The Ultimate Guide to the Screwdriver Cocktail
A Screwdriver drink is a simple cocktail made with vodka and orange juice, typically served over ice in a highball glass.
The screwdriver is one of the simplest yet most iconic vodka cocktails. This classic drink combines just two ingredients – vodka and orange juice – for a refreshing beverage that’s easy to make at home. While basic in composition, the screwdriver has a fascinating history and many delicious variations worth exploring.
What Is a Screwdriver Drink?
A screwdriver is a highball cocktail made by mixing vodka and orange juice, typically served over ice in a tall glass. The standard ratio is 1 part vodka to 2-3 parts orange juice, though this can be adjusted based on personal preference. The drink gets its name from the tool allegedly used to stir it when spoons weren’t available.
The Basic Screwdriver Recipe
To make a classic screwdriver:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes
- Add 1.5 oz (45ml) vodka
- Top with 4-5 oz (120-150ml) orange juice
- Stir gently to combine
- Garnish with an orange slice (optional)
History of the Screwdriver
The screwdriver’s origins trace back to the mid-20th century when vodka was gaining popularity in America. There are several theories about how it got its name:
- American oil workers in the Middle East supposedly used screwdrivers to stir their drinks
- Auto workers in Detroit allegedly drank vodka-spiked orange juice before shifts
- The name may have come from the “screwing” motion used to mix the drink
Vodka brands like Smirnoff helped popularize the screwdriver through marketing campaigns in the 1950s and 60s. It became one of America’s most well-known mixed drinks.
Screwdriver Variations
While the classic version is delicious, there are many creative twists on the screwdriver:
Flavored Vodka Screwdrivers
Using flavored vodka can add exciting new dimensions:
| Vodka Flavor | Taste Profile |
|---|---|
| Citrus vodka | Brighter orange flavor |
| Vanilla vodka | Creamsicle-like taste |
| Whipped cream vodka | Dessert-like sweetness |
Premium Juice Options
Upgrade your screwdriver with:
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Blood orange juice for deeper flavor
- Tangerine or clementine juice
Creative Additions
Enhance your drink with:
- A splash of soda water for fizz
- 1/4 oz Galliano liqueur (Harvey Wallbanger)
- Dash of bitters for complexity
Equipment Recommendations
While you can mix a screwdriver with just a glass and spoon, having the right tools helps. For perfect mixed drinks, consider the best blender for mixed drinks or a blender with glass pitcher for making larger batches.
Screwdriver Serving Tips
For the best experience:
- Use chilled ingredients – keep vodka and juice refrigerated
- Serve in a tall highball glass with plenty of ice
- Garnish with an orange wheel or twist
- For brunch, pair with breakfast foods
The screwdriver remains popular because of its simplicity and refreshing taste. As Liquor.com notes, it’s often people’s first introduction to mixed drinks. With so many possible variations, it’s a cocktail that never gets old.
For those interested in other citrus-based drinks, you might enjoy exploring creative screwdriver recipes that put new twists on this classic combination.
