Screwdriver
Vodka and orange juice built over ice for a simple, refreshing highball.
10%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
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.
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
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Screwdriver.
Harvey Wallbanger
Adds a float of Galliano to the classic base.
Changes
Fuzzy Navel
Peach schnapps replaces vodka for a sweeter, lower-ABV sip.
Changes
Greyhound
Swaps orange for grapefruit juice for a sharper bite.
Changes
Anita Bryant Cocktail
Uses apple juice in place of orange for a mellow fruit profile.
Changes
Spiced Screwdriver
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.
Harvey Wallbanger
Vodka, orange juice, and a float of Galliano—the marketing-made hit of the 1970s.
Sex on the Beach
Vodka and peach schnapps collide with orange and cranberry juices for a neon-hued crowd-pleaser born of 1980s beach culture.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.