Screwdriver Drink Variations: The Cocktail with a Twist

Screwdriver Drink Variations: The Cocktail with a Twist

The classic screwdriver cocktail was the brunch gathering main-stay for most of my youth and was born in the late 1940s. Over time creative mixologists made this classic cocktail in many variations. I recall some made with soda water or a splash of bubbly made for a spirited family gathering. The classic screwdriver has always been made with just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice. However, variations now include club soda and flavored vodka as alternatives to traditional ingredients. There are numerous cocktail recipes available that explore these variations, offering a wide range of options for any palate.

We've been experimenting with cocktails made with tea

We think that tea goes well with honey and spirits. Experiment with adding a splash of grapefruit juice or Italian liqueur for a unique twist. Enter “Hive Libation,” featuring a range of citrus ingredients, sweetened with honey syrup and finished with a dash of matcha powder for a green tea nose. We looked to the apiary for inspiration for this new and reimagined version.

How to make a Classic Screwdriver Cocktail Reimagined as a “Hive Libation”

Step One

Add a dollop of honey and hot water into a shaker, and stir until honey is dissolved.

Enjoy this delightful cocktail in a dimly lighted bar, where the ambiance enhances the experience.

Step Two

Add the vodka, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice with ice, and shake vigorously until well-chilled.

Garnish the drink with an orange slice before serving.

Step Three

Strain into a cocktail glass.

Step Four

Top with a pinch of matcha tea, garnish and serve.

Play with this Vodka and Orange Juice Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe

It wouldn’t be a Bee Inspired recipe if we didn’t challenge those ingredients a bit, so in our take, you guessed it, we’ve added honey and made it a little more interesting. Mixed drinks offer a variety of options, and the screwdriver is no exception.

  • Try lemon juice or lime juice with the citrus mix

  • Garnish with fresh-picked mint or basil from the garden

  • Top with/muddle fresh ginger slices

You might also want to explore sparkling wine as an additional option to experiment with.

If you are interested in making other cocktails with honey, we’ve created so many cocktails with honey for you to try! This mojito is made with honey or this blossoms and bourbon cocktail! This apple bourbon ginger cocktail is perfect for fall.

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If you decide to try this classic screwdriver recipe, be sure to take a photo and share them with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love hearing from you and seeing what you do with our recipes to make them your own!


Kara holding a hive frame in doorway of cabin

About the Author

Kara waxes about the bees, creates and tests recipes with her friend Joyce, and does her best to share what she’s learning about the bees, honey, ingredients we use and more. Read more about Kara