Tequila Screwdriver is a flavor-packed cocktail. Made with tequila and orange juice, this drink is easy to make and perfect for making a big batch. It’s refreshing for summer, and perfect for mixing up your cocktail selection.
Looking for a great tequila drink? This Tequila Screwdriver is smooth and refreshing.
It’s easy to sip on and quick to make. All you need are a few ingredients and plenty of ice to keep this cocktail cold on a hot summer day.
Serve it up for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, backyard BBQ’s or your next pool party. Make a big batch for friends or a single serve drink for sipping on the back deck.2w
What is Tequila and Orange Juice Called?
It’s called a Tequila Screwdriver or Mexican Screwdriver. Both cocktail names are commonly used when referring to a Tequila and OJ drink.
What is a Tequila Screwdriver?
It’s the spicier version of the classic screwdriver cocktail. While the classic screwdriver calls for vodka, replacing it with tequila gives this orange juice cocktail a flavorful kick.
This drink recipe is simply tequila and orange juice only, but if you add grenadine, it turns into a Tequila Sunrise drink.
Is Tequila and Orange Juice Good?
Yes, mixing orange juice with tequila creates a delicious citrus-flavored cocktail. The spicy flavors in tequila are mellowed by the sweet citrus flavor of the orange juice, creating a rather smooth cocktail that’s quite refreshing.
A common tequila and orange juice cocktail is the Tequila Sunrise which has the added component of grenadine. This adds a little extra sweet fruit flavor from the pomegranate sugar syrup.
What Juice Goes with Tequila?
A number of fruit juices go well with tequila:
- Orange Juice
- Cranberry Juice – Tequila Cranberry is a delicious sweet and tart cocktail.
- Pineapple Juice
- Grapefruit Juice
- Tomato Juice
- Lime Juice – as in a delicious Margarita.
More Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Avocado Margarita (deliciously creamy)
Best Tequila for Tequila and Orange Juice
A mild Tequila Blanco is the best for a Tequila Screwdriver. Also known as Silver or White tequila, Blanco is an un-aged tequila and the least expensive.
Blanco tequilas usually include hints of citrus and spicy pepper and these flavors blend wonderfully well with the orange juice.
If you want a more flavorful tequila taste in your cocktail, you can try a Reposado or Anejo. Reposado is slightly aged with typically added hints of oak and vanilla. An Anejlo is aged longer and adds a bit of a smokey flavor to the tequila.
Love a good Mezcal? It works perfectly in this cocktail just like it does in this tasty Mezcal Mule.
Often, the best tequila is the one you enjoy the most.
Ingredients
All you need are 2 ingredients to make this tequila drink. Then add garnishes to give it a gorgeous look!
Blanco Tequila: Also known as White Tequila or Silver Tequila. It’s the least aged type of tequila and the flavor doesn’t compete with the orange juice.
Orange Juice: Of course you can go all out and use freshly squeezed orange juice, just make sure to strain the pulp. I prefer to make quick and easy cocktails, so I use my favorite brand of bottled orange juice. You could use frozen orange juice as well.
Cocktail Salt: To add a salty rim to your highball glass. Completely optional.
Garnish: Orange slice, lime slice and maraschino cherry. All garnish is optional. If you want to keep it simple, cut a few lime wedges and perch them on the edge of the glass.
How to Make a Tequila Screwdriver
Here are the easy step-by-step directions:
STEP 1: Cut oranges and limes into slices for garnish.
STEP 2: If you like a salted rim, dip the rim of your cocktail glass in corn syrup or use a lime wedge to wet the rim. Then dip your glass into the salt.
STEP 3: Fill your glass with ice cubes.
STEP 4: Pour in 1.5 ounces (a single shot) of tequila.
STEP 5: Add 3-4 ounces of orange juice and stir. If you don’t stir this drink, the tequila will float to the top, making that first sip doozy!
STEP 6: Add a maraschino cherry, orange slice and lime slice to a cocktail skewer for garnish.
The Tequila Screwdriver is a bright and fresh cocktail made with tequila and orange juice. It’s a perfect summer cocktail and an easy recipe to serve up for a group of friends and family.
Cheers!
Tequila Screwdriver (Tequila and Orange Juice)

Tequila Screwdriver is a flavor-packed cocktail. Made with tequila and orange juice, this drink is easy to make and perfect for making a big batch. It's refreshing for summer, and perfect for mixing up your cocktail selection.
Ingredients
- Blanco Tequila
- Orange Juice
- Cocktail Salt
- Garnish: Orange Slice, Lime Slice and Maraschino Cherry
Instructions
- Cut oranges and limes into slices for garnish.
- If you like a salted rim, dip the rim of your cocktail glass in corn syrup or use a lime wedge to wet the rim. Then dip your glass into the salt.
- Fill your glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in tequila.
- Add orange juices and stir.
- Add a maraschino cherry, orange slice and lime slice to a cocktail skewer for garnish. For simpler garnish, perch a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Notes
See recipe posts for notes. Drink Responsibly.
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