Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe
The Screwdriver is a no-nonsense cocktail—just vodka and orange juice. It’s a crowd-pleaser for brunch or casual hangouts.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Ice bucket
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic Screwdriver:
- 2 oz 60ml vodka
- 4-6 oz 120-180ml fresh orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill the glass with ice - Toss ice cubes into your highball glass until it’s about three-quarters full.
- Pour in vodka - Measure out 2 oz of vodka and pour it over the ice.
- Add orange juice - Slowly add 4-6 oz of orange juice right on top.
- Stir gently - Give it a gentle stir for about 10-15 seconds. You want it mixed, but not watered down.
- Garnish - Pop an orange slice on the rim if you’re feeling fancy.
- Serve right away while it’s still icy cold. The color should be bright orange, and you might see the vodka and juice layers swirling together.
Notes
The name “Screwdriver” comes from those oil workers in the 1950s sneaking vodka into their orange juice and using screwdrivers as stir sticks. Kind of wild, right?
Want to mix it up? Try these twists:
Add a splash of cranberry juice (that’s a "Driver’s Tan")
Float Galliano liqueur on top for a "Harvey Wallbanger"
A dash of grenadine gives it extra color and sweetness
If you’re making a batch for a group, mix everything in a pitcher ahead of time. Just don’t add ice until you pour—it’ll water down the whole thing if you do. For a frothy feel, shake the vodka and orange juice with ice, then strain it into your glass over fresh ice.
Float Galliano liqueur on top for a "Harvey Wallbanger"
A dash of grenadine gives it extra color and sweetness
If you’re making a batch for a group, mix everything in a pitcher ahead of time. Just don’t add ice until you pour—it’ll water down the whole thing if you do. For a frothy feel, shake the vodka and orange juice with ice, then strain it into your glass over fresh ice.