Freshly squeezed oranges turn this two-ingredient drink into something bright and juicy, with the vodka adding weight rather than flavour. Built in seconds, it is the highball for anyone who likes their drink to taste of fruit first.
3.5Editors’ rating
Taste3.5
Balance3.4
Easy to make5
Popularity88
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Juicy and sweet-tart orange with a clean, slightly warming backbone. Light and easy to drink, which makes careful measuring sensible.
History and origin
The Screwdriver rose with vodka's breakthrough in the United States after the Second World War. It appears in print by 1949, when a Time magazine report from Turkey described vodka and orange juice called a "screwdriver" as the latest American concoction, which suggests the drink was already known by name.
Where the name comes from is not documented. The most popular story claims that American oil workers stirred their vodka and orange juice with a screwdriver, but there is no evidence behind it beyond the neatness of the tale.
What is clear is its influence: the Screwdriver became the model for a whole family of vodka and juice highballs, from the Harvey Wallbanger to the Sea Breeze, and it has remained a brunch and bar standard ever since.
Bartender tips
Squeeze the oranges shortly before serving; after a few hours the juice turns flat and slightly bitter.
A dash of fresh lemon juice sharpens juice that tastes too sweet.
Neutral, clean vodka works best; flavoured vodkas make it taste artificial.
