Screwdriver

Screwdriver

Vodka and orange juice built over ice for a simple, refreshing highball.

10%

ABV

easy

Difficulty

highball

Glass

Flavor Profile

citrusy•refreshing•juicy

History & Heritage

“Stories trace the Screwdriver to mid‑century American oil workers in Persia who covertly stirred vodka into OJ with their tools. It later fueled vodka's rise in the U.S., becoming a brunch staple and spawning an entire family of highball riffs.”

Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.

1.5 oz

4.5 oz

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Fill a highball glass with ice

2

Add vodka

3

Top with orange juice and stir

4

Garnish with an orange slice

Glassware

Highball glass filled with ice

Garnish

Fresh orange slice

Flavor Journey

Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.

6

Sweet

out of 10

3

Sour

out of 10

0

Bitter

out of 10

3

Strong

out of 10

Master's Tips

Professional insights to elevate your craft

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor

Chill ingredients before building

Stir gently to preserve carbonation if using fizzy juice

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Screwdriver.

Harvey Wallbanger

Major Variation

Adds a float of Galliano to the classic base.

Changes

→ Galliano(0.5 oz)

Fuzzy Navel

Major Variation

Peach schnapps replaces vodka for a sweeter, lower-ABV sip.

Changes

Vodka → Peach Schnapps(1.5 oz)

Greyhound

Major Variation

Swaps orange for grapefruit juice for a sharper bite.

Changes

Fresh Orange Juice → Fresh Grapefruit Juice(4.5 oz)

Anita Bryant Cocktail

Major Variation

Uses apple juice in place of orange for a mellow fruit profile.

Changes

Fresh Orange Juice → Apple Juice(4.5 oz)

Spiced Screwdriver

Minor Tweak

Infuses vodka with cinnamon or vanilla for added depth.

Changes

More to Explore

If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.

Hairy Navel

Hairy Navel

Fuzzy Navel with a kick—vodka joins peach schnapps and orange juice for a stronger, fruity highball.

Harvey Wallbanger

Harvey Wallbanger

Vodka, orange juice, and a float of Galliano—the marketing-made hit of the 1970s.

Madras

Madras

Simple and refreshing—vodka with cranberry and orange juice over ice for a tart, fruity highball.