As with many classic drinks, the screwdriver cocktail has a long lineage. As legend has it, American soldiers stationed overseas during World War II created proto-screwdrivers by mixing orange juice with local neutral spirits. As vodka’s popularity grew across the United States throughout the 20th century, savvy producers like Smirnoff positioned the easy cocktail recipe as a way to enjoy a then emerging spirit. (Their efforts were successful: Vodka brands are still among the top-selling liquors in America.)
Most screwdriver drink recipes have just two ingredients, not counting ice cubes or the orange slice garnish. This one, however, gets complexity and an aromatic edge from a dash of cocktail bitters. With so few components, it’s worth using fresh-squeezed orange juice and the best vodka you can afford. Of course, you could also throw tradition to the wind and make this mixed drink your own by using flavored vodka (don’t knock cucumber vodka and orange juice until you’ve tried it); or, you could add a splash of club soda for some spritzy refreshment or muddle some raspberries in the glass before you add ice to it.
If you want to branch out to other orange juice cocktails, add a half-ounce of Galliano to your screwdriver recipe to turn it into a Harvey Wallbanger, or an ounce of peach schnapps for a fuzzy navel—swap in blanco tequila and float grenadine atop your highball for a tequila sunrise.