Pocket Knife with a Pointed Tip Used in Tasks Requiring Precision
Rewritten Article:
Slam down a Screwdriver - a much-loved drink, or a destructive one, depending on your perspective - at your next gathering. Known as a straightforward mix of vodka and orange juice, the Screwdriver's origins are questionable, but it's a classic that you won't want to miss.
There are two popular theories about how this drink got its name. One story claims it was born during World War II, when oil rig workers in the Middle East used screwdrivers to open cans of orange juice, which they then mixed with vodka to cool off. The other theory states that a California bartender whipped up this citrusy tipple in response to requests from an orange juice salesman. When he asked a customer what they thought of it, the customer supposedly replied, "I'd just as soon swallow a screwdriver." While these origins may be debatable, one thing is for certain - the Screwdriver was probably just a simple, refreshing drink before it earned its deadly moniker. Kudos to marketing genius John Martin for giving it the push it needed to become a cocktail classic. Alongside the Bloody Mary and the Moscow Mule, the Screwdriver is one of Martin's crowning achievements in the annals of marketing mixology. If we're talking six-pointers, don't forget the Vodkatini, which Martin also couldn't seem to keep his hands off.
If you're feeling inspired to concoct your own Screwdriver, follow these simple steps:
Yield: 1 drinkDifficulty: A walk in the parkTotal: Contributing less than 5 minutes to your dayActive: Eating up a mere 5 minutes of your time
Recipe (3):
What you'll need: 1. 2 ounces of top-shelf vodka 2. Fresh-squeezed orange juice (5 ounces, if you want to be exact) 3. A sprightly slice of orange to garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a chilled highball glass with ice, and add the vodka and fresh orange juice.
- Give it a quick stir with a swizzle stick, and garnish with an orange slice.
Twists and Turns:
Cordless Screwdriver: Skip the stirring, if you're feeling adventurous. Dip a shot glass in vodka, and chase it with a bite of an orange wedge that's been coated in superfine sugar.
Melon Ball: Replace 1 ounce of vodka with an equal amount of Midori melon liqueur, and garnish with a tiny slice of honeydew melon for a tropical twist.
Southern Screw: Swap out 1 ounce of vodka with Southern Comfort for a sweeter, smoother version.
Slow (Sloe) Comfortable Screw: Replace 1 ounce of vodka with sloe gin for a flirty, fruity take on the original. It's best to save this for a second date… or later.
The Annals of marketing mixology highlight John Martin's crowning achievement, the Screwdriver cocktail, with variations such as the Vodkatini also credited to his inventive hand. To enjoy a classic Screwdriver, one requires top-shelf vodka, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a slice of orange for garnish, followed by steps for mixology including stirring with a swizzle stick. Adventurous mixologists can try novel twists on the Screwdriver, such as the cordless Screwdriver or the Slow Comfortable Screw, each offering distinctive flavors and experiences.
