Buzz
The screwdriver isn't a terrible cocktail, but it doesn’t stand out as extraordinary. The mix of orange juice and vodka goes down easy, though I’ve never had a moment where I thought, 'I could really go for a screwdriver right now.'
Part of this is because orange juice isn't exactly my favorite—its acidity can be a bit much—but the drink itself also feels somewhat flat. We could spice it up with some extra flair, a touch more complexity, and just a little more alcohol.
Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao is a brandy-based liqueur infused with orange peel, offering a richer, more complex profile than most citrus liqueurs. When paired with fresh orange juice and vodka, it delivers a fuller, more refined orange flavor. Shaken, it transforms into a creamy, fluffy concoction, but the acidity of the juice keeps it from being overly sweet or syrupy. In short, it's delicious. To prepare, you'll need:
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
3 oz fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake it well until the tin becomes too cold to hold. Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with ice and savor the drink.
