You’re about to discover 18 refreshing screwdriver cocktail recipes perfect for every occasion! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a quiet evening, or celebrating with friends, these simple yet delicious variations on the classic orange juice and vodka combo will elevate your mixology game. From fruity twists to elegant upgrades, get ready to find your new favorite drink—let’s dive into these irresistible creations!
Classic Orange Screwdriver
Crack open your weekend vibes with this citrus-packed classic. Combine just two ingredients for the ultimate brunch cocktail that screams sunshine in a glass. Forget complicated mixes—this is pure, refreshing magic.
Ingredients
– 4 oz vodka
– 8 oz fresh orange juice
– 1 cup ice cubes
– 1 orange slice
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 4 oz of vodka directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Add 8 oz of fresh orange juice to the glass, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
4. Stir the mixture vigorously for 15 seconds using a long bar spoon until thoroughly combined.
5. Garnish the rim of the glass with 1 fresh orange slice.
6. Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled.
Really, that’s it—you’ve got a vibrant, citrus-forward cocktail with just the right balance of sweet and sharp. The fresh orange juice keeps it bright and pulpy, while the vodka delivers that clean kick. Try rimming the glass with sugar or adding a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.
Vodka-Free Citrus Screwdriver
Overslept again? This vibrant vodka-free citrus screwdriver delivers that classic brunch kick without the morning-after regrets. Grab your shaker and let’s make magic happen in under five minutes flat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tbsp simple syrup
– 1/2 cup chilled club soda
– 1 cup ice cubes
– 1 orange slice
Instructions
1. Pour 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
3. Measure 2 tbsp simple syrup and pour it into the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes.
5. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
6. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
7. Slowly top with 1/2 cup chilled club soda to preserve the bubbles.
8. Garnish with 1 orange slice on the rim of the glass.
9. Serve immediately while the drink is still effervescent.
Dazzlingly bright and perfectly balanced, this citrus-forward mocktail delivers a satisfying fizz that dances on your tongue. The fresh orange slice garnish adds a professional touch that makes it feel like a premium brunch cocktail, perfect for serving in chilled mason jars with colorful paper straws.
Spiced Vanilla Screwdriver
Whip up your morning routine with this spiced vanilla twist on the classic screwdriver. Transform ordinary brunch into something extraordinary with warm spices and smooth vanilla. Get ready to shake things up—literally.
Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh orange juice
– 1 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup vanilla simple syrup
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 2 cups ice cubes
– 4 orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Chill four highball glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Combine 2 cups fresh orange juice, 1 cup vodka, 1/4 cup vanilla simple syrup, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg in a cocktail shaker.
3. Add 2 cups ice cubes to the shaker.
4. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the outside frosts.
5. Strain the mixture into the chilled glasses, dividing evenly.
6. Garnish each glass with an orange slice placed on the rim.
7. Serve immediately while cold.
Just poured perfection—this cocktail delivers silky vanilla warmth against bright citrus notes. The cinnamon-nutmeg spice lingers beautifully on the palate. Try rimming glasses with cinnamon sugar for extra festive flair, or serve over a single large ice cube to maintain optimal chill without dilution.
Blood Orange and Rosemary Screwdriver
Whip up this vibrant twist on a classic cocktail that’ll make your taste buds dance. Blood orange’s sweet-tart notes mingle with rosemary’s earthy aroma for a sophisticated sip. Perfect for brunch or evening entertaining.
Ingredients
– 4 blood oranges
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 4 oz vodka
– 1 cup ice cubes
– 1 tbsp simple syrup
Instructions
1. Juice 3 blood oranges using a citrus juicer until you have 6 oz of fresh juice.
2. Roll the remaining blood orange on your countertop to release juices, then slice it into ¼-inch thick wheels for garnish.
3. Remove rosemary leaves from 1 sprig and muddle them gently in a cocktail shaker to release their oils.
4. Pour the fresh blood orange juice into the shaker with the muddled rosemary.
5. Add 4 oz of vodka to the cocktail shaker.
6. Measure and pour 1 tbsp of simple syrup into the mixture.
7. Fill the shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
8. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
9. Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into two chilled highball glasses filled with fresh ice.
10. Garnish each glass with a blood orange wheel and the remaining rosemary sprig.
Unbelievably refreshing with a beautiful gradient of crimson to pale orange in the glass. The rosemary-infused vodka creates an aromatic backbone that complements the citrus perfectly. Serve over a single large ice cube to keep it chilled without diluting the vibrant flavors.
Tropical Pineapple Screwdriver
Heads up, this isn’t your grandma’s brunch cocktail. We’re blasting tropical sunshine straight into your glass with this pineapple-packed twist on the classic screwdriver. Get ready to shake up your weekend vibes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup orange juice
- 4 oz vodka
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 4 pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, 1 cup orange juice, 4 oz vodka, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey in a blender.
- Add 1 cup ice cubes to the blender pitcher.
- Blend on high speed for 45 seconds until completely smooth and frothy.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove any fibrous pulp.
- Divide the strained cocktail evenly among four chilled highball glasses.
- Garnish each glass with one pineapple wedge perched on the rim.
- Serve immediately while frosty and effervescent.
What makes this drink unforgettable is the velvety texture from blended pineapple meeting the bright citrus zing. The honey adds just enough floral sweetness to balance the vodka’s kick. Try serving it in hollowed-out pineapples for maximum tropical impact.
Sparkling Grapefruit Screwdriver
Hate boring brunch drinks? This sparkling grapefruit screwdriver upgrades your weekend with zero effort. Grab three ingredients and transform your morning in under five minutes.
Ingredients
– 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 2 oz vodka
– 4 oz chilled sparkling water
– 1 grapefruit wedge
– Ice cubes
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice directly over the ice.
3. Add 2 oz vodka to the glass.
4. Slowly top with 4 oz chilled sparkling water to preserve bubbles.
5. Stir gently exactly 3 times with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the carbonation.
6. Squeeze 1 grapefruit wedge over the drink to release oils.
7. Drop the squeezed wedge into the glass as garnish.
8. Serve immediately while bubbles are still active.
A vibrant fizz dances with sharp grapefruit bitterness, perfectly cut by smooth vodka. The ice keeps it crisp while the citrus oils perfume each sip. Rim the glass with tajín for a spicy kick or float edible flowers for Instagram-worthy brunch vibes.
Cranberry-Orange Holiday Screwdriver
Elevate your holiday game with this festive twist on the classic screwdriver. Effortlessly blend sweet, tart, and citrusy notes for a cocktail that screams celebration. Everyone will be asking for the recipe after just one sip.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cranberry juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 4 oz vodka
– 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
– 1 orange
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 cups ice
Instructions
1. Cut the orange into 1/4-inch thick slices using a sharp knife.
2. Place fresh cranberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Cook cranberries for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they begin to pop and release their juices.
4. Remove cranberry mixture from heat and let cool completely to room temperature (about 15 minutes).
5. Fill two tall glasses with 1 cup of ice each.
6. Pour 2 oz of vodka into each glass.
7. Add 1 cup of cranberry juice to each glass.
8. Pour 1/2 cup of orange juice into each glass.
9. Stir each cocktail vigorously for 15 seconds with a long spoon to combine and chill.
10. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture evenly between both glasses.
11. Garnish each drink with an orange slice placed on the rim.
Heavenly balance of sweet and tart flavors makes this cocktail irresistible. The vibrant red color pops against the orange garnish for stunning presentation. Serve in sugar-rimmed glasses or add a cinnamon stick stirrer for extra holiday flair.
Ginger-Infused Screwdriver
Y’all need this ginger-infused screwdriver in your life—it’s the classic brunch cocktail with a spicy upgrade that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than your morning alarm. Fresh ginger adds zing while orange juice brings the sunshine, creating the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Get ready to shake up your weekend routine with this vibrant twist on a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 cups fresh orange juice
– 4 oz vodka
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Ice cubes
– Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 cup fresh ginger slices in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches 212°F, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the ginger flavor into the syrup.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the ginger syrup cool to room temperature for 15 minutes.
5. Strain the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing on the ginger solids to extract maximum flavor.
6. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
7. Pour 4 oz vodka and 2 oz of the prepared ginger syrup into the shaker.
8. Add 2 cups fresh orange juice to the cocktail shaker.
9. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
10. Strain the mixture into two highball glasses filled with fresh ice cubes.
11. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice placed on the rim.
12. Serve immediately while the cocktail is chilled and bubbly. Doesn’t this ginger-kissed screwdriver deliver the perfect spicy-sweet punch? The fresh ginger adds warmth that lingers beautifully against the bright orange citrus, while the vodka provides a clean finish. Try serving it with brunch favorites or as a sophisticated evening sipper—the spicy kick makes it versatile for any occasion.
Peach Mango Screwdriver
Juicy peaches and tropical mango collide in this vibrant cocktail that’ll upgrade your brunch game instantly. Just blend, pour, and watch those weekend vibes skyrocket—this screwdriver remix is pure sunshine in a glass.
Ingredients
– 2 cups frozen peach slices
– 1 cup frozen mango chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/4 cup vodka
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 cup ice cubes
– Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine 2 cups frozen peach slices, 1 cup frozen mango chunks, and 1 cup ice cubes in a blender.
2. Pour 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup vodka directly over the frozen fruit.
3. Add 2 tbsp honey to the blender mixture.
4. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and frothy.
5. Check consistency by tilting the blender—the mixture should pour easily without lumps.
6. Divide the blended mixture evenly between two tall glasses.
7. Garnish each glass with fresh orange slices placed on the rim.
Sip immediately for that perfect slushy texture that melts into sweet peach and tangy mango flavors. Serve these vibrant glasses poolside with colorful paper straws, or turn them into boozy popsicles by freezing the leftovers—either way, they scream summer celebration.
Cucumber Mint Screwdriver
Craft the ultimate summer refresher that’ll make your taste buds dance. This cucumber mint screwdriver combines crisp freshness with citrus zing for a drink that’s pure sunshine in a glass. Perfect for poolside lounging or backyard barbecues.
Ingredients
– 1 large cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1 cup vodka
– 2 cups ice cubes
– 1 cup chilled club soda
– 4 mint sprigs for garnish
– 4 lime wheels for garnish
Instructions
1. Peel the cucumber completely and slice it into 1-inch chunks.
2. Place cucumber chunks, 1/4 cup mint leaves, and 2 tbsp sugar in a cocktail shaker.
3. Muddle vigorously for 30 seconds until cucumbers release their juice and mint becomes fragrant.
4. Add 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1 cup vodka to the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on solids to extract all liquid.
7. Discard the solid cucumber and mint pulp from the sieve.
8. Fill four highball glasses with remaining 1 cup ice cubes, dividing equally.
9. Pour the strained cocktail mixture evenly into each glass.
10. Top each glass with 1/4 cup chilled club soda.
11. Gently stir each drink once with a bar spoon to combine.
12. Garnish each glass with one mint sprig and one lime wheel.
Bright and effervescent, this cocktail delivers crisp cucumber freshness balanced by mint’s cool finish. The subtle sweetness plays perfectly against the tart lime and smooth vodka. Serve it alongside grilled shrimp skewers or pour over crushed ice for an extra-frosty summer sipper.
Spicy Jalapeño Screwdriver
Crank up your cocktail game with this fiery twist on a classic. This Spicy Jalapeño Screwdriver delivers a bold kick that’ll wake up your taste buds. Get ready to shake things up!
Ingredients
– 2 oz vodka
– 4 oz fresh orange juice
– 1/2 fresh jalapeño pepper
– 1 tsp simple syrup
– Ice cubes
– 1 orange slice for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice the jalapeño pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds for milder heat.
2. Muddle the jalapeño slices with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker until fragrant.
3. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
4. Pour 2 oz vodka into the shaker.
5. Add 4 oz fresh orange juice to the shaker.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
7. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
8. Garnish with a fresh orange slice on the rim.
9. Serve immediately while the spicy flavors are most vibrant.
The cocktail hits with bright citrus notes first, then builds to a satisfying warmth from the jalapeño. The spicy kick lingers pleasantly on the palate, making each sip more exciting than the last. Try rimming the glass with chili salt for an extra layer of heat, or pair it with spicy tacos to double down on the fiesta vibes.
Pomegranate Screwdriver Fizz
Ready to upgrade your brunch game? This pomegranate screwdriver fizz brings the party with zero fuss. Mix it up in minutes for that perfect sweet-tart sparkle.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 4 oz vodka
- 8 oz orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 12 oz chilled club soda
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Ice cubes
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Chill two 16-ounce highball glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Fill each chilled glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour 1/2 cup pomegranate juice into each glass.
- Add 2 oz vodka to each glass.
- Measure 4 oz orange juice into each glass.
- Squeeze fresh limes to yield 1/4 cup lime juice.
- Divide lime juice evenly between both glasses.
- Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp sugar into each glass.
- Stir vigorously for 15 seconds until sugar fully dissolves.
- Top each glass with 6 oz chilled club soda.
- Gently stir once to combine without losing carbonation.
- Float 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds on each drink’s surface.
- Garnish each rim with a thin orange slice.
A vibrant ruby hue gives way to bright citrus notes and subtle effervescence. The pomegranate seeds add satisfying crunch while the orange slice perfumes each sip. Serve these over crushed ice with extra pomegranate arils for dramatic presentation.
Blueberry Lavender Screwdriver
Whip up this floral twist on a classic cocktail that’s perfect for brunch or a sunny afternoon. Blueberry lavender screwdriver combines sweet, tart, and herbal notes in one stunning glass. Grab your shaker and let’s mix something unforgettable.
Ingredients
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– 4 oz vodka
– 2 cups ice cubes
– 4 orange slices for garnish
– 4 fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar completely.
3. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 8 minutes, crushing the blueberries against the side of the pan with your spoon to release their juices.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the lavender blueberry syrup steep for 15 minutes to develop deeper floral flavor.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass measuring cup, pressing firmly on the solids to extract all liquid.
6. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool to room temperature for 20 minutes before refrigerating.
7. Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 cups ice cubes, then add 4 oz vodka, 1 cup fresh orange juice, and 4 oz of the chilled lavender blueberry syrup.
8. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and condensation forms.
9. Strain the mixture into four ice-filled highball glasses, dividing it evenly among them.
10. Garnish each glass with one orange slice and one fresh lavender sprig placed delicately on the rim.
Sip this vibrant cocktail and notice how the floral lavender perfectly balances the tart blueberries and sweet orange. The syrup creates a beautiful gradient effect when poured over ice, making it almost too pretty to drink. Serve it alongside lemon blueberry scones for the ultimate brunch pairing or freeze leftover syrup into popsicles for a boozy summer treat.
Coconut Lime Screwdriver
Hate boring brunch drinks? This Coconut Lime Screwdriver shakes up your routine with tropical flair. Grab your shaker and get ready to impress.
Ingredients
– 2 cups orange juice
– 1 cup vodka
– 1/2 cup cream of coconut
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 cup ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Chill two highball glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
2. Combine orange juice, vodka, cream of coconut, lime juice, and sugar in a cocktail shaker.
3. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the sugar fully dissolves.
4. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake for another 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
5. Remove chilled glasses from the freezer and strain the mixture evenly into both glasses.
6. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over each drink to release essential oils.
7. Drop the squeezed lime wedge into each glass as garnish.
Bright, creamy texture meets zesty citrus in every sip. The coconut cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel that balances the sharp lime kick. Serve over crushed ice with a salted rim for an extra flavor dimension.
Bourbon-Orange Twist Screwdriver
Tired of boring brunch drinks? This bourbon-orange twist screwdriver shakes up your morning routine with bold flavors that pack a serious punch. Think classic screwdriver, but with a sophisticated whiskey kick that’ll make you forget basic mimosas ever existed.
Ingredients
– 2 oz bourbon
– 4 oz fresh orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
– Orange slice for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz bourbon directly over the ice.
3. Add 4 oz fresh orange juice to the glass.
4. Measure and pour 1/2 oz simple syrup into the mixture.
5. Squeeze 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice into the drink.
6. Stir the mixture vigorously for 15 seconds to properly chill and combine all ingredients.
7. Pro tip: Use a bar spoon and stir in a circular motion to prevent diluting the drink too quickly.
8. Cut a fresh orange slice approximately 1/4-inch thick for garnish.
9. Place the orange slice on the rim of the glass.
10. Expert move: Express the orange oils by gently squeezing the garnish over the drink before placing it on the rim.
11. Serve immediately while the drink is at its coldest temperature.
12. Bonus hack: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink for extra frosty presentation.
Velvety smooth bourbon melds perfectly with the bright citrus notes, creating a sophisticated balance that dances on your palate. Serve it alongside spicy breakfast tacos to cut through the heat, or enjoy as a standalone weekend treat that feels both elegant and effortless. The vibrant orange garnish adds visual appeal while enhancing the aromatic experience with each sip.
Green Tea Screwdriver
Nailing that perfect brunch cocktail just got easier. This Green Tea Screwdriver blends classic orange vibes with earthy matcha notes for a seriously refreshing sip. Get ready to shake up your weekend routine with this vibrant upgrade.
Ingredients
– 2 cups ice
– 4 oz vodka
– 6 oz fresh orange juice
– 1 tsp matcha powder
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 cup cold water
– Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine 1 tsp matcha powder and 1 tbsp honey in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 1 cup cold water to the shaker and whisk vigorously until matcha is completely dissolved with no lumps remaining.
3. Fill the shaker with 2 cups ice cubes.
4. Pour 4 oz vodka into the shaker.
5. Add 6 oz fresh orange juice to the mixture.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
7. Strain the mixture into two highball glasses filled with fresh ice.
8. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice placed on the rim.
Crisp and invigorating, this cocktail delivers a smooth matcha earthiness that perfectly balances the bright citrus notes. The vibrant green hue makes it ideal for serving in clear glassware to show off those beautiful layers. Try rimming the glasses with matcha sugar for an extra decorative touch that enhances every sip.
Raspberry Lemonade Screwdriver
Zesty raspberry lemonade meets vibrant orange juice in this stunning layered cocktail. Shake it up in minutes for a sweet-tart sip that screams summer vibes. Your new go-to brunch drink just dropped.
Ingredients
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups orange juice
– 1 cup vodka
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine 1 cup fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches 180°F, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely.
3. Remove from heat and mash the raspberries with a wooden spoon to release their juices.
4. Strain the raspberry syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing firmly to extract all liquid.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully incorporated.
6. Fill four tall glasses three-quarters full with ice cubes.
7. Pour 1/2 cup of the raspberry lemonade mixture into each glass.
8. Slowly pour 1/2 cup orange juice over the back of a spoon into each glass to create a layered effect.
9. Add 1/4 cup vodka to each glass, allowing it to settle between the layers.
10. Garnish each drink with fresh mint sprigs before serving immediately.
Creating that perfect sunset gradient makes every sip Instagram-worthy. Chill your glasses beforehand for maximum frosty appeal. The fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness beautifully. Cheers to vibrant layers that taste as stunning as they look—the raspberry syrup sinks while orange juice floats, creating a gorgeous ombré effect. Serve with extra berries on the rim for a festive touch that elevates any brunch spread.
Smoky Mezcal Screwdriver
Elevate your brunch game with this smoky twist on a classic. Swap basic vodka for mezcal’s complex fire. Shake up your weekend routine with this bold cocktail that brings serious personality to your glass.
Ingredients
– 2 oz mezcal
– 4 oz fresh orange juice
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 tsp agave syrup
– Ice cubes
– Orange slice for garnish
– Smoked sea salt for rim
Instructions
1. Chill a highball glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
2. Run an orange wedge around the rim of the chilled glass.
3. Dip the moistened rim into smoked sea salt, rotating to coat evenly.
4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes until three-quarters full.
5. Pour 2 oz mezcal into the shaker.
6. Add 4 oz fresh orange juice to the shaker.
7. Squeeze 1/2 oz fresh lime juice directly into the shaker.
8. Measure 1 tsp agave syrup and add to the mixture.
9. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
10. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
11. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass through a fine mesh strainer.
12. Garnish with a fresh orange slice placed on the rim.
Here’s the magic: the mezcal’s smokiness cuts through the bright citrus, creating a sophisticated balance. Serve it alongside spicy breakfast tacos or as the star of your next backyard gathering—the complex flavors evolve beautifully as the ice melts.
Summary
From backyard barbecues to cozy nights in, these 18 screwdriver cocktails offer something special for every moment. We hope you find a new favorite to mix up and enjoy! Don’t forget to leave a comment telling us which recipe you loved most, and please share this roundup on Pinterest so your friends can discover these refreshing drinks too. Cheers!
