Screwdriver

Name: Screwdriver
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 50 ml / 1.75 oz Vodka; 100 ml / 3.5 oz Orange Juice

Ingredients Instructions

The Screwdriver is a classic highball that exemplifies simplicity and refreshment. It consists of just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice, served over ice in a highball glass. Its straightforward nature makes it one of the most popular and accessible cocktails globally. The quality of the drink is directly dependent on the quality of the orange juice used, with freshly squeezed juice being highly recommended for a superior taste.

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Screwdriver is a classic cocktail, specifically categorized as a highball. Its simple two-ingredient formula has cemented its place as a fundamental and enduring drink. It is a staple in bars worldwide and is recognized by the International Bartenders Association.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a highball glass, the Screwdriver is a refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content. No special glass treatment is required.

Serving size

Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 10-15% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Highball

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

The origin of the Screwdriver is somewhat murky but is often attributed to American oil workers in the Persian Gulf in the mid-20th century. Lacking a spoon or stirrer, they purportedly mixed their vodka and orange juice with a screwdriver. This practical, albeit unconventional, tool gave the drink its memorable name. The cocktail's popularity grew, and it was first mentioned in print in a 1949 issue of Time magazine.

Origin

Believed to have originated with American oil workers in the Persian Gulf, mid-20th century (circa 1940s).

Screwdriver

The drink is universally known as the Screwdriver. Its most common alternative name, "Vodka and Orange," is more descriptive of its simple ingredients. This straightforward name is often used by those unfamiliar with the "Screwdriver" moniker.

Original name

Screwdriver

Alternative name

Vodka and Orange

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a straightforward flavor profile dominated by sweet and citrusy orange, with a clean finish. It's a non-carbonated, smooth, and refreshing cocktail that is enjoyed year-round.

Flavor

Sweet, citrusy, orange, smooth

Aroma

Orange, citrus

Taste balance

Sweet, sour

Aftertaste

Clean, short, fruity

Fizziness

None

Color appearance

Opaque, bright orange

Texture

Smooth, liquid

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high fruitiness and moderate sweetness from the orange juice, balanced by a gentle alcohol presence. It is not salty, spicy, creamy, or carbonated.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires only two simple ingredients: vodka as the base spirit and orange juice as the mixer. The quality of the orange juice significantly impacts the final taste.

Vodka50 ml / 1.75 oz
A decent quality, neutral vodka works best to let the orange juice shine.
Orange Juice100 ml / 3.5 oz
Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; a simple bar spoon is sufficient for gently stirring the ingredients in the glass.

Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

Preparation is simple: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass by adding vodka, then orange juice, stirring gently, and garnishing.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour the vodka over the ice.

3. Top with orange juice.

4. Stir gently to combine.

5. Garnish with an orange slice or wedge.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of an orange slice or wedge complements the drink's primary flavor and enhances its visual appeal.

Orange slice or wedge, placed on the rim or in the glass.

Dietary Information

The Screwdriver is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy, and is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It is also gluten-free, provided an unflavored, distilled vodka is used.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Screwdriver contains a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the orange juice.

Calories

Approximately 160-190 kcal / 670-795 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 12-15 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 10-13 g

Sugar level

Occasions

The Screwdriver is a versatile drink suitable for many occasions, particularly brunch, where it serves as a simple alternative to the Mimosa. It's also perfect for casual gatherings, parties, and relaxed all-day sipping due to its refreshing and uncomplicated nature.

Brunch
Casual gatherings
All-day drinking
Party

Pairing suggestions

The Screwdriver pairs exceptionally well with brunch and breakfast dishes. Its citrusy profile also complements light appetizers and balances the saltiness of snacks like nuts or pretzels.

Breakfast foods like pancakes or eggs benedict
Light appetizers
Salty snacks

The Screwdriver: A Simple and Timeless Classic

The Screwdriver is a globally recognized classic cocktail, celebrated for its ultimate simplicity. Comprising just vodka and orange juice served over ice, it's a refreshing and accessible highball. Its name is rumored to have come from oil workers who used a screwdriver to stir their drinks. Perfect for brunch or any casual occasion, the quality of this drink hinges on using fresh, high-quality orange juice.