How to Make the Best Screwdriver Cocktail 

The Screwdriver is a drink that contains only two ingredients – Orange Juice and Vodka – but 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. 

The Screwdriver is one of those cocktails that works for just about any occasion. It’s a versatile cocktail that works well during brunch, casual gatherings with friends, or relaxed evenings at home. It’s also a great choice for summer parties or 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

1. Fill a Highball Glass with Ice Cubes
2. Add Absolut Vodka.
3. Top up with freshly pressed Orange Juice.
4. Garnish with an Orange Wedge.

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!

The cocktail’s bright, citrusy flavor and effortless preparation make it a timeless favorite. Another one of its appeals is that it works for any occasion, from brunch and casual get-togethers to warm afternoons spent outdoors. 

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 any acidity. 

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 simple step away from having a swell 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!