use peach schnapps in a wide variety of cocktails, from retro favorites to modern creations like martinis, margaritas, and even hot cocoa. This versatile spirit adds a sweet, fruity flavor to any drink while providing a beautiful color.
Whether you want to use up a bottle taking space in your liquor cabinet or explore new flavor combinations, peach schnapps can transform ordinary beverages into delightful cocktails perfect for any occasion.
1. Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a classic, sweet cocktail that combines peach schnapps with orange juice for a refreshing drink. Simple to make, it requires just two ingredients.
Pour orange juice into a glass and add peach schnapps. Fill with ice and stir to mix well.
The typical ratio uses 3 ounces of orange juice to 1 ounce of peach schnapps. Garnish your Fuzzy Navel with an orange slice for acidity or fresh fruit and mint for visual appeal.
This cocktail is relatively low in alcohol content, making it ideal for casual sipping. For a stronger version, add vodka and a dash of grenadine to create a “Pierced Fuzzy Navel.”
2. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a popular cocktail from the 1980s that continues to be a favorite today. This refreshing drink combines vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
To make this cocktail, use 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz peach schnapps, 1 oz orange juice, and 1 oz cranberry juice. Add ice to a glass and pour all ingredients over it.
Serve Sex on the Beach over ice or strain it into a martini glass for a more elegant presentation. The combination of sweet peach schnapps with fruity juices creates a tropical flavor perfect for summer gatherings.
This cocktail appeared in the 1988 film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise, cementing its place in pop culture.
3. Woo Woo
The Woo Woo is a fruity cocktail that combines vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. This refreshing drink balances sweet peach flavors with tart cranberry.
Think of it as a delicious mix between a cosmopolitan and a hairy navel cocktail. The clean taste of vodka provides a neutral base that lets the fruit flavors shine through.
This three-ingredient cocktail is easy to make at home. Some variations include adding peach bitters for extra depth or serving it as a martini instead of over ice.
4. Peach Margarita
The Peach Margarita is a fruity twist on the classic cocktail that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. This refreshing drink combines tequila, peach schnapps, lime juice, and sometimes triple sec.
Muddle fresh peach in a cocktail shaker, then add tequila, lime juice, and peach schnapps with ice. Shake well until chilled.
Rim your glass with salt for a traditional approach, or use sugar for a sweeter touch. Pour over ice and garnish with a peach slice if desired.
Some recipes include a splash of margarita mix or cranberry juice for extra flavor. Try using peach-infused tequila for a more intense fruit flavor.
5. Peach Sangria
Peach Sangria offers a refreshing twist on traditional sangria by incorporating the sweet flavor of peaches. Combine a bottle of white wine (Moscato works well) with peach schnapps and club soda.
Add fresh sliced peaches to the mixture for the best flavor. Some recipes also include other fruits like grapes to enhance the visual appeal and taste.
Adjust the sweetness by adding a small amount of sugar or using a sweeter wine. For an extra kick, use peach vodka instead of schnapps.
6. Peach Schnapps & Lemonade
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweet taste of peach with tangy lemonade for a perfect summer drink. The recipe is simple yet delicious.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Measure and pour 50ml of Peach Schnapps and 125ml of lemonade into the glass.
Garnish with a peach slice or lemon wedge for extra flair. For a variation, add 1 oz vodka and a splash of grenadine for a Georgia Peach version.
7. Bliss on the Beach
Bliss on the Beach is a colorful and fruity cocktail that combines vodka with peach schnapps for a refreshing beach-worthy drink. Use 1 1/2 ounces of vodka and 3/4 ounce of peach schnapps as the base.
Add 1/2 ounce of crème de cassis liqueur to give a deep berry note. Orange juice (2 ounces) and cranberry juice (2 ounces) round out the drink with tangy sweetness.
Combine all ingredients over ice and stir well. Garnish with a slice of peach or an orange wedge for a perfect beach-side presentation.
8. Gummy Bear Martini
The Gummy Bear Martini is a sweet, fruity cocktail that tastes just like the popular candy. It’s perfect for parties or a fun night in.
This colorful drink combines raspberry vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice for a sweet, fruity flavor. Some recipes also include a splash of sweet and sour mix or Sprite for extra fizz.
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a few gummy bears on the rim or floating in the drink for a playful touch. You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of cranberry juice.
9. Peach Martini
The Peach Martini is a sweet, fruity twist on the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink combines peach schnapps with vodka for a perfect balance of flavors.
Add peach schnapps, vodka, orange juice, triple sec, and a splash of lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until cold.
Serve your Peach Martini in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fresh peach slice or a twist of lime for an elegant touch.
Adjust the sweetness by changing the ratio of peach schnapps to vodka. More schnapps creates a sweeter drink, while more vodka makes it stronger.
10. Royal Flush Drink
The Royal Flush cocktail is a sophisticated option that showcases Crown Royal Canadian Whisky beautifully. This popular drink combines whiskey with peach schnapps and cranberry juice for a balanced flavor profile.
Fill a shaker with ice, then add 2 ounces of Crown Royal whiskey and 1 ounce of peach schnapps. Pour in 1½ ounces of cranberry juice.
Shake the mixture well and strain into a glass. Some versions include raspberry liqueur for added sweetness or top with club soda or Sprite for fizz.
11. Georgia Peach
The Georgia Peach cocktail is a sweet and fruity drink that highlights the flavor of peach schnapps. You can make this refreshing cocktail with a few simple ingredients.
Mix 2 ounces of peach schnapps with 1 ounce of vodka. Peach-flavored vodka works especially well if you can find it.
Add about 4 ounces of lemonade for a tangy balance. For a colorful touch, add a splash (about 0.25 oz) of grenadine to the mixture.
Serve over ice for the perfect summer drink. Some recipes also include gin and rum for a stronger version.
12. Peach Daiquiri
The Peach Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic rum cocktail. It combines light white rum with peach schnapps and fresh lime juice for a fruity, balanced drink.
You’ll need 1½ ounces of white rum, peach schnapps, lime juice, and a splash of water or orange juice. Some recipes call for orange juice to enhance the fruity flavor.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass. For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice until smooth.
13. Peach Vodka Spritz
The Peach Vodka Spritz is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines the sweetness of peach with the crisp finish of a spritz. It’s perfect for warm afternoons or evening gatherings.
Mix 1 oz vodka with 1 oz peach schnapps in a wine glass filled with ice. Add 3 oz of prosecco and top with a splash of club soda for effervescence.
Garnish your spritz with a fresh peach slice or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less peach schnapps depending on your preference.
14. Bourbon Peach Tea
Bourbon Peach Tea combines the rich flavor of bourbon with sweet peaches and refreshing tea. This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or relaxing evenings.
You’ll need bourbon whiskey, peach schnapps, and cold breakfast or sweet tea as the base ingredients. Some recipes also add triple sec for extra flavor.
Use fresh peach puree and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Garnish with sliced peaches or a sprig of mint.
Some versions include ginger for a spicy kick or brown sugar for sweetness.
15. Peach Old-fashioned
The Peach Old-fashioned puts a fruity twist on the classic cocktail. It combines bourbon with peach schnapps for a sweet and complex flavor profile.
You’ll need bourbon (like Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve), peach schnapps, orange slices, cherries, and bitters. The peach schnapps adds a natural sweetness that complements the rich bourbon.
Mix 3 parts bourbon with 1 part peach schnapps. Add a couple dashes of bitters, then garnish with an orange slice and a cherry or two.
16. Farmers Daughter Cocktail
The Farmers Daughter is a vibrant and fruity cocktail that combines vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice. This drink offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
To make this cocktail, mix equal parts vodka and peach schnapps with cranberry and orange juice. The peach schnapps adds a sweet, fruity note that complements the slight tartness from the cranberry juice.
This colorful drink is perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you want something refreshing with a fruity kick. The combination creates a beautiful pinkish-orange hue that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
17. Missionary’s Downfall
The Missionary’s Downfall is a refreshing tiki cocktail that showcases peach schnapps beautifully. This drink blends light rum with peach liqueur for a tropical flavor profile.
To make this cocktail, use 1½ oz white rum, ½ oz peach schnapps, ¾ oz lime juice, and ½ oz honey syrup. Add 1 oz pineapple juice and fresh mint leaves for that signature tiki complexity.
Peach schnapps brings clarity and clean flavor to this drink. Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy texture or shake vigorously and strain for a smoother experience.
18. Rumshack Punch
Rumshack Punch is a fruity rum cocktail that blends tropical flavors with peach sweetness. This drink combines rum with peach schnapps for a delicious summer treat.
To make Rumshack Punch, use rum (preferably Jamaican), peach schnapps, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Some recipes include peach purée to enhance the fruit flavor.
Mix about 1-2 ounces of rum with 1/3 ounce peach schnapps, 1/3 ounce lime juice, and 1 1/3 ounces pineapple juice. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Serve over ice in a tall glass. This punch works well for both single servings and larger batches for parties.
19. Bellini with Peach Schnapps
A Bellini with Peach Schnapps puts a boozy twist on the classic Italian cocktail. This version adds peach schnapps to intensify the fruit flavor.
To make this drink, use Prosecco, peach puree, and peach schnapps. Mix about 1 ounce of peach puree with 1/2 ounce of peach schnapps in a champagne flute.
Top with chilled Prosecco and stir gently. For extra appeal, add a splash of raspberry juice to create that signature pink glow.
This cocktail takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for brunches, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a bubbly, fruity drink.
20. Waterloo Sunsets
Waterloo Sunsets is a delightful cocktail that brings the classic peach melba dessert into drink form. This retro-inspired beverage combines vanilla vodka with peach schnapps for a sweet, fruity flavor profile.
To make this cocktail, use 200ml vanilla vodka (or plain vodka with vanilla extract), 100ml peach schnapps, 500ml chilled peach juice, and soda or lemonade to fill. Some recipes add a splash of grenadine and garnish with raspberries to complete the peach melba experience.
The drink features a beautiful layered effect that makes it visually appealing. It’s a refreshing option for summer gatherings or whenever you want a fruity, sweet cocktail with a nostalgic twist.
21. Summer Peach Tea
Summer Peach Tea is a refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of peach schnapps with the bold flavor of tea. This drink is perfect for hot summer days when you need something cool and flavorful.
To make this cocktail, mix 1 part peach schnapps with 4 parts chilled brewed tea. Add a splash of vodka for an extra kick, and consider enhancing it with elderflower liqueur for a floral note.
Garnish your drink with fresh peach slices and lemon wedges. For a sweeter version, add a honey peach simple syrup.
This cocktail can be easily batched for parties or backyard gatherings.
What Is Peach Schnapps?
Peach schnapps is a clear, sweet liqueur that captures the essence of ripe peaches in alcoholic form. This versatile spirit serves as a key ingredient in many popular cocktails due to its pronounced fruit flavor and ability to blend well with other spirits.
Origins and Production
Peach schnapps originated in Germany and Austria, where “schnapps” refers to any fruit-flavored spirit. Traditional European schnapps makers ferment fruit with the pit included, then distill the mixture.
Most commercial peach schnapps available today, especially in the United States, is made differently. Producers typically mix neutral grain alcohol with peach flavoring, sugar, and other additives.
The alcohol content varies by brand but usually ranges between 15% and 20% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it less potent than many other spirits. Quality peach schnapps contains real peach juice or extract, while cheaper versions may rely on artificial flavorings.
Premium brands often use a maceration process where peaches steep in alcohol to extract natural flavors before filtration and bottling.
Flavor Profile and Pairings
Peach schnapps offers a sweet, intensely peachy flavor that ranges from subtle to pronounced depending on the brand. The liqueur has a syrupy consistency with candy-like sweetness and aromatic qualities that evoke fresh peaches.
This versatile spirit pairs well with several other ingredients:
- Spirits: Bourbon, rum, vodka, and tequila
- Fruit juices: Orange, pineapple, cranberry, and lemonade
- Other mixers: Tea, ginger ale, and sparkling wine
The sweet peach flavor makes it ideal for summer cocktails and tropical drinks. You’ll find it in classics like the Fuzzy Navel, Sex on the Beach, and Peach Bellini.
Its fruity profile allows it to balance stronger spirits and acidic ingredients. When selecting peach schnapps for cocktails, consider how prominent you want the peach flavor to be.
Higher quality brands typically offer more authentic fruit notes with less artificial sweetness.
Tips for Mixing with Peach Schnapps
Peach schnapps is a versatile liqueur that can transform ordinary drinks into flavorful cocktails. Getting the best results requires understanding how to balance its sweetness and pair it with complementary flavors.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
When mixing with peach schnapps, quality matters. Look for brands that use natural peach flavors rather than artificial ones.
These provide a more authentic taste profile in your cocktails. Peach schnapps pairs well with certain spirits.
Bourbon and rum create warm, complex drinks that highlight the peach flavor. Vodka makes a neutral base that lets the peach shine through.
For mixers, citrus juices like orange and lemon work brilliantly with peach schnapps. Citrus creates balance with the sweetness of the liqueur.
Tea is another excellent partner. Try mixing peach schnapps with iced tea for a refreshing summer drink.
Lemonade also makes a simple but delicious combination.
Balancing Sweetness and Acidity
Peach schnapps is quite sweet, so balancing it with acidic components is crucial. Fresh lemon or lime juice can cut through the sweetness and add brightness to your cocktails.
A good ratio is 1 part peach schnapps to 1 part acidic component. Carbonated mixers like soda water or tonic can also help temper the sweetness.
They add texture while diluting the intense peach flavor. For a more complex flavor profile, try adding bitters.
Just a dash or two can transform a simple peach schnapps cocktail into something more sophisticated.
Garnishing Recommendations
The right garnish enhances both the appearance and flavor of peach schnapps cocktails.
Fresh peach slices make an obvious but perfect choice, reinforcing the drink’s flavor visually and aromatically.
Citrus wheels or twists complement the fruit flavors and add a pop of color.
Orange slices work well for drinks like the Fuzzy Navel.
Herbs can add an unexpected dimension.
Mint, basil, or rosemary sprigs pair beautifully with peach flavors.
Gently slap the herbs before adding them to release their aromatic oils.
For a special touch, rim glasses with sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
This technique works particularly well with dessert-style peach schnapps cocktails.
