Easy Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe in Minutes

A Simple, Sunny Drink

This drink is as easy as it gets. Just two things. Good vodka and sweet orange juice. I like to use the juice with lots of pulp. It makes it feel more real.

You can make it in a minute. It is perfect for a lazy brunch. Or when friends stop by unexpectedly. It always feels like a little celebration.

Why We Call It a Screwdriver

This story makes me smile. Workers long ago wanted a secret drink. They had vodka and orange juice. But no spoon to stir it.

So they used what was in their hands. A screwdriver! Isn’t that clever? The name just stuck after that. I still laugh at that.

Making Your Drink Just Right

Fill your glass with ice first. This keeps everything cold. Then pour in one shot of vodka. Use a vodka you like the taste of.

Now top it off with orange juice. Give it a gentle stir. *Fun fact:* The vitamin C in the juice is good for you. See, it is a healthy treat!

What is your favorite juice to use? Do you like lots of ice or just a little? Tell me how you make yours.

The Magic of Two Ingredients

This matters more than you think. Using just two things means both need to be good. The drink is only as good as your orange juice.

It teaches us a good lesson. Simple food made with care is best. You can taste the love in every sip.

Time for a Garnish

Do not forget the final touch. A slice of orange on the rim. Or a bright red cherry dropped in. It makes the drink look so happy.

This makes it special. It shows you took an extra moment for joy. We all need more of that, don’t you think?

Your Turn to Share

This drink is best shared with others. It starts conversations. It makes a normal day feel fun.

When will you make your first Screwdriver? Is it for a special day or just a quiet afternoon? Tell me who you would share it with.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Orange juice	4 to 6 ounces
Vodka	1½ ounces	1 shot
Ice cubes	1 cup

My Favorite Easy Screwdriver

My grandson calls this my sunshine drink. It reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings. We would sip these on the porch. The birds would be singing their little hearts out. It is such a simple, happy drink. It always makes me smile. Let me show you how I make it. First, grab your favorite tall glass. I use my old jelly jar. It just feels right in my hand. Fill that glass right to the top with ice cubes. I like the crunchy sound it makes. It gets me excited for a cool, refreshing sip. This drink is best when it’s frosty cold. Next, pour in one good shot of vodka. Use a nice one if you can. It makes the whole drink smoother. (Hard-learned tip: Don’t skimp here! Cheap vodka can taste a bit harsh.). I learned that from my friend Mabel years ago. She always knew her spirits. Now, just imagine the orange juice coming next. Finally, top it all off with fresh orange juice. I love the bright, cheerful color. Doesn’t that look inviting? Give it a gentle stir with a spoon. For a fancy touch, add an orange slice on the rim. It makes it feel like a special occasion. *A little secret: a maraschino cherry makes it even sweeter.* What’s your favorite garnish to add? Share below! Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 2 minutes Yield: 1 serving Category: Drink, Cocktail

Three Fun Twists to Try

Let’s play with this classic recipe a little. You can make it your own. I love trying new things in my kitchen. It keeps things interesting. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for this drink. Sunset Splash: Use blood orange juice. It turns a beautiful pinkish-red color. It tastes a bit sweeter, too. Tropical Breeze: Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice. It will whisk you away to a beach somewhere. Garden Herb: Add a few fresh basil leaves. Just gently muddle them in the glass first. It adds a lovely fresh flavor. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Creation

This drink is perfect for a lazy brunch. I like to serve it with buttery croissants. Some crispy bacon on the side is wonderful, too. The salty bacon tastes so good with the sweet juice. For a gathering, set out a big pitcher. Let everyone serve themselves. For a drink pairing, a classic mimosa is always a hit. For a non-alcoholic treat, try sparkling lemonade. It has the same happy fizz. Which would you choose tonight?

### Keeping Your Screwdriver Fresh A Screwdriver is best enjoyed right away. But sometimes you need to make a few ahead. Just mix the vodka and juice in a pitcher. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day. I remember making a big batch for a garden party once. It was so nice to just pour over ice when friends arrived. This matters because a little planning makes hosting feel easy. You get to enjoy your own party! Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below! Never store your cocktail with the ice already in it. It will get watery and lose its flavor. Always add fresh ice to each glass right before serving. This keeps your drink tasting bright and refreshing. Batch cooking the mix means you can relax. You are ready for guests in a flash. ### Simple Fixes for a Perfect Drink Sometimes the orange juice can be a bit too tart. If yours is, add a tiny splash of simple syrup. Stir it in and taste. You want a nice balance of sweet and citrus. I once used very sour juice and my friend made this face! We fixed it with a little sugar. Getting the flavor right matters. It turns a good drink into a great one. Your drink might taste weak if the measurements are off. Always use a proper shot glass for the vodka. This ensures your cocktail is strong enough. A weak drink is no fun for anyone. Using good quality juice makes a big difference too. The better the juice, the better your cocktail will taste. Which of these problems have you run into before? *Fun fact: This drink is called a Screwdriver because workers used to stir it with a screwdriver!* ### Your Screwdriver Questions Answered **Q: Can I make this gluten-free?** A: Yes! Vodka made from potatoes or grapes is naturally gluten-free. Always check the bottle. **Q: Can I make it ahead for a party?** A: Absolutely. Mix the vodka and juice in a pitcher. Keep it chilled for up to one day. **Q: What if I don’t have orange juice?** A: Try using tangerine or pineapple juice. They are both delicious with vodka. **Q: Can I make a big batch for a crowd?** A: You sure can. Just multiply the ingredients by your number of guests. **Q: Any other garnish ideas?** A: A sprig of fresh mint looks pretty. It adds a lovely smell, too. Which tip will you try first? ### A Note From My Kitchen to Yours I hope you love this simple, classic cocktail. It reminds me of sunny mornings and happy times. Making drinks for people is a way to show you care. I would love to see your creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.