How To Make the World’s Best Screwdriver

Ingredients

ml Parts

45 ml Absolut Vodka

1 ½ Parts Absolut Vodka
150 ml Orange Juice

5 Parts Orange Juice
1 Wedge Orange

1 Wedge Orange
Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes

Number of Servings

Rate this recipe

2.75 from 599 votes

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Screwdriver is a drink that contains only two ingredients but, whatever you do, don’t underestimate this classic. It’s a classic for a reason – a guaranteed crowd pleaser and a favorite drink among those new to cocktails as well as aficionados.

It’s one of those drinks that just works for any occasion. In fact, it works equally well at brunch with friends, casual gatherings, or relaxed evenings at home. It’s also a great choice for summer parties and outdoor barbecues.

How To Make a Screwdriver Cocktail

What You’ll Need

Highball Glass
Paring Knife (for the Orange)
Jigger or Measuring Instrument

How to Mix

Fill a Highball Glass with Ice Cubes.
Measure and pour Absolut Vodka into the Glass.
Measure and pour Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice.
Garnish with an Orange Wedge.
Enjoy!

How to Make a Screwdriver Cocktail with Rico

What is a Screwdriver cocktail?

The Screwdriver is a timeless cocktail and one of the most loved and most popular cocktails around. It contains just two ingredients but, make no mistake, it’s a fresh and juicy classic cocktail that never fails.

So, what are the two ingredients of a Screwdriver cocktail? Vodka and Orange Juice. That’s it! Aside from being easy to make, another one of its appeals is that it works for any occasion.

What Does a Screwdriver Taste Like?

When made correctly, a Screwdriver cocktail should taste like Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice mixed with smooth Vodka, which softens out the acidity from the Orange Juice.

The History of the Screwdriver Cocktail

As with most cocktails, there are different stories about the Screwdriver’s history. The most popular story suggests that American oil workers in the Persian Gulf would mix a splash of Vodka with their Orange Juice so their bosses wouldn’t notice they were drinking on the job. They didn’t have a spoon to mix the drink so they would use a screwdriver instead!

OK, so when was the Screwdriver cocktail invented? Although there are debates about how the Screwdriver was invented, most stories are consistent and suggest that it was invented in the late 1940s.

The Screwdriver cocktail has become very popular over the years and is often served as an alternative for Mimosas at brunch or anytime you feel like enjoying a nice fruity cocktail.

Variations of a Screwdriver Cocktail

Harvey Wallbanger
So, you’ve succeeded in making a fluffy Screwdriver. Congrats! Now you’re just one step away from having a Harvey Wallbanger in your hands! Here’s how to make a Harvey Wallbanger.
The Greyhound 
Is there such thing as too much Grapefruit? Of course not! If you love Grapefruit, you’re gonna love the Greyhound cocktail. Mix Absolut Grapefruit, Grapefruit Juice and Grapefruit Zest and you’ve got yourself one delicious Grapefruit-y cocktail! Check out The Greyhound recipe here.
Sex on the Beach 
The Sex on the Beach is one of those classics that never seem to go out of style. Why? It’s pretty, it’s delicious and it’s damn easy to make (especially if you’ve already got fresh Oranges and Vodka at home). Discover our Sex on the Beach recipe.

Tips for Making the Perfect Screwdriver Cocktail

Freshly squeezed juice only
When it comes to Orange Juice, the store-bought stuff won’t cut it. See where we’re going with this? That’s right, to make the perfect Screwdriver, you’re going to need to make your own Orange Juice. So, let’s squeeze them Oranges!

Depending on the type of Orange you use, for example, a Navel Orange vs a Valencia Orange, the taste can vary quite a lot. Valencia Oranges have a slightly bitter tang alongside their sweetness, whereas Navel Oranges are known only for their sweet flavor.

Tip! Watch this video where Rico shows how you can get more juice out of your juice.
Reduce the calories
If you want to make a Screwdriver drink with less sugar, it’s important to remember that all fruit, including Oranges contains Natural Sugar known as Fruit Sugar or Fructose. A large Orange typically contains between 14 and 17g of sugar.

A lot of the bottled Orange Juice in supermarkets contains added sugar. As a rule, it’s always better to make your own Orange Juice by squeezing Oranges yourself using an Orange Press to avoid added sugars and preservatives.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Screwdriver Cocktail

Serve your Screwdriver in a Highball Glass and garnish with an Orange Slice and serve. Voila! A cocktail fit for any occasion!

Why is the Screwdriver cocktail called a Screwdriver?

The history of the Screwdriver drink is the subject of debate. One prevalent tale suggests that American oil workers would mix Vodka with their Orange Juice to discreetly drink on the job without their supervisors noticing. Lacking a spoon, they apparently used a screwdriver as an improvised mixing tool, hence the name Screwdriver.

What spirit is used in a Screwdriver cocktail?

Vodka. In fact, the Screwdriver is one of the most popular and well-known Vodka cocktails. Ask a few of your friends what their favorite cocktail is and it’s safe to say that the Screwdriver will come up more than once.

Which Type of Oranges are the Best for Making a Screwdriver Cocktail?

Valencia Oranges have a slightly bitter tang alongside their sweetness, whereas Navel Oranges are known only for their sweet flavor. Change it up and see which you prefer.

What’s the Best Way to Squeeze Oranges to Make a Screwdriver?

We highly recommend using a Centrifugal Juicer, but you can also squeeze the Oranges by hand. However, a centrifugal juicer is gonna take your Screwdriver to the next level – and any other juice cocktail for that matter. No, really.

Ever drank a Screwdriver and there was a wonderful frothy layer on top? Yep, that’s thanks to a Centrifugal Juicer. A Centrifugal Juicer will give your Screwdriver an almost milkshake-y texture. Ooooh, that mouthfeel! Don’t have a juice centrifuge at home? You can also make aerated juice by using an immersion blender.

Don’t miss this video where Rico shows you how to aerate your juice.

What Type of Glass Should you Use for a Screwdriver?

A Highball Glass is the perfect Screwdriver cocktail glass but any tall glass you have at home will work fine as long as there is enough room for the Ice Cubes.