According to the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, the Screwdriver likely originated during World War II. American civilians and soldiers stationed abroad, facing a shortage of familiar spirits like whiskey, improvised by mixing neutral spirits and Turkish vodka with orange juice to make them more enjoyable.
As vodka brands such as Smirnoff aimed to establish a presence in the U.S. market, they incorporated the Screwdriver cocktail into their marketing campaigns over the subsequent decades.
The exact origin of the Screwdriver’s name remains uncertain. One popular theory suggests that factory workers used a screwdriver to stir the drink when a spoon was unavailable, although there is limited evidence to support this claim.
Curiously, similar stories exist regarding the origins of other cocktail names, such as the term “cocktail” allegedly originating from early drinks stirred with a rooster’s tail feather, and the Rusty Nail purportedly being stirred with an actual rusty nail. These anecdotes raise the intriguing question of why so many individuals in drinking history encountered difficulties in locating spoons.
Screwdriver Cocktail Ingredients
Before we delve into the Screwdriver, let’s explore the essential ingredients you’ll need, measured in milliliters (ml):
For the Screwdriver Cocktail:
- 60 ml of vodka
- 180 ml of fresh orange juice
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or wedge for garnish
Screwdriver Recipe
Creating the perfect Screwdriver is about achieving a balance of flavors that showcases the vibrancy of fresh orange juice. Here’s the ideal recipe using milliliter (ml) measurements to get you started:
Step 1: The Highball Glass
- Start by using a highball glass, which is a classic choice for serving Screwdrivers. It provides ample space for the cocktail and garnish.
Step 2: The Cocktail Build
- In the highball glass, combine the following ingredients:
- 60 ml of vodka
- 180 ml of fresh orange juice
- A handful of ice cubes
Step 3: Gentle Stir
- Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to blend them together and ensure the cocktail is well-chilled.
Step 4: Garnishing for Vibrant Appeal
- Complete the Screwdriver by garnishing it with an orange slice or wedge. The citrus garnish adds a fresh aroma and a pop of color.
The Screwdriver – Two Ingredients, Great Taste
The Screwdriver, a simple vodka cocktail made with vodka and orange juice, holds the distinction of being recognized as an official cocktail by the International Bartender Association. Its origins are a subject of debate, with references to the drink dating back to the 1940s when vodka started gaining popularity in the United States.
Despite its simplicity, the Screwdriver has endured as one of the most iconic highballs ever crafted. It continues to be one of the earliest cocktail recipes that many individuals learn, serving as an introduction to the world of mixed drinks for countless people.
