Cocktail Saga: The Story Of The Screwdriver
By Sushmita Sengpta
The popular highball cocktail made with orange juice and vodka is a party favourite. In the UK, the drink is also simply called “vodka and orange”.
The Origin Story
The drink originated in World War 2, when it was popular for Americans in China and Turkey mixed neutral spirits with orange juice.
What's There In A Name?
The origins of the name is unclear, some say the name comes from Turkey, where in 1940’s spirits like vodka or gin mixed with orange juice were called screwdrivers.
Of Myths And Mixing
Some also say that Americans used to use screw drivers as a stirring stick in absence of one to make the drink, and hence the name.
Rise In Popularity
The rise in popularity of Vodka in America, somewhere in mid-1950s did do wonders for the drink though. Ad campaigns by popular Vodka brands in 50’s and 60’s made screwdriver a bar staple.
