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.
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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