Screwdriver Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

One of the simplest and most delicious drinks you can make for yourself is the vodka and orange juice concoction called the Screwdriver.

Years ago, not too long after I graduated college, I found myself living for a short time in the Washington D.C. area. Sometimes I’d have to go to a casting office in our nation’s capitol, and after I was done, usually in the late morning, I had nothing else to do that day. So before heading home, I’d walk around and try to find a diner or restaurant to kill a little time, read a book… maybe get a drink.

I always ended up in the same place. An old-timey tavern with a great big wooden bar would open early, so I’d pop in and grab a bite, sitting amongst what looked to be politicians and congressional aides. If I’m being honest, while D.C. is known for its dining and such, that part of town I was in didn’t exactly have a cornucopia of establishments to choose from, so this place I went to was mainly due to it being there. I didn’t know its name then, and I couldn’t tell you where it was either. I also wasn’t exactly a cocktail connoisseur at that time, so I’d tend to order the same thing, for the sake of simplicity. A Screwdriver.

The Screwdriver, tonight’s drink, is just vodka and orange juice mixed together and served over ice. Easy, simple and satisfying. While I’m not one to advocate drinking booze in the mornings, at least regularly, sometimes it’s fun to do. And if you’re tired of the usual Mimosa with your brunch, this tipple is naturally stronger, while still keeping the tart and citrusy taste of the orange juice.

After vodka became more widely available around the world during the 1950s, the Screwdriver took off in popularity, especially in the United States. Where it came from is a little unclear, however. Some stories claim that the Marines during World War II would sneak vodka into their orange juice to get around booze bans. Other stories tell of American workers on the oil rigs in the Persian Gulf during the 1940s, who would put vodka in their orange juice and stir the mix with their screwdrivers, hence the name.

The Screwdriver is one of those cocktails that is so easy to whip up, that if it didn’t exist, somebody would surely have invented it eventually.

What Is The Best Vodka to Use In A Screwdriver?

I always advocate for using an unflavored vodka when using the spirit in any cocktail. There are exceptions, of course. Vodka tends to “assimilate” other flavors and notes that it is mixed with, so the alcohol, while it will have bite, won’t overwhelm the citrus. If you do want a lot of orange, or feel like mixing different flavors, any variety of your choosing, like a citron, should make you happy.

What Glassware and Garnish are Used?

Use a taller glass, such as a highball or collins glass, for your Screwdriver. Filled with ice and garnished with a maraschino cherry or orange slice, it’ll look as good as it tastes.

What is the best Orange Juice to use In a Screwdriver?

Freshly squeezed and strained of all pulp is truly the best way to go. But if you don’t have the means or fruit and are in a pinch, just grab a carton of your favorite brand from the grocery store.

Similar Drinks to the Screwdriver

If you love a strong, cold Screwdriver, not just for the citrus or vodka, but for the low number of ingredients used, you’re in luck. There are plenty of easy-to-make cocktails that we have here at Twist & Toast whose recipes are right at your fingertips and ready for that old college try. Whether you want another vodka-based dram or just something else that’s as simple to whip up, we have you covered.

• Mimosa – The classic orange juice and alcohol combination, perfect for brunch or flying First Class across the country.
• Vodka Lemonade – Sweet and strong, the Vodka Lemonade is another refreshing and citrus-flavored concoction.
• Harvey Wallbanger – Top your next Screwdriver with Galliano to make it a Wallbanger named Harvey.
• Brass Monkey – Pop on your Beastie Boys CDs and throw some dark rum into your Screwdriver to make this classic cocktail.