Classic Screwdriver Cocktail

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Screwdriver Cocktail: The Easiest Sip of Sunshine!

Classic screwdriver cocktail, served in pineapple shaped cocktail glass, placed next to an orange flower.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail that’s as effortless as it is refreshing, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re diving into the classic Screwdriver Cocktail, a highball glass delight that combines two simple ingredients for maximum flavor: vodka and orange juice. It’s a no-fuss, endlessly satisfying drink that’s perfect for brunches, casual gatherings, or those moments when you just want to treat yourself. And here’s the best part—you don’t even need a shaker for this one!

Ready to shake up your cocktail game without a shaker?

The Screwdriver Cocktail shares its simplicity with other beloved classics like the Mimosa, which swaps vodka for sparkling wine to create its own fizzy charm. But this cocktail isn’t just about keeping things simple—it’s also about versatility. Sure, the traditional version sticks to vodka, but why not have a little fun experimenting? For a Halloween twist, you could try the hauntingly delicious Sloe Screw.

What makes the Screwdriver a standout in any cocktail lineup is its pure ease. All you need to do is grab your favorite highball glass, fill it with ice, pour in a shot of vodka, top it with fresh orange juice, and give it a gentle stir. Want to take it up a notch? Add a vibrant garnish like an orange slice or a twist of zest to make it pop visually and flavor-wise.

So why not take a moment to indulge in this citrusy, smooth classic? It’s more than just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of the simple pleasures. Let’s pour one and toast to effortless enjoyment! 🥂

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

Ingredients screwdriver cocktail - vodka, orange juice, cubed ice.
  • Cubed Ice for the glass
  • Unflavored vodka
  • Orange juice to top off
  • Orange slice as a garnish

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Fill your glass with ice:
Grab your favorite highball glass and fill it to the brim with crisp, clinking ice cubes. There’s something so satisfying about that sound, right?

Fill the serving glass with cubed ice.

Step 2: Pour in the vodka:
Add a shot (or two if you’re feeling bold!) of smooth vodka. This is where the magic begins!

Add vodka to the serving glass.

Step 3: Top it off with orange juice:
Freshly squeezed is always a winner, but store-bought works in a pinch! Pour until the glass is almost full—watch the sunny orange hue brighten your day.

Top the vodka filled serving glass with orange juice.

Step 4: Garnish and serve:
Add a fresh orange wedge for that finishing touch. Serve it with or without a straw—your call! Now, all that’s left is to kick back, take a sip, and let the citrusy goodness whisk you away. Cheers! 🥂

Classic screwdriver cocktail, served in pineapple shaped cocktail glass, placed next to an orange flower.

🍽 Equipment

💭 Top tips

The Screwdriver is a “built” drink, meaning it’s mixed directly in the glass—no shaker, no mixing glass required! Just like classics such as the Gin Tonic, Cuba Libre, Spritzer, Dark and Stormy, Paloma, or Moscow Mule, you can prepare and serve it all in one go. Quick, easy, and oh-so-refreshing!

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Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe

The Screwdriver Cocktail is a timeless highball drink made with just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice. It's refreshingly simple and perfect for brunches, laid-back evenings, or whenever you want a quick, delicious sip. Garnish with an orange wedge, and you're ready to enjoy!
Print Recipe
Classic screwdriver cocktail, served in pineapple shaped cocktail glass, placed next to an orange flower.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Cubed Ice
  • 1 ½ oz Vodka
  • 1 cup Orange juice
  • 1 Orange wedge

Instructions

  • Fill a highball glass with Cubed Ice.
    Cubed Ice
  • Pour in 1 ½ oz Vodka.
    1 ½ oz Vodka
  • Top up with 1 cup Orange juice until the glass is nearly full.
    1 cup Orange juice
  • Garnish with 1 Orange wedge.
    1 Orange wedge
  • Serve with or without a straw and enjoy immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 131mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 1 Serving
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Nora

⛑️ Food Safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So good! It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of boozy — a no-fuss drink. It brings memories of when I was in collegge. In my country we call it “destornillador”, Spanish for screwdriver. 🙂 Such a fun drink!

    1. How awesome! It always brings back memories of my time at college! In Austria, this one has a really simple name: “Vodka Orange” 😀

  2. 5 stars
    Stangely enough, I never had a screwdriver before and didn’t relalise it’s so easy. I even had all the ingredients at home, so I made this for a brunch with friends. We all loved it!

5 from 5 votes

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