Screwdriver
An easy-drinking classic of cold vodka and freshly squeezed orange juice: tart, sweet and crisply balanced.
Ingredients
- Vodka, a good vodka, chilled50 ml
- Orange juice, freshly squeezed100 ml
- Orange, to garnish (optional)1 wheel
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cold vodka over the ice.
- Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and stir briefly and gently.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and serve straight away.
About this drink
The Screwdriver dates from the mid-20th century, and the story goes that American oil workers stirred vodka into their orange juice with a screwdriver, hence the name. It became a fixture of brunch and summer drinking in the United States and spread quickly as a symbol of relaxed, sunny downtime. Its simplicity is still its strength: just two ingredients, but with the right quality the result is fresh and even elegant.
Questions and answers
What is a Screwdriver?
Vodka and orange juice, simply that: one of the most straightforward cocktails there is, and a classic brunch drink with no shaker or syrup involved.
Does the vodka matter in a Screwdriver?
A clean, neutral vodka does the job, as the orange juice carries most of the flavour. Freshly squeezed juice makes a much bigger difference than your choice of vodka.
