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Screwdriver (cocktail)

The Screwdriver is a highball cocktail made with vodka and orange juice.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Screwdriver is a highball cocktail made with vodka and orange juice. It is a simple two-ingredient mixed drink that is commonly served over ice and often garnished with an orange slice. The drink is widely associated with brunch and casual drinking occasions.

Composition

The classic Screwdriver uses only vodka and orange juice, usually poured over ice in a highball or Collins glass. Recipes commonly call for a simple stirred build rather than shaking.

History

The drink’s origin is not certain, but it is commonly linked to World War II-era accounts involving workers or servicemen mixing vodka with orange juice. Printed references are reported from the 1940s.

Serving and variations

The Screwdriver is usually served cold and may be garnished with citrus. Variations include the Fuzzy Screwdriver, which adds peach schnapps, and other orange-juice-based vodka drinks.

Cultural role

The Screwdriver is often described as a straightforward brunch cocktail and a common entry-level mixed drink because of its mild, citrus-forward profile and minimal ingredients.

Key facts

  • The Screwdriver is a highball cocktail made from vodka and orange juice.
  • It is commonly served over ice with an orange garnish.
  • Its origin is uncertain, with World War II-era stories.
  • It is an official IBA cocktail.
  • Variations include the Fuzzy Screwdriver with peach schnapps.
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Canadian context

The Screwdriver is a standard bar and brunch cocktail in Canada, commonly found in restaurants, hotels, and home entertaining. Canadian readers may also encounter the drink under the name “vodka and orange.”

Frequently asked questions

What is a Screwdriver cocktail?
A Screwdriver is a vodka-and-orange-juice highball cocktail served over ice.
What ingredients are in a classic Screwdriver?
The classic version uses vodka and orange juice, usually with an orange garnish.
Is the Screwdriver an official cocktail?
Yes. It is listed as an official cocktail by the International Bartenders Association.
Where did the Screwdriver originate?
Its exact origin is unclear, but it is commonly associated with World War II-era stories and early 1940s references.
How is a Screwdriver usually served?
It is usually built in a tall glass over ice and stirred gently.
Are there variations of the Screwdriver?
Yes. A common variation is the Fuzzy Screwdriver, which adds peach schnapps.

References

  1. Liquor.com — https://www.liquor.com/recipes/screwdriver/
    Supports: Defines the Screwdriver as vodka and orange juice and notes its status as an International Bartender Association official cocktail.
  2. BBC Food — https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/screwdriver_95487
    Supports: Provides a classic recipe using vodka, orange juice, ice, and optional orange garnish.
  3. A Couple Cooks — https://www.acouplecooks.com/screwdriver-drink/
    Supports: Describes the drink as a highball cocktail, discusses its uncertain origin, and mentions early printed references.
  4. Taste of Home — https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/screwdriver/
    Supports: Describes the Screwdriver as vodka mixed with orange juice and summarizes common origin lore.