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The Screwdriver is a classic cocktail made by mixing vodka with orange juice, typically served over ice in a highball glass. Its simple two-ingredient recipe has made it a staple in bars worldwide, and it's often garnished with an orange slice. The drink is believed to have originated in the United States, with popular lore linking its name to American oil workers in the 1940s who used a screwdriver to stir their improvised drinks.
A standard serving (about 1.5 oz vodka and 4-5 oz orange juice) contains roughly 180-200 calories, coming almost entirely from the alcohol and the natural sugars in the juice. It provides a small amount of vitamin C from the orange juice but is otherwise low in essential nutrients like protein, fat, or fiber.
The Screwdriver's cultural significance lies in its role as a 'gateway' cocktail, often introducing people to mixed drinks due to its approachable, fruity flavor. Nutritionally, it highlights how liquid calories from alcohol and fruit juice can add up quickly without providing the satiety of solid food.