Tequila Screwdriver Cocktail Drink

Tequila Screwdriver

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley

In need of an energetic cocktail to boost your day? Look no further than this Tequila Screwdriver recipe! It’s a zesty drink, loaded with taste, and the ingredients are uncomplicated to source, making it effortless to concoct.

Tequila Screwdriver Recipe

Relax with our straightforward Tequila Screwdriver recipe! It blends Tequila and fresh orange juice for an uplifting spring drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

182 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 oz orange juice, to top up
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice or twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Fill the glass with a generous amount of ice cubes.
  • Pour 2 oz Tequila in a highball glass.
  • Top up the glass with approx. 4 oz orange juice (adjust to the size of the glass).
  • Stir the ingredients with a bar spoon.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or twist and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila on hand, vodka is an excellent substitute for a classic screwdriver cocktail. For a more tropical flavor, try using coconut rum instead.
  • Orange Juice: You can replace orange juice with any other citrus juice, like grapefruit, for a different flavor profile.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Screwdriver:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply the Tequila by 8, which would be 16 oz of Tequila. As for the orange juice, fill up the pitcher after adding the Tequila.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila and orange juice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute. You can also try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Tequila: Most tequilas are vegan, but some brands may use animal products in processing. Make sure to check the brand's manufacturing process before purchasing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
182
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.2
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Potassium
 
228
mg
7
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Vitamin A
 
227
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
57
mg
69
%
Calcium
 
12
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%

 

Tequila Screwdriver Cocktail Drink

Tequila Screwdriver Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Relax with our straightforward Tequila Screwdriver recipe! It blends Tequila and fresh orange juice for an uplifting spring drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 182

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Tequila
  • 4 oz orange juice - to top up
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Fill the glass with a generous amount of ice cubes.
  • Pour 2 oz Tequila in a highball glass.
  • Top up the glass with approx. 4 oz orange juice (adjust to the size of the glass).
  • Stir the ingredients with a bar spoon.
  • Garnish with an orange slice or twist and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila on hand, vodka is an excellent substitute for a classic screwdriver cocktail. For a more tropical flavor, try using coconut rum instead.
  • Orange Juice: You can replace orange juice with any other citrus juice, like grapefruit, for a different flavor profile.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Screwdriver:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply the Tequila by 8, which would be 16 oz of Tequila. As for the orange juice, fill up the pitcher after adding the Tequila.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila and orange juice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute. You can also try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Tequila: Most tequilas are vegan, but some brands may use animal products in processing. Make sure to check the brand's manufacturing process before purchasing.

What is a Tequila Screwdriver?

A Tequila Screwdriver is a cocktail made of Tequila and orange juice. This drink is super easy to make, requiring only the ability to measure ingredients and stir them together in a glass filled with ice. It’s a variant of the classic Screwdriver cocktail, which traditionally uses vodka instead of Tequila. The substitution gives this version an exciting twist, introducing Tequila’s distinctive agave flavor profile into what would otherwise be a simple citrusy drink.

A side shot of a Tequila Screwdriver cocktail on a white table surrounded by a strainer, a jigger, a bar spoon, a red cloth and a green bowl with orange pieces inside.

What is a Tequila Screwdriver made of – The ingredients

The following ingredients are necessary for a Tequila Screwdriver:

  • Tequila: This is the primary alcohol in the cocktail. It gives the drink its distinctive kick and flavor.
  • Orange Juice: This ingredient adds a sweet, tangy taste to the cocktail. It also helps to balance out the strong flavor of the Tequila.
  • Ice Cubes: These are used to chill the drink, making it more refreshing.
  • Orange Slice or Twist (Optional): This can be used as a garnish. It adds a touch of elegance to the drink’s presentation and can also be squeezed into it for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Tequila, orange juice and orange laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Tequila Screwdriver?

Follow along with our easy instructions to make your very own Tequila Screwdriver:

1
<p>Start by taking a Highball glass and pouring 2 ounces of silver Tequila inside.</p>

Start by taking a Highball glass and pouring 2 ounces of silver Tequila inside.

2
<p>Then, fill the glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.</p>

Then, fill the glass with ice cubes to the brim. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled for a more extended period.

3
<p>Follow the Tequila with approximately four ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice; you may need to adjust the quantity to taste and to the size of the glass. The freshness of the juice will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your drink.</p>

Follow the Tequila with approximately four ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice; you may need to adjust the quantity to taste and to the size of the glass. The freshness of the juice will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your drink.

4
<p>Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon. This will help combine the Tequila and orange juice, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the drink.</p>

Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon. This will help combine the Tequila and orange juice, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the drink.

5
<p>Finally, garnish with an orange slice or twist if you like and serve immediately.</p>

Finally, garnish with an orange slice or twist if you like and serve immediately.

History and Origin of the Tequila Screwdriver

The Tequila Screwdriver cocktail is a twist on the classic Screwdriver cocktail, which calls for vodka instead of Tequila.

Legend says American oil workers created the original Screwdriver cocktail during the oil boom in the Middle East in the 1940s. They wanted to make their non-alcoholic drinks more exciting and added vodka to their orange juice. They stirred it with whatever they had around – often a screwdriver, and that’s how the drink got its name.

Later, once the drink had made its way back to the United States and became popular with the general public, people started experimenting with new spirits to make this drink (including Tequila), and that’s probably how the Tequila Screwdriver was born.

A Tequila Screwdriver cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a beige surface surrounded by Tequila, orange juice, and two oranges.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Tequila Screwdriver contain?
A standard serving contains approximately 200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of Tequila and orange juice used, as well as the size of the serving.
How strong is a Tequila Screwdriver?
The strength of the drink can vary based on the ratio of Tequila to orange juice. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 12-15%, translating to 24-30 proof. This makes it a relatively mild cocktail compared to others.
What type of alcohol is used in a Tequila Screwdriver?
As the name suggests, the primary alcohol in a Tequila Screwdriver is Tequila. The quality and flavor profile of the spirit can significantly impact the overall taste of the drink.
In what type of glass is a Tequila Screwdriver typically served?
Traditionally, a Tequila Screwdriver is served in a highball glass. This tall, straight-sided glass allows plenty of ice and mixers, making it ideal for this type of cocktail.
What does a Tequila Screwdriver taste like?
A Tequila Screwdriver offers a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors. The sweetness from the orange juice balances out the sharpness of the Tequila, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drink.
What is the typical ratio of ingredients in a Tequila Screwdriver?
The standard ratio for a Tequila Screwdriver is two parts orange juice to one part tequila. However, you can adjust this to suit your taste preference.
How is a Tequila Screwdriver typically served with ice?
A Tequila Screwdriver is usually served over ice, meaning that ice cubes are added to the glass in addition to the Tequila and orange juice. This helps to keep the drink chilled and dilutes it slightly, making it more refreshing.

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