Fix it with a screwdriver
Lately, it’s been all about “artisanal” mixed drinks. Everything needs to involve muddling with herbs, exotic fruits, and even foams and chemical infusions like liquid nitrogen. But, sometimes the classics come back. Well, today is national Screwdriver day. Kids these days may say: “what the heck is that? Why celebrate a tool?”. That lets people of previous generations know something isn’t quite right. Don’t fret though. We can fix it with a screwdriver. Vodka and orange juice: simple, refreshing, and effective. It’s like breakfast and cocktail hour all in one.
There’s nothing fancy or over the top about it. Although, you can boost it a little variation. But, then it gets a new name, like adding Galliano makes a Harvey wallbanger. Adding sloe gin and Southern Comfort creates a “slow Comfortable Screw”. And, adding galliano to that gets you a “slow comfortable screw against the wall”. Of course, someone is going to try freeze drying it, or, frothing it and adding bacon and eggs for a screwy breakfast or something like that. But, what we honor today is the simplicity of 2 ingredients that brought vodka to the breakfast table in the Post world war II era. Interestingly, another variation is called the Anita Bryant who was a spokesperson for the Citrus association in the 1970’s (and a staunch anti-gay activist). In retaliation, gay bars boycotted orange juice and substituted apple juice.
Who decided we could fix it with a screwdriver?
The origins of the screwdriver are a little sketchy at best. But, the time of its rise points to the 1940’s, in and around the war. Supposedly, Americans stationed in and around China and Turkey began mixing “neutral” spirits with Orange juice. There were Gin and Vodka based drinks in Turkey at the time with the same name. Then, came the 1950’s, when vodka companies employed Madmen to promote their products, And, the age of the groovy cocktail party kicked off. Being a simple drink, the screwdriver got a lot of press and found its way into homes across America.
There are a couple work related origin stories as well. Both imply using tools to mix drinks. One says it was military men who didn’t have spoons would use a screwdriver to mix their drink. The other claims it was autoworkers who used the tool because it was handy in their shop. And, the reason the mixed vodka with OJ is so they could drink on the job without being caught since juice is actually a healthy thing to do. Whether it was a military or Auto worker thing really doesn’t matter much. Either story is plausible. And, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a classic drink.
Like a Mimosa on Steroids
A holiday tradition around here involves drinking mimosas. Orange juice and champagne has always been a favorite. But, if you want to be napping by lunchtime, Kick it up a notch with hard liquor. And, if Kramer was right on Seinfeld, you can drink it all day, and it doesn’t smell, like Hennigan’s scotch. Of course, there is a smell. And, vodka is 4 times stronger than champagne. So, you’re definitely going to feel it. Maybe that’s why it’s not just for breakfast.
That brings us to today’s thing to do. Whatever brings you down, or, if you just want to elevate your “Holiday” spirit”, we can fix it with a screwdriver. And, you probably have the ingredients on hand. Of course, we recommend kicking it up just a tad by adding some grand Marnier for flavor and to round out the experience. Here is your recipe:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
- 1 oz Grand Marnier
- Garnish with orange slices.
So, what are you waiting for? These things aren’t going to fix themselves.