Screwdriver
Vodka and orange juice built over ice for a simple, refreshing highball.
10%
ABV
159
Calories
Highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
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.
Fill a highball glass with ice
Add vodka
Top with orange juice and stir
Garnish with an orange slice
Glassware
Highball glass filled with ice
Garnish
Fresh orange slice
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
Vodka, orange juice, and a float of Galliano—the marketing-made hit of the 1970s.
Fuzzy Navel
Peachy 80s icon—peach schnapps and orange juice over ice for a simple, fruity highball.
Greyhound
Two‑ingredient refresher—vodka and fresh grapefruit juice over ice, crisp and lightly bitter.
Anita Bryant Cocktail
A political protest drink from 1977 that replaced the Screwdriver during the Florida orange juice boycott—vodka and apple juice served as a symbol of LGBTQ+ resistance.
Other Variations
Spiced Screwdriver
Infuses vodka with cinnamon or vanilla for added depth.
Changes
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.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Hairy Navel
Fuzzy Navel with a kick—vodka joins peach schnapps and orange juice for a stronger, fruity highball.
Harvey Wallbanger
Vodka, orange juice, and a float of Galliano—the marketing-made hit of the 1970s.
Madras
Simple and refreshing—vodka with cranberry and orange juice over ice for a tart, fruity highball.