Screwdriver Cocktail

The Screwdriver cocktail is a simple beverage with two ingredients: vodka and orange juice. It is made without a specialised technique, making it suitable even for amateur mixologists. The cocktail is one of the most basic mixed beverages and a good starting point for beginners interested in exploring mixology. 

History of the Screwdriver Cocktail

Reports suggest that the Screwdriver cocktail is a product of World War II. Apparently, during the time whisky was scarce in places like China and Turkey. American troops stationed in these locations took to mixing a neutral spirit like vodka instead. The war ended, but the recipe stayed with returning troops bringing it home with them. While the story of its name is less clear, popular tales often attribute it to a person using a screwdriver instead of a stirrer to make the cocktail. The drink is also known as ‘vodka and orange’ in the UK. 

Around the mid-1950s, vodka, as a spirit, started appearing in more and more bars and homes. The Screwdriver cocktail rose in popularity along with the spirit while also laying the foundation of other famous drinks and variations like the Harvey Wallbanger cocktail. In the 1960s, Smirnoff used the drink as part of its advertisement in the US. This made it even more recognisable. Over the years, the drink continues to find a spot in home bars and professional set-ups, recognised for its simple technique, classic flavours, and timeless presentation. 

How to make the Screwdriver with a variation

From citric swaps to modified liquor bases, there are several well-known and experimental variations of the Screwdriver.

- Harvey Wallbanger: This is made by floating Italian herbal liqueur on top of the drink. It provides a smooth, herbal and vanilla-led finish to the sweet, citrusy cocktail. 

- Greyhound and Salty Dog: The Greyhound simply swaps orange juice for grapefruit juice, making a more tart drink. For the Salty Dog cocktail, there is one additional step: rim the glass with coarse salt.

- Mexican Screwdriver: This substitutes tequila in place of the vodka. Since vodka is neutral, the original is dominated by the flavour of orange juice. This version, however, is slightly sweeter with a distinctly earthy depth from the tequila. 

- Sloe Screw: One of the more popular variants, the Sloe Screw adds a splash of sloe gin to the mix; just enough to give a hint of the botanicals without significantly altering the flavour profile. 

- Sonic Screwdriver: This is the colourful twist on the classic. Blue curaçao is mixed with vodka, then topped with lemon-lime soda.