Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe

The Screwdriver drink is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. It’s a two-ingredient cocktail that requires only orange juice and vodka. Add everything to a highball glass, top with some ice cubes, and you’re good to go. The classic Screwdriver drink doesn’t even require a garnish, though you’re free to add an orange slice or maraschino cherry.

Because it’s one of the simplest cocktails around, choosing the right ingredients is paramount.

• Choose a high-quality vodka: This spirit naturally has a neutral flavor, and that’s the point. The Screwdriver should taste like a tall glass of orange juice with a faint boozy hint. Low-quality vodkas may affect the flavor profile and portend too much through the drink. Choose something top-shelf like Grey Goose or Absolut.
• Fresh orange juice: For the best flavor, reach for oranges instead of orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice always makes the best Screwdriver and doesn’t add unnecessary sugars.

Calories and Alcohol Content

Here are the main nutrition facts you should know for one glass of screwdriver cocktail:

• 225g calories
• 0.2g fat
• 19g carbs (14g sugar)
• 1.2g protein

The Screwdriver cocktail is not as low-calorie as other vodka cocktails, but that also depends on whether you choose fresh or bottled orange juice and any other ingredients you want to add.

At 1 1/2 ounces of vodka, the Screwdriver has an estimated 10% ABV, but it depends on how vodka-friendly you make the cocktail.

How to Serve a Screwdriver Cocktail

This vodka and orange juice combo is one of the best-mixed drinks for brunch, home parties, or to mix for yourself after a long day at work.

The fresh orange juice has a sweet and sour taste that screams summertime relaxation, but if you want to indulge on a colder day, who are we to stop you?

This simple drink also pairs well with almost any type of food since it’s not overpowering and only wraps your taste buds in orange flavors. Pour this dessert next to a cheese platter, an omelet, or even breakfast burritos.

Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe Variations

Combining orange juice with spirits is a common activity for bartenders. Here are a few Screwdriver variants you can try:

• Mimosa: Mix orange juice with sparkling wine like Prosecco for a more acidic drink that pairs well with pasta like Chicken Alfredo.
• Thin Screwdriver: Pour some club soda over the drink to lighten it slightly. The result is less potent but bubbly and refreshing.
• Tequila Screwdriver: Enjoy some Mexican food? Try swapping vodka for tequila, garnish with an orange slice, and enjoy a boozier cocktail.
• Vodka Sunrise: Add vodka, orange juice, and grenadine or simple syrup for a vibrant cocktail you’ll always be drinking during lunch.
• Fuzzy Navel: Use peach schnapps instead of vodka for the ideal lightweight, refreshing drink.

Similar Vodka Cocktails

Love the screwdriver cocktail? You may also like the following vodka cocktails:

• Lemon Drop Cocktail
• Appletini Cocktail
• Alabama Slammer Cocktail
• Vodka Soda Cocktail

Conclusion

The best Screwdriver is the classic one: no fuss, no prep time, and all the delicious flavor of fresh oranges. It has the potential to become one of your favorite cocktails, especially if you use these tips and try out the many variants.