The Screwdriver cocktail is one of the simplest, most famous and favorite alcoholic drinks. Quite often it can be found under the name Orange or simply vodka with fresh juice.
Finding the ingredients for the traditional method does not take much work or money. The classic recipe for this cocktail was prepared back in the 50s of the 20th century, and it contains vodka and orange juice in a ratio of 1 to 2. Serve with ice!
Myth No. 1 about the creation of the cocktail says that “Screwdriver” got its name thanks to American oil workers from Oklahoma, who sat in a bar after work and drank this drink, stirring it with screwdrivers.
Myth No. 2 - the same engineers, but working in Saudi Arabia, where there is a ban on alcohol. To hide the presence of alcohol, they came up with the idea of hiding it behind citrus juice.
Myth No. 3 – as if by chance, in a newspaper article about Turkish intelligence agents, the same oil workers drink this drink with them.
In fact, this was most likely an excellent PR campaign for John Martin, who at that time was starting his own business selling vodka. A year after it started, the recipe was in most bars in the United States.
Kevin Costner's character in The Bodyguard drank the reverse cocktail. There are numerous variations of the classic drink with different flavors and added liqueurs.
Classic version
This is a traditional recipe. You can also make a "Reverse Screwdriver" if you reverse the proportions.
Number of servings: 1 drink.
Difficulty: easy.
Cooking time: 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- vodka – 50 g;
- freshly squeezed orange juice – 100 g;
Take a large glass with ice, add and stir the alcohol and orange.
Cocktail additions
Italian version
A delicious recipe from Italy with citrus vodka, orange and grapefruit juice, and ginger ale. Belongs to the subcategory of long drinks.
Ingredients:
- 50 g citrus vodka;
- 100 g fresh orange;
- 60 g fresh grapefruit;
- 1 spoon Ginger Ale.
Pour all ingredients into a sugar-rimmed parfait glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Energy value:
Option "Screwdrivers" with Bacardi and Tropicana
Another delicious recipe with Bacardi Rum Gold, Tropicana Orange, and ice.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts BACARDI rum Gold;
- 1 part orange Tropicana;
Add ice, then orange juice and rum. Mix.
The last recipe will especially appeal to fans of the TV series Doctor Who. There is also an occasional variation called the Sonic Screwdriver, which mixes vodka with Monin Blue Curacao liqueur.
“The Screwdriver” has two versions of its origin story: romantic and realistic. In addition, there are many options for preparing this cocktail.
We will talk about the origin of this drink, composition, proportions and methods of preparing “Screwdriver”.
First legend claims that the cocktail was invented in the mid-twentieth century by unfortunate American oil workers who were forced to somehow survive in Saudi Arabia under conditions of a complete ban on alcohol. They disguised the vodka with orange juice, just like today's schoolchildren, and stirred it with a screwdriver, which a self-respecting oil worker always has on hand.
Version two talks about one of the most successful examples of marketing in history. According to this version, “Screwdriver” was not invented by an unnamed oil worker, but by the owner of the Smirnoff brand, John Martin, who was not satisfied with the amount of vodka Americans were drinking.
In addition, Martin was promoting not only vodka, but also packaged orange juice. Having invented and popularized the “Screwdriver”, he killed two birds with one stone.
According to the second version, the name “Screwdriver” consists of two parts:
- “screw” - a screw, in bartender slang this was the name for orange juice,
- "driver" - vodka.
Reference! The name of the drink sounds ambiguous, since in slang the word means “sex partner.” Therefore, all modifications of the drink in the original are called much more piquantly than when translated into Russian.
In any case, the first mention of the folk cocktail was found in 1949 in the Time newspaper, after which the drink instantly became mega-popular, although in the article it was called “the drink of gigolos and ladies of easy virtue.” Or maybe it’s precisely because of this.
Classic recipe
Compound
Vodka (originally “Smirnoff”), orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed, of course), ice (classic!)
Preparation
Cocktail "Screwdriver" included in the official list of the International Bartenders Association (IBA), so he has a uniform standard of preparation, which is known in all bars of the world, from democratic eateries to elite establishments.
Step-by-step preparation:
- You need to take a highball or collins glass (this is a simple tall and narrow glass) and fill it with ice a little less than completely.
- Then pour 50 ml. vodka and 100 ml. orange juice.
- Mix. Insert straw.
Reference! There is a “younger” proportion, also common in bars. 3/10 vodka and 7/10 juice.
Be sure to decorate the rim of the glass with a slice of orange to emphasize that this is not just vodka with juice, but an internationally recognized long drink of the “Unforgettable” category, which can be drunk all day and any time.
Watch the video in which a professional bartender describes the technology for preparing the famous cocktail:
How to do it in other ways?
1. Drivescrewer (Reverse method)
As you can guess from the name, this is a “reverse screwdriver”, which contains 100 ml. vodka is 50 ml. juice
Reference! For the impatient.
The remaining variations are based on substitution of one or both ingredients, and their right to proudly be called "Screwdriver" is questioned by conservatives.
However, it was the “Screwdriver” that laid the foundation for the whole variety of vodka-based cocktails, and it is difficult to clearly draw the line between “Skrew” and independent cocktails.
2. Sonic
This option is called the "Sonic Screwdriver".
Instead of orange juice, Blue Curacao liqueur is added to vodka in equal parts. The result is a strong cocktail of a beautiful blue color.
Reference! For fans of the series Doctor Who.
3. Anita Bryant
The most “ideological” cocktail. A recipe from 1977, named by gays in honor of their active persecutor, who led the fight against laws that prohibited discrimination against sexual minorities.
The laws were first repealed in several states, but then passed anyway. But for the singer and model, this story ended in the collapse of her career. But vodka with apple juice is still named after her.
In the recipe, orange juice is replaced with apple juice., since the LGBT community boycotted the orange orange because it was advertised by Mrs. Bryant.
Reference! For progressive liberals.
4. With Angostura
The classic recipe add a little Angostura medicinal tincture.
The recipe is found in American literature and is one of the first modifications.
Reference! For fans of American literature.
5. Gimlet
It’s not a fact that this is a “Screwdriver” at all, although “Gimlet” and “Screw” are undoubtedly relatives.
A recipe (two of them) from The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler:“They don’t know how to mix this cocktail here,” he said. – They just take gin, lemon juice, add sugar and bitters. But the real “gimlet” is gin and half and half lime juice, and nothing more. Gives the martini a hundred points ahead.”
According to one version, the name of the cocktail alludes to one of the parts of the body that supposedly has a beneficial effect.
Reference! For the gimlets.
The video explains how to properly prepare the “Gimlet” cocktail:
6. Cuban (Cuban)
"Cuban screwdriver" or "Cuban screw". Instead of vodka - white rum. The proportions are the same.
Reference! For pirates.
7. Brass Monkey
Screwdriver “Copper Monkey” (sometimes for some reason called “Arrogant Monkey”).
Instead of vodka (and in some versions together with vodka) - black rum.
According to rumors, during World War II this cocktail served as an identification mark for intelligence agents.
Reference! Accordingly for spies.
8. Black
For this recipe you will need Blavod Black Vodka.
This is black-blue-green vodka. It is recommended not to stir this cocktail.
Reference! For aesthetes.
9. Screw-Up
In the classic recipe orange juice is replaced with 7-Up drink.
And again a play on words. The slang expression “screw-up” means “to spoil”, “to screw up”, “to screw up everything”.
Reference! For losers.
10. Hi-Fi
Whiskey instead of vodka and carbonated orange drink instead of juice. The original was "Orangina Jackhammer", but it can be replaced by "Fanta" or "Mirinda".
Reference! Also for losers. Okay, for the bubble lovers.
11. With Sprite
Another variation of the screwdriver with carbonated drinks.
- Place a few lime slices straight with the peel into the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the already mixed vodka and sprite in the classic proportions.
Reference! One of the youngest modifications. For those for whom image is nothing.
12. Fuzzy Screw
Screwdriver with added peach liqueur
Reference! Still a screwdriver, but for the discerning.
Peach liqueur softens the taste of the drink.
13. Samaretto
Screwdriver with Amaretto liqueur.
Reference! For the discerning ones who prefer almond liqueur to peach liqueur.
14. Electric
Screwdriver with added energy drink and silver tequila.
Reference! For lovers of sparks and electrical tension.
15. Mexican (Mexican)
A screwdriver that uses tequila instead of vodka.
Reference! For muchachos.
16. California Screw
Compound:
- 2 parts vodka
- 3 parts grapefruit juice
- 3 parts orange juice
Mix everything and enjoy.
Reference! For fantasies of California beaches
Grapefruit adds a slight bitterness to the drink.
17. Grapefruit
Screwdriver with grapefruit juice.
Red grapefruit juice gives the cocktail a beautiful pink color and cuts through the bitterness of vodka more than orange juice.
Reference! For lovers of “the same thing, but pink”
18. Orange freshness
Actually, the classic “Skrewdriver”, differing only in the method of preparation:
- Place the orange juice in the freezer for a couple of hours.
- Finely chop.
- Fill the glasses two-thirds full with orange ice, add 50 ml each. vodka.
Reference! For those who need to cool down.
19. V and V
To prepare, you need to take 2 parts vodka, 3 parts orange juice, 3 parts grapefruit juice, and the juice of half a fresh lemon.
Now all you have to do is mix all the ingredients and the cocktail is ready!
Reference! Vitamin bomb for a healthy lifestyle with 2 parts of compromise.
20. Perestroika
- One part each of vodka and light rum
- 3 parts cranberry juice
- sugar syrup to taste
- a few drops of lemon juice
In order for the cocktail to look exactly like it did in the late 80s, when it was served to party leaders in the most elite establishments of Moscow, it remains garnish it with an orange slice.
Reference! For nostalgia.
21. Fresh
Compound:
- 1 part vodka
- 3 parts orange juice
- 1 part orange or lemon liqueur (Limoncello type)
- lemon zest
You can serve this cocktail beautifully by cutting the skin of a lemon or orange into a spiral and placing it along the entire length of the glass, supporting it with ice cubes.
This cocktail is equally popular in elite bars and at youth parties; its original taste is difficult to forget, and its ease of preparation is impressive. It's all about Screwdriver, a mixture of vodka and orange juice. Next I will talk about the correct proportions and a homemade cocktail recipe.
Historical reference. According to legend, the recipe was invented by American oil workers who worked in Saudi Arabia in the mid-20th century, where alcohol is prohibited. For secrecy, the cunning workers came up with the idea of mixing vodka with concentrated orange juice. They stirred the finished cocktail with what was at hand - an ordinary screwdriver, hence the name.
The first mention of the “Screwdriver” dates back to 1949. The Time newspaper published a report that Turkish intelligence agents were chatting with American engineers at a bar while drinking a newfangled alcoholic drink, Screwdriver. After this note, many Americans began to become interested in making Screwdriver at home. In those days, the drink was served only in a few bars. But a year later the situation changed dramatically, the cocktail appeared on the menu of all drinking establishments in the United States.
Now many bartenders are inclined to believe that the Screwdriver recipe was invented by the owner of the Smirnoff brand, John Martin, who popularized vodka in America. And the story with the oil workers was invented only to attract attention to the cocktail. Be that as it may, “Screwdriver” still pleases with its excellent taste.
The “Screwdriver” cocktail is also wonderful because it can be prepared in advance in the required quantities. If you're planning a big party, simply mix vodka with orange juice and put it in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, pour the drink into glasses filled with ice.
Composition and proportions:
- orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed) - 150 ml;
- vodka (not moonshine) - 50 ml;
- ice cubes - 200 grams.
In the classic recipe, the cocktail is made in a ratio of 3:7 (3 parts vodka and 7 parts orange juice) in a tall highball glass.
Screwdriver recipe
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes or cool it in the freezer.
2. Add 50 ml of vodka and 150 ml of orange juice, mix gently with a spoon.
3. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
The cocktail is ready. It has a light sweetish taste with hints of citrus. Orange juice neutralizes the burning aftertaste of vodka, which is why “Screwdriver” is very popular among ladies and young people.
This popular alcoholic drink has its roots in America and gained great fame after the publication of a cocktail recipe called “Screwdriver” in the Time newspaper back in October 1949. Specifically, this article was about communication between American engineers and representatives of Turkish intelligence, however, the article made an effective advertisement for this new drink.
It is worth saying that after this involuntary advertising campaign, the screwdriver cocktail gained wild popularity and worldwide recognition, the Screwdriver cocktail recipe gained the fame it deserved!
Screwdriver - composition:
- Vodka;
- Orange juice;
- Crushed ice.
This bright and fresh drink can rightfully be called the king of all parties and joyful holidays. Initially, the Screwdriver was not prepared in fashionable and respectable bars, restaurants, Screwdriver is one of the few homemade alcoholic cocktails that, at the peak of its popularity, migrated to fashionable bars. In just a few months, an unremarkable, at first glance, alcoholic cocktail appeared on the cocktail lists of all American bars, consisting of just a few simple ingredients - vodka, orange juice or fresh juice and ice.
The closest relative of this alcoholic cocktail is the Gimlet, it is made from gin and lime juice with ice; what’s interesting is that the proportions are the same as the Screwdriver.
It is worth noting that it is not possible to identify the specific author of this wonderful drink; even the name of this cocktail itself comes from an Iranian legend about breaking Prohibition, according to it American oil workers, who worked in Iran in the 50s of the 20th century, in order to disguise alcohol, poured orange juice into glasses, and the resulting mixture was stirred with nothing more than a screwdriver. There is a high probability that this legend is not fiction, but the truth, because thanks to the addition of orange juice, the vodka is leveled out and there is no need to even have a snack.
There is also another hypothesis about the origin of the name of this drink, because the name of the screwdriver in English is “Screwdriver” is composite and includes two professional terms of all bartenders - “screw” and “driver”, which in turn is translated as orange juice and vodka, but the legend with the oil workers is only a successful advertising move and nothing more.
And also, in this version of the origin of the Screwdriver, its supposed creator appears - John Matrin, a man who was the most famous distributor of Russian Smirnoff vodka throughout America, and he also distributed packaged orange juice from Florida.
In any case, despite the confrontation between the two versions, by the 70s of the 20th century the Screwdriver was one of the most popular cocktails in bars, it was ordered by both ordinary workers and bohemians. By the 1990s, the Screwdriver had become so in demand and popular that even in America established industrial production for the release of a ready-made cocktail in cans, during the same time period the drink received the honor of being included in the official list of the International Bartenders Association. Today, many people don’t even think about the fact that they are preparing a legendary drink of the 20th century when they mix vodka and orange juice.
There are many varieties and recipes for this seemingly simple cocktail. Surprisingly, many readers may have legitimate questions about how to make a Screwdriver cocktail and what options can there be if only 3 basic ingredients are given - vodka, juice and ice? Well, let's start studying the ingredients included in the drink.
Option one - classic “Screwdriver”:
- 1 part vodka, Smirnoff is best
- 2 parts orange juice.
Option for the second cocktail Screwdriver:
Classic version of "Driverscrewer":
The proportions of this cocktail are as follows: 1 part juice and 2 parts vodka, or 3 parts juice and 7 parts vodka, so from the composition you can understand that this is a so-called reverse screwdriver.
If you want to experiment with cocktails at home, then different variations of this cocktail are perfect for this.
Sonic screwdriver
This option is dedicated to the famous TV series “Doctor Who”, its composition is as follows:
- Vodka - 1 part;
- Blue Curacao liqueur - 1 part.
Anita Briant
This direct relative of the Screwdriver appeared as a result of the fact that representatives of sexual minorities, for some reason They didn’t like orange juice and replaced it with apple juice. Everyone liked this composition, and it was named after the famous singer of the 60s of the 20th century, who actively supported LGBT people.
Impudent monkey
This version of the drink is in many ways similar to the classic Screwdriver, the proportions are completely the same, in order to make it, the main component - vodka - must be replaced with dark rum.
Kuban screwdriver
In order to make a homemade version of this alcoholic cocktail, you will need everything the same as in the previous version, however, the trick is that the dark rum is replaced with light rum.
Screw-Up
The classic base remains unchanged, as do the proportions, only the orange juice is replaced with the fizzy and refreshing “7-UP”.
Black screwdriver
If you want to prepare this version of the famous cocktail at home, you will need to purchase Blavod Black Vodka, because only with this brand can you make a real Black Screwdriver.
Hi-Fi
The interestingly modified composition of the cocktail can please not only with non-typical ingredients, but also delicious taste, in order to prepare it, it is necessary to observe the traditional proportions of the Screwdriver, and also replace vodka with whiskey and orange juice with Fanta.
There are many options in which traditional orange juice is replaced with grapefruit and citrus juice. And also, it is worth noting that nowadays more and more recipes are simply vaguely reminiscent of the classic Screwdriver, although in fact this cocktail only contains such an ingredient as vodka. Some of the most popular drinks of this nature include:
Samerreto - consists of vodka, orange juice, and delicious Amaretto almond liqueur.
Fuzzy Screv - vodka and orange juice with the addition of aromatic peach liqueur create a divine drink that the ladies will really like.
Electric Screwdriver - for lovers of unusual, blood-stirring cocktails, this option will be ideal, because in addition to vodka and traditional orange juice, the composition includes energy drink and white tequila.
An interesting fact is that by acting on the body, this alcoholic cocktail prevents the development of liver cirrhosis, and this happens due to vitamin C.
It is also worth noting that making the cocktail recipes presented above is not difficult and does not require special bartender skills.
To decorate the home version of Screwdrivers you will need:
- A special glass called Highball;
- Straw;
- Thin orange slices to decorate the rim of the glass.
And also, if you want to prepare a Screwdriver at home, then the cocktail can be prepared in advance, and in proportion increase the volume of ingredients, after this it is recommended to put this cocktail in the refrigerator. Ice is added just before serving.
The Screwdriver or Skrewdriver (that’s what the cocktail is called all over the world) is not just a mixture of vodka and orange juice. The simplicity of the recipe does not at all deprive it of a long history, which, as is the case with many famous alcoholic mixtures, is associated with America and people from this country.
Cocktail ingredients Screwdriver:
- – 30 ml
- Orange juice – 70 ml
- Orange (for garnish)
Cocktail preparation process Screwdriver:
The “Screwdriver” cocktail is prepared using the build method. Fill a tall glass with ice, add vodka and orange juice. The cocktail is served with a fresh orange garnish along with a cocktail straw.
Cocktail glassware: Highball glass
Interesting Facts:
They say that the original recipe for “Screwdriver” was slightly different: vodka was mixed with orange juice in a ratio of 1 to 2. In many bars it is still prepared this way.
The Screwdriver recipe first appeared on the pages of the American Time magazine. Even the exact date is known - 10/24/1949. According to the newspaper article, it becomes clear that “Screwdriver” began to be served in the fashionable and very glamorous bar of the Park Hotel at that time.
Unfortunately, history has not preserved the name of the author of this drink, beloved by millions. However, according to an interesting legend, the screwdriver was invented by oil engineers from the United States, who once mined liquid gold in the territory of modern Iran. It was they who thought of pouring vodka and orange juice into one container. For some reason they always carried these two drinks with them on their belts.
Particularly desperate cocktail lovers prefer the “Screwdriver” in reverse. In principle, this is the same drink, only the ingredients are added in reverse proportion. Without further ado, the “bourgeoisie” called this high-strength cocktail “Drivescruver.”
The creators of the American sitcom Doctor Who unwittingly sent the Sonic Screwdriver to the masses. Instead of orange juice, Blue Curaçao wine liqueur is added to this drink. The ratio of ingredients is 1 to 1.
Some people call the “Gimlet” cocktail a variation of the “Screwdriver”, but for others it is a completely independent drink. Instead of vodka and orange juice, mix gin and lime juice in equal proportions.
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