Screwdriver
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The Screwdriver is a classic, refreshing highball cocktail that combines the bright, citrusy tang of orange juice with the clean, neutral kick of vodka. Served over ice, it offers a smooth, sweet, and slightly acidic flavor profile that is deceptively easy to drink. Nutritionally, it is a low-fat, low-protein beverage, with its calories derived almost entirely from the natural sugars and carbohydrates in the orange juice.
Calorie split: 7% protein · 87% carbs · 7% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Screwdriver for its effortless, sunny flavor that perfectly masks the strength of the vodka, making it a staple at brunches and casual gatherings. Its cultural status as a go-to, uncomplicated cocktail ensures it remains a timeless favorite for those seeking a sweet, citrusy escape.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the high sugar content from the orange juice, which can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. To counteract this, pair the drink with a protein-rich snack like nuts or cheese, and practice portion control by limiting yourself to one or two servings.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of natural sugars for energy.
- Contains vitamin C from the orange juice component.
- Low in fat and protein, making it a light beverage choice.
- Simple to prepare with just two main ingredients.
- Offers a refreshing and hydrating (though alcoholic) option.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The drink's name is said to have originated during the Vietnam War, where American soldiers would stir their vodka and orange juice mixtures with actual screwdrivers to keep the drink mixed.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 83.0 g |
| Energy | 92.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.58 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.26 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.20 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 43.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.06 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 15.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 137 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.03 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 21.6 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.03 mg |
| Niacin | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 22.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 22.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 22.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 4.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 6.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 6.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 20.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 20.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 8.3 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is a Screwdriver just vodka and orange juice?
Yes, the classic Screwdriver is simply a mixture of vodka and orange juice, typically served over ice in a highball glass. It is one of the simplest and most well-known vodka cocktails.
How many calories are in a standard Screwdriver?
A standard 150ml (5 oz) serving contains approximately 138 calories, with the majority coming from the sugar in the orange juice and the alcohol in the vodka.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! A non-alcoholic version, often called a 'Vodkaless Screwdriver' or simply 'Orange Juice on Ice,' can be made by replacing the vodka with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spirit for a similar refreshing taste.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.92 kcal/g · 3% calories from protein · 0.2 g fiber · 6.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.