The Screwdriver is one of the most famous and straightforward cocktails in the world, a refreshing combination of vodka and orange juice that’s been a brunch staple and party favorite for decades. Legend has it that American oil workers in the Persian Gulf invented this drink in the 1950s by stirring vodka into their orange juice with a screwdriver, hence the name. Despite its humble origins and simple two-ingredient formula, a well-made Screwdriver is bright, balanced, and surprisingly sophisticated when prepared with quality ingredients. The key is using fresh-squeezed orange juice and good vodka in the proper proportions. Whether you’re making mimosas’ casual cousin for brunch, need a light daytime cocktail, or want something easy to batch for a party, the Screwdriver delivers refreshment with just the right amount of kick.
Serving Quantity: 2 cocktails
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
1. Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 8 ounces fresh orange juice
- Ice cubes
- 2 orange slices for garnish
- 2 maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
- 2 highball glasses or Collins glasses
2. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
3. Choose Quality Vodka
The Screwdriver has only two ingredients, so quality matters. Choose a vodka that’s smooth and clean-tasting. You don’t need top-shelf premium vodka since the orange juice will mask subtle flavors, but avoid the cheapest brands which can taste harsh. Mid-range vodka works perfectly. Keep your vodka in the freezer so it’s ice cold when you make your drinks.
4. Use Fresh Orange Juice
This is the most important tip for an exceptional Screwdriver. Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes an enormous difference compared to bottled or from-concentrate juice. The bright, natural flavor and slight pulp create a cocktail that tastes alive and vibrant. Juice 3 to 4 fresh oranges right before making your drinks. If you must use store-bought, choose a high-quality not-from-concentrate variety.
5. Chill Your Glasses
Place two highball glasses or Collins glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before making your cocktails. Cold glasses keep your Screwdriver refreshingly chilled and prevent it from getting watery too quickly. If you don’t have time to freeze them, fill them with ice water while you prepare the drinks, then dump the water out right before building.
6. Prepare Orange Garnish
Cut two round slices from a fresh orange, each about a quarter inch thick. Remove any seeds. Make a small cut from the edge to the center of each slice so you can perch them on the rim of the glass. Set aside with the maraschino cherries if using.
7. Fill Glasses With Ice
Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer or dump out the ice water. Fill each glass to the top with ice cubes. Use large, solid ice cubes if possible as they melt slower and keep your drink cold without diluting it too quickly. The glass should be completely full of ice.
8. Add the Vodka
Pour 2 ounces of vodka into each ice-filled glass. This is a standard serving that creates a balanced drink that’s not too strong. If you prefer a stronger Screwdriver, you can increase to 2 and a half ounces per drink, or decrease to 1 and a half ounces for something lighter.
9. Add the Orange Juice
Pour 4 ounces of fresh orange juice into each glass over the vodka and ice. The juice should fill the glass almost to the top, leaving just a bit of room at the rim. The traditional ratio is one part vodka to two parts orange juice, which creates a drink that’s refreshing but not too boozy.
10. Stir Gently
Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to give each drink a gentle stir, mixing the vodka and orange juice together. Stir for about 5 to 10 seconds. You want them well combined but you don’t need to stir vigorously. The goal is integration, not aeration.
11. Check the Color
A properly made Screwdriver should be a beautiful uniform orange color throughout, not layered. If you can still see separation between the vodka and juice, give it another quick stir. The drink should look bright, sunny, and inviting.
12. Garnish the Drinks
Slide an orange slice onto the rim of each glass through the cut you made earlier. If using maraschino cherries, drop one into each glass or spear it with a cocktail pick along with the orange slice. The garnish adds visual appeal and gives you a boozy piece of fruit to enjoy at the end.
13. Serve Immediately
Serve the Screwdrivers right away while they’re perfectly cold and fresh. Hand each drink to your guest with a straw if desired. The cocktail should taste bright, citrusy, and refreshing with a smooth vodka warmth underneath the orange sweetness.
14. Alternative Presentation
For a fancier presentation, you can build the drink in a cocktail shaker. Combine the vodka and orange juice with ice, shake for about 10 seconds, then strain into an ice-filled glass. This creates a slightly frothier, more integrated drink with a foamy top, though traditional Screwdrivers are simply stirred.
15. Tips for Success
The ratio of vodka to orange juice is crucial for balance. The classic ratio is 1 part vodka to 2 parts orange juice. This creates a drink that’s refreshing and easy to sip without being too strong or too weak. Adjust to your preference. Fresh orange juice cannot be emphasized enough. If you’re going to make only one improvement to your Screwdriver, this is it. The difference between fresh-squeezed and bottled is night and day. Blood oranges make a beautiful variation when they’re in season. The juice is darker red-orange and has a slightly berry-like flavor that’s delicious with vodka. Use the same proportions. For a lower-calorie version, use half orange juice and half sparkling water. This creates a lighter, more refreshing drink that’s not as sweet. Some people prefer their Screwdriver built in the opposite order. Pour the orange juice first, then float the vodka on top. Give it a stir before drinking to mix the layers together. Temperature is important. Make sure both your vodka and orange juice are cold before mixing. Room temperature drinks won’t be as refreshing no matter how much ice you add. Don’t make Screwdrivers too far ahead. The ice will melt and dilute the drink. Mix them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Citrus vodka adds an extra layer of orange flavor and works beautifully in Screwdrivers. It creates a more intensely citrusy drink. For a variation, try a Slow Screw, which is a Screwdriver made with sloe gin in addition to vodka. Or make a Fuzzy Navel by using peach schnapps instead of vodka. The Harvey Wallbanger is a famous Screwdriver variation that adds a float of Galliano liqueur on top. It’s a retro classic worth trying. Batch Screwdrivers for parties by mixing vodka and orange juice in a pitcher in the proper ratio. Keep it refrigerated and pour over ice as guests arrive. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary muddled in the glass before adding the other ingredients create an interesting savory-sweet variation. For a frozen Screwdriver, blend the vodka, orange juice, and ice together until smooth. This creates a slushy, frozen treat perfect for hot summer days. The Screwdriver is a popular brunch cocktail because orange juice is a breakfast staple and the drink isn’t too strong for daytime drinking. It’s lighter than a Bloody Mary. Don’t use pulp-free orange juice. A bit of pulp adds texture and proves you’re using quality juice. It makes the drink more interesting. Some bartenders add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice for extra brightness and acidity. Just a half ounce adds nice complexity. A sugar rim is optional but fun. Run an orange wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar before building the drink. This adds sweetness and sparkle. The Screwdriver is endlessly customizable. Try different citrus juices like grapefruit for a Greyhound, or mix orange and cranberry for a Madras. This cocktail is perfect for people who don’t like strong-tasting alcohol. The orange juice mellows the vodka considerably while still providing enough kick to feel like a real cocktail. Always use good ice. Cloudy, old ice with freezer odors will negatively affect your drink’s taste. Fresh, clear ice from filtered water is best.
