Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe

An iconic American cocktail with just 2 ingredients, the Screwdriver is a tangy blend of vodka and orange juice.

The “Screwdriver” Cocktail

The screwdriver is a classic 2-ingredient cocktail consisting of sweet orange juice mixed with vodka. It is a popular drink because it is so easy to make and only requires two common ingredients that every bar should have on hand.

The Screwdriver is one of the International Bartender Association’s official cocktails, recognizing its iconic status. This is a great drink to make with fresh squeezed orange juice and enjoy at brunch! It’s also perfect for beginning bartenders because its so easy to make, you practically can’t mess it up!

Why is it called a Screwdriver?

The Screwdriver cocktail rose in popularity during the mid-20th century, thanks in no small part to an advertising push by vodka producers.

However, the story by the name is actually a bit more interesting! As legend has it, American oil workers living overseas liked to sneak vodka into their morning orange juice. The only thing they had handy to mix their drink with was a screwdriver, and voila! The “Screwdriver” was born.

Related: For a similar flavor that’s not quite as strong, try a Fuzzy Navel instead!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Vodka
• 4 to 6 ounces orange juice

Note: This drink is intended for readers 21+

Helpful Bartending Tools

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• Cocktail Jigger (for measuring liquor amounts)
• Boston Cocktail Shaker Set (contains shakers, jigger, strainer)
• Bar Spoon (traditional tool for stirring cocktails)

Optional Garnishes

• Orange slice
• Maraschino cherry

Bartenders Tools Suggested

• Glass
• Stirrer
• Mixing tins
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka.
3. Top off with orange juice and stir.

Prep Tips

• The Screwdriver is traditionally stirred, however, you can also add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to create a chilled drink.
• This drink can be served neat, as well as over ice. It can also be made into a frozen drink with a blender.
• Optional garnish ideas include: orange slice and/or maraschino cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of vodka should be used?

You’re welcome to use your favorite vodka for this recipe!

In addition to taste, price point is worth considering. Obviously, the cheaper the vodka, the more impurities your vodka will have, which may affect the taste. On the other hand, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive vodka either, since it will be mixed with orange juice (which has a strong flavor). Your choice, however, it’s never wrong to treat yourself to the premium stuff every once in awhile.

What type of orange juice should be used?

Fresh squeezed orange juice is usually delicious and it is perfect for making this cocktail. However, you want to make sure that the oranges used for juicing are ripe and sweet!

Using concentrates or store-bought juice is a big time saver. There is also consistency, as they are tested during production to ensure uniform sweetness. You can even use an orange drink, such as Sunny D…shhh… I won’t tell anyone!

Can You Make a Frozen Screwdriver?

Absolutely! My trick for making frozen cocktails is to freeze the juice in an ice cube tray. Using frozen juice instead of regular ice cubes keeps your drink from tasting watered down.

What kind of glass should it be served in?

For this simple drink a regular rocks glass or even a highball class will work just fine. In the end though it’s really just user’s preference.

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