Frozen screwdriver drinks are slushy, sweet, full of orange flavor and easy to mix up in your blender at home. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day!
Hello from the beach!
We are down here for the long July 4th weekend with my parents. Today is my mom's birthday! I'm so happy we can all be together to celebrate. ❤️
Beach walks and playing with the kiddos, afternoons at the pool, a few boat rides and plenty of delicious eats are on the agenda. Ah, summer.
OK, let's talk about today's yummy beverage.
Slushy drinks in the summertime just feels so right, don't you think?
Especially here in the South where it gets HOT.
I have long been smitten with bourbon slush, an old family recipe that my mom and I still love to share when we’re down at the beach together.
It’s sweet and boozy and so very good.
We made a batch yesterday so I'll be diving into that this afternoon!
But today’s recipe is for a more recent favorite.
Frozen screwdrivers are my go-to drink at our favorite taco place in Charleston, near where we go to the beach. (It's Taco Boy for anyone local to the area or visiting.)
Actually, I think this drink is why it’s my favorite taco place. I mean, I love some tacos, and they’re very good. They've got a yummy veggie rice bowl, too, and an awesome outdoor seating area.
But this drink.
I dream about this drink. I long for this drink. I crave this drink.
We always hit the restaurant on our way out of town, and sometimes on our way in, too. And for me, it’s really just for the drink.
So, of course I had to find a way to make it at home! (Honestly, this happened last year since we weren’t going to restaurants at all, and I needed this in my life.)
I had to give it a couple of different tries, but I finally nailed it.
Spoiler: You can’t use orange juice. I know, that seems so convenient and easy, but it ends up watery and really diluted, with hardly any orange flavor.
Nope, the trick is to use frozen orange juice concentrate. The kind that comes in a can in the freezer section.
(See this process in action - sorta - with my web story for this frozen screwdriver recipe. I'm just starting to play with those!)
It gives you the full orange flavor, the pretty more orange color and adds to the perfect consistency. Cause I don’t have a spinning drink chilling machine like they might have at a restaurant.
This drink is slushy, sweet, full of orange flavor and has just the right amount of kick.
Summertime sipping never tasted so good!
So grab your blender and let’s get mixing.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up on how to make a frozen screwdriver. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Notes on making frozen screwdrivers:
- You do need a good blender for this. No one wants icy chunks floating around in their drink. It’ll take a few rounds and some scraping the sides to make sure you get this to a good consistency.
- Also, you may need to add a bit of extra water or ice to get the drink to your desired consistency.
- Good quality vodka is important. It shouldn't taste or smell like rubbing alcohol.
- The recipe below is for 2 servings. You can absolutely double or triple this recipe to make more. (And if you triple it, you’ll use the whole can of frozen OJ concentrate.)
Otherwise, I just store the opened can in the freezer with a bit of plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the top to cover it. Until I want to make this again.
So that’s the basic run-down for making this drink. Really easy.
Quick side note: I have and love this Ninja blender. It’s not as crazy expensive as some brands and while it’s more costly than others, it is quality and it will last. (And crush your ice well!)
(I know, the blender in the photos is a different brand. It's not my blender.)
But if you really want to take this drink over the top in terms of flavor and fun, I’ve got a few ideas for you.
(You know I can’t help myself when it comes to toppings!)
Add-ons for frozen screwdriver:
- Top the screwdriver with a splash of orange liqueur. They call it a “floater” at the restaurant where we get these. Cointreau is my go-to, but you could substitute Grand Marnier, triple sec or another orange-flavored liqueur.
- Cherries - can’t go wrong with a cherry on top!
- Orange slice or orange wedge on the rim of the glass.
I’m so excited for you to try these, whether you’ve had them at a restaurant before or not.
They are the perfect slushy, refreshing drink for the summertime.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
P.S. Stay tuned because I have lots more fun drink recipes coming up for you this month. (Update: Check out this Spiked Arnold Palmer and Pimm's Cup for another great summer sipper!)
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Frozen Screwdriver
Ingredients
- ⅓ can of frozen orange juice concentrate
- ¼ cup vodka
- ¼ cup water
- 4-5 cups ice
For serving (optional):
- Splash of grand marnier, cointreau or triple sec
- Cherries, orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add the frozen orange juice concenetrate, vodka, water and ice to a blender. Blend well, scraping down the sides as needed, until no icy chunks remain. Taste and add another splash of water or additional ice if needed for consistency.
- Transfer to a glass and top with a splash of grand marnier, cointreau or triple sec, if desired. Garnish the glass with a cherry or orange slice, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Anthony
Looks great!! I’ll have to try it
Cindy Dixon
When I was growing up and we had family gatherings, all the adults drank these frozen screwdrivers. My aunt introduced it at one of these gatherings. She called them ORANGE BLOSSOMS.
Kathryn Doherty
Oh I love that name for them, too!
Patricia Zahrt
Summer night backyard movies tonight. Can wait to serve these!
Kathryn Doherty
What a fun night! Enjoy! 😊
Nikki Bashore
When in Charleston again, head to Amen Street downtown. They make these with a vanilla vodka floater. Tastes like a Creamsicle!
PS. Love me some Taco Boy as well!
Kathryn Doherty
Oh that sounds like a fun twist! I'll definitely have to check it out - thanks for the tip! 😊