Screwdriver (cocktail)

The Screwdriver is a simple highball cocktail made with orange juice and vodka. The basic recipe calls for these two ingredients to be mixed and served over ice. The ratio of orange juice to vodka can vary depending on individual preferences, but a common ratio is two parts orange juice to one part vodka.

The origin of the name is uncertain, but popular lore suggests that American oil workers in the Persian Gulf in the early to mid-20th century surreptitiously added vodka to their orange juice and stirred the mixture with their screwdrivers to avoid detection and remain discreet. However, this is largely anecdotal.

Variations of the Screwdriver exist, often involving the addition of other ingredients or the substitution of vodka with other spirits. For example, a Harvey Wallbanger is a Screwdriver with the addition of Galliano liqueur. Another variation involves the use of cranberry juice instead of orange juice.

The Screwdriver is a widely recognized and easily prepared cocktail, often served at brunch or as a simple mixed drink. Its simplicity and accessibility have contributed to its enduring popularity.