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Screwdriver Cocktail
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Light and refreshing, the screwdriver cocktail is incredibly easy to make with just two main ingredients, orange juice and vodka. This simple cocktail is a classic that is sure to be a hit at your next party.
MORE RECIPES: Pink Starburst Cocktail | Orange Julius | Jolly Rancher Cocktail
Screwdriver Cocktail
Simple and quick, screwdriver cocktails are just as welcome at brunch as they are in the evening. All you need to make this cocktail is orange juice, vodka, and ice.
A screwdriver cocktail is a smooth drink, with the OJ enhancing the vodka’s taste with a delicious citrus twist. A popular cocktail to serve at parties, you can mix them up along with Pink Starburst cocktails or Bailey’s and Coffee Ice Cubes.
Often served as a breakfast or brunch cocktail, you could also enjoy it on the patio as part of a late afternoon happy hour. Pair your cocktail with some finger food appetizers like fried pickles or stuffed mushrooms.
Screwdriver Cocktail Ingredients
- Orange juice
- Vodka
- Ice cubes
With only two ingredients, the flavor of this cocktail really depends on the orange juice and vodka that you choose to use. For the best flavor, you want to use a non-pulp orange juice or even fresh squeezed.
For a smoother drink, we recommend using a high-quality vodka such as Grey Goose, Absolut, or Tito’s. To help cut the sharpness of the alcohol a little bit, you can also add a pinch of salt to this vodka cocktail.
The quantity of orange juice will vary according to how much ice and the size of the glass used. If you are using glasses larger than 8 ounces, you can add two shots of vodka. Garnish your cocktail with an orange slice or maraschino cherry.
How to Make Screwdriver Cocktail
FIRST STEP: Fill glass with ice.
SECOND STEP: Add 1 shot of high quality vodka.

THIRD STEP: Pour orange juice to fill the glass.
Can I use a different kind of juice for this cocktail?
While it won’t be a screwdriver cocktail any longer, you could use almost any fruit juice with vodka in equal proportions and the result is going to taste pretty good. For a tropical twist, you could try using pineapple juice.
How can I keep the drink from getting watered down?
Screwdrivers are traditionally served over ice, but you could also shake with ice, chill the glass, and serve strained so there is no melted ice to water the drink down. You might also serve this cocktail with a straw so the alcohol can be redistributed as it’s being consumed.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
While a fresh screwdriver cocktail will taste the best, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for three to four weeks.
How to Store Screwdriver Cocktail
IN THE FRIDGE: Screwdriver cocktails can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks.
Screwdriver Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4-6 ounces Orange Juice
- 1.5 ounces Vodka
- 1 cup Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill glass with ice.
- Add 1 shot of high quality vodka.
- Pour orange juice to fill the glass.
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