How to Make the Perfect Screwdriver Cocktail
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The Screwdriver drink recipe is one of the simplest cocktails you could possibly mix, which may be part of its enduring popularity. The classic version is simple orange juice and vodka.
Since the recipe is so simple and familiar, I’m going to cover some specifics on making it the best screwdriver you can. It’s a perfect big batch drink for parties and a great quick drink at home when you’re too tired for anything complicated.
Also, it has vitamin C! How can you beat that?
How to Make the Best Screwdriver
With a drink this simple, quality of ingredients is everything. There’s no magic shortcut. The smoother your vodka, the easier a Screwdriver will go down.
Be sure to use a premium, smooth-sipping vodka. Freshly squeeze your oranges for maximum flavor and aroma. Avoid using pre-bottled or concentrate orange juice, as these can taste flat and artificial in comparison.
When it comes to the ratio of vodka to orange juice, the classic Screwdriver calls for a 1:2 proportion – 2 parts orange juice to 1 part vodka. This creates a well-balanced cocktail that allows the bright, citrusy notes of the orange to shine through while still providing a satisfying vodka kick.
Some bartenders may adjust the ratios to personal preference, using a bit more or less vodka depending on individual taste. But as a general rule, sticking to the 1:2 ratio will ensure you end up with a Screwdriver that’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Bonus Tip: Salt
If the oranges you have are a little too acidic, add a pinch or two of salt and dissolve it in the juice. The salt smooths any rough edges from the orange juice’s acidity and the “burning” flavor of the vodka.
Serving and Garnishing the Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is a versatile cocktail that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions and personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular serving styles and garnish ideas to consider:
On the Rocks
Pouring the Screwdriver over ice in a highball or Collins glass is a classic and refreshing way to enjoy the drink. The ice helps to chill and dilute the cocktail slightly, creating a more mellow and easy-sipping experience.
Straight Up
For a more spirit-forward take on the Screwdriver, you can serve the cocktail straight up in a chilled cocktail glass. This concentrated version allows the flavors of the vodka and orange juice to really shine through.
Frozen Screwdriver
Taking the Screwdriver to the next level of refreshment, you can blend the cocktail with ice to create a frozen, slushy-like consistency. This is a perfect option for hot summer days or poolside gatherings.
Garnishes
To add a touch of visual flair and extra citrus aroma, consider garnishing your Screwdriver with any of the following:
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Orange wedge
- Orange peel twist
- Mint sprig
The classic orange slice is a simple yet effective garnish that complements the drink’s flavor profile. For a more playful presentation, you can try threading a maraschino cherry onto a cocktail pick and suspending it in the drink.
Food Pairings for the Screwdriver Cocktail
This drink goes with any food orange juice goes with. The first meal that comes to mind is, of course, breakfast. But you don’t have to start drinking at 6 am to enjoy a screwdriver with breakfast: just have breakfast foods for dinner or lunch!
Here’s a quick list, which is really just a sample of the various foods you can enjoy with this drink:
- Brunch foods: Omelets, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, French toast – good, heavy, stick-to-your-ribs food.
- Appetizers: Caprese salad skewers, Shrimp cocktail, goat cheese appetizers, chicken wings
- Literally any seafood dish
- Meat and cheese board
- Any creamy or fruity dessert
But don’t stop there. Ever-versatile Screwdrivers are also tasty with smoky foods, like a pulled pork sandwich or steaks from the smoker. Smoked almonds are great to snack along on with a screwdriver. Salty snacks work well, too, especially if they have a strong flavor. Try pretzels or flavorful crackers.
Screwdriver Drink Recipe
The Screwdriver, with vodka and orange juice, is one of the simplest cocktails you could possibly mix, which may be part of its enduring popularity.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 5 ounces orange juice
Instructions
- Fill a glass (traditionally highball) with ice.
- Pour in the orange juice.
- Pour in the vodka.
- Stir.
- Garnish it with a slice of orange or a maraschino cherry, optionally.
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