A Screwdriver Cocktail on a bar
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Screwdriver Cocktail

A Screwdriver is a simple and classic cocktail made with just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice. Here’s how to make a Screwdriver cocktail.

Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe

Recipe by BeverageBeaver
5.0 from 1 vote
Difficulty: Easy
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

5

minutes

A Screwdriver is made with just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Vodka

  • 4 oz Orange Juice

Directions

  • Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice.
  • Pour the vodka over the ice.
  • Top off with orange juice.
  • Stir gently to mix.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or twist (optional).

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Making A Screwdriver Cocktail: Pro Tips

As you can see, making a Screwdriver cocktail is super easy and you can easily whip up this cocktail in a matter of seconds. If you want to make your drink extra special, here are some pro tips to ensure your Screwdriver is of bartender quality:

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Always start with good-quality vodka and fresh orange juice. The quality of your ingredients will shine through in such a straightforward cocktail. If possible, freshly squeeze the orange juice.

Chill The Glass

Serving your Screwdriver in a chilled glass will maintain its cool temperature for longer. Place your highball or Collins glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while preparing the ingredients.

Use Large Ice

Use large, solid ice cubes. Not only will this keep your cocktail chilled, using large ice cubes will also make sure your Screwdriver doesn’t get too diluted quickly.

Stir Gently

When mixing this drink, a gentle stir is all you need. Stirring too much will likely cause some ice to melt and dilute the drink.

Present With Colorful Garnish And/Or Straw

If your Screwdriver looks appealing, it will taste better, too! Ensure your glassware is spotless. A neat presentation, complemented by a simple garnish or even a colorful straw or stirrer, can greatly enhance the drink’s visual appeal.

Screwdriver Variations

Now you know how to make a Screwdriver, here are some great variations of this classic cocktail that are worth a try.

Harvey Wallbanger

The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail enhances the classic Screwdriver with a splash of Galliano, a sweet herbal Italian liqueur. To craft a Harvey Wallbanger, prepare a classic Screwdriver as detailed above, then gently float the Galliano on top. This addition offers a richer flavor profile, marked by distinctive vanilla and anise undertones. Harvey Wallbanger Recipe.

Fuzzy Navel

The Fuzzy Navel cocktail swaps out the vodka entirely for peach schnapps, resulting in a fruity, aromatic drink. To create a Fuzzy Navel, mix the peach schnapps with orange juice and serve in a Highball or Collins glass with ice. Fuzzy Navel Recipe.

Hairy Navel

The Hairy Navel cocktail is like a cross between a Screwdriver and a Fuzzy Navel cocktail as it has both vodka and peach schnapps. To create a Hairy Navel, mix equal parts of vodka and peach schnapps with orange juice, then pour into a Highball or Collins glass.

Mimosa (AKA Bucks Fizz)

Just like a Screwdriver, a Mimosa features orange juice at its core. However, it swaps out the vodka for sparkling wine or champagne. To make a Mimosa, simply pour equal parts of orange juice and your chosen bubbly into a glass, then give it a gentle stir.

More Vodka Based Cocktails

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