Mix That Drink Kitschy Drink Recipes
The Screwdriver, or Vodka and Orange, is one of the simplest cocktails you could possibly mix, which may be part of its enduring popularity. If you count the ice, it has three ingredients. This makes it a perfect pre-mixer for parties and a great quick drink at home when you’re too tired for anything complicated. Also, it has vitamin C! How can you beat that?
Since the recipe is so darn simple and familiar, I’m going to cover some specifics on making the best screwdriver you can.
The Screwdriver
- 2 ounces vodka
- 5 ounces orange juice
- A pinch of salt
Most recipes online don’t call for the pinch of salt. But it smooths the rough edges of the orange juice’s acidity and the “burning” flavor of the vodka. Fill a glass (traditionally highball) with ice, pour in your ingredients, and stir. Garnish it with a slice of orange or a maraschino cherry, optionally. That’s it!
Tips for Making the Best Screwdriver
With a drink this simple, quality of ingredients is everything. There’s no magic shortcut. The smoother your vodka, the easier a Screwdriver will go down. Avoid pulpy orange juice, and go with either a premium brand of orange juice or fresh squeezed.
Breakfast for Dinner
A Screwdriver goes with any food orange juice goes with. The first meal that comes to mind is, of course, breakfast. But you don’t have to start drinking at 6 am to enjoy a screwdriver with breakfast: just have breakfast foods for dinner or lunch! Omelet, bacon, sauage, ham, pancakes, French toast – good, heavy, stick-to-your-ribs food.
Ever versatile Screwdrivers are also tasty with smoky foods, like a pulled pork sandwich or steaks from the smoker. Smoked almonds and cheeses make a nice munchie to snack along on with a screwdriver. Salty snacks work well, too, especially if they have a strong flavor. Try pretzels or flavorful crackers, or a bowl of Chex Party Mix (remember that stuff?).
