Are you looking for a refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a hot summer day? Look no further than the classic screwdriver! This simple yet satisfying cocktail has been a favorite among drinkers for decades, and it’s easy to see why. With just three ingredients – vodka, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine syrup – you can create a delicious and revitalizing drink that’s perfect for sipping on its own or serving at your next outdoor gathering.
But why settle for the same old recipe when you can give it a twist? In this article, we’ll explore 18 unique screwdriver recipes that add a little something extra to the classic formula. From fruity flavors like tropical pineapple and sweet mango, to herbal notes like rosemary orange and spicy jalapeño, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your shaker, juice, and vodka, and get ready to shake things up with these refreshing screwdriver cocktail recipes!
Classic Vodka Orange Screwdriver
A refreshing twist on the classic Screwdriver, this recipe combines the crisp taste of vodka with the sweetness of orange juice and a hint of citrus. Perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– Slice of orange (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and orange juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of orange, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes.
Sparkling Champagne Screwdriver
Celebrate with a refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail by adding some bubbly champagne to the mix!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka (or other clear spirit)
– 4-6 ounces champagne
– Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime, about 1/2 ounce
– Simple syrup or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Top with champagne, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. If desired, add a splash of simple syrup or sugar to balance out the flavors.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in an instant.
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of lime juice and champagne to your taste.
– Use a high-quality champagne for the best flavor.
– Consider garnishing with a lime wedge or wheel, if desired.
Spiced Cranberry Screwdriver
Warm up with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail, perfect for fall and winter gatherings. This Spiced Cranberry Screwdriver combines the sweetness of cranberries with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 4 oz cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Muddle the cranberries and spices gently to release their flavors and aromas.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Tropical Pineapple Screwdriver
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail. This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a relaxing treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1/2 oz coconut rum
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Slice of fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the pineapple and orange juices, followed by the coconut rum.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add a splash of grenadine syrup, if desired, for a hint of sweetness.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Citrusy Grapefruit Screwdriver
Brighten up your morning or evening with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail. The combination of grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, and vodka creates a tangy and citrusy flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 4 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and grapefruit juice.
3. Add the Cointreau and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Boozy Bourbon Screwdriver
Elevate the classic screwdriver cocktail with a boozy twist by adding bourbon and a splash of citrus. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
– Splash of lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon and orange juice.
3. Add the triple sec and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
5. Stir briefly to create a layered effect.
6. Garnish with an orange slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Herbal Rosemary Orange Screwdriver
Elevate your classic screwdriver cocktail with a fragrant twist by incorporating the herbal flavors of rosemary and the sweetness of orange. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or any occasion where a citrusy kick is needed.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see below for infusion instructions)
– Splash of soda water
– Rosemary sprig and slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, orange juice, regular simple syrup, and rosemary-infused simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with a rosemary sprig and slice of orange.
Rosemary Infusion Instructions:
– Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary in a saucepan.
– Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
– Let the infusion cool to room temperature before straining into a clean glass bottle. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: N/A
Sweet Mango Screwdriver
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver. The sweetness of mango puree pairs perfectly with the crispness of citrus, making it a perfect drink for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz orange vodka
– 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup mango puree
– Slice of orange for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the orange vodka and orange juice to the shaker.
3. Pour in the mango puree and shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, shake, and serve.
Ginger-Infused Screwdriver
Elevate your classic screwdriver with the warm, spicy flavor of ginger in this refreshing twist on a timeless cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1.5 oz vodka
– 0.5 oz fresh ginger syrup (see below for recipe)
– Slice of fresh ginger, for garnish
– Ice
Ginger Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the saucepan and remove from heat. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. In a highball glass, combine vodka, orange juice, and ginger syrup. Stir gently to combine.
5. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a slice of fresh ginger.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for ginger syrup) + assembly time
Smoky Mezcal Screwdriver
Elevate the classic screwdriver with the bold flavors of smoky mezcal and a hint of citrus. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little excitement.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Smoked Mezcal
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz Orange-flavored soda (such as Fanta)
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the smoked mezcal and freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Top with orange-flavored soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Berry Blast Screwdriver
Get ready to toast your taste buds with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver! This sweet and tangy cocktail combines the citrusy flavor of orange juice with the fruity essence of mixed berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz orange juice
– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Orange slice or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and orange juice.
3. Add the mixed berries to the glass.
4. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your Berry Blast Screwdriver!
Coconut Lime Screwdriver
This tropical cocktail combines the creamy richness of coconut with the zesty brightness of lime, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Honey-Glazed Screwdriver
Sweet and tangy, this Honey-Glazed Screwdriver is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Made with honey-infused vodka, orange juice, and a hint of citrus, it’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces honey-infused vodka
– 4-6 ounces orange juice
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Ice
– Orange slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the honey-infused vodka, orange juice, and lemon juice.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for added depth.
6. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Spicy Jalapeño Orange Screwdriver
Elevate your classic screwdriver with a spicy twist! This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of orange juice with the boldness of jalapeño peppers, perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 4 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño pepper (depending on desired heat level)
– Ice
– Orange slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, orange juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add 1-2 slices of fresh jalapeño pepper to the shaker and muddle gently to release oils and flavors.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
Pomegranate Vodka Screwdriver
Pomegranate Vodka Screwdriver Recipe
A refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail, this pomegranate vodka version adds a fruity and tangy touch to the classic mix of vodka and orange juice.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Pomegranate-flavored vodka
– 4 oz Orange Juice
– Splash of Grenadine syrup (optional)
– Ice
– Slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the pomegranate vodka and orange juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add a splash of grenadine syrup, if desired, for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Matcha Green Tea Screwdriver
Revive your spirits with a refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver cocktail. This Matcha Green Tea Screwdriver combines the brightness of green tea with the sweetness of orange juice and a hint of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of green tea-infused vodka (or regular vodka with matcha powder)
– 2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the green tea-infused vodka, orange juice, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Vanilla Bean Screwdriver
A refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver, this Vanilla Bean Screwdriver combines the smoothness of vanilla with the crispness of citrus. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vanilla-infused vodka (or regular vodka with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– 4-6 ounces pineapple juice
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– Slice of lime for garnish
– Vanilla bean, optional (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and pineapple juice.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime and a vanilla bean, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Peach Thyme Screwdriver
Elevate your summer cocktails with this refreshing twist on the classic screwdriver. This Peach Thyme Screwdriver combines sweet peaches, tangy citrus, and fragrant thyme to create a delightful drink perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup vodka
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, muddle the diced peaches and fresh thyme leaves together until well combined.
2. Add the orange juice and vodka to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of grenadine syrup if desired (optional).
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Peach Thyme Screwdriver over the ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to shake up your cocktail game with these refreshing screwdriver recipes! From classic combinations like vodka and orange to innovative twists like sparkling champagne and spiced cranberry, there’s something for every taste. Try adding a little spice with ginger-infused or smoky mezcal, or sweeten things up with honey-glazed or tropical pineapple. Whether you’re in the mood for something citrusy or herbal, these 18 unique screwdriver recipes are sure to quench your thirst and impress your friends.
