Screw Up Cocktail Recipe

The Screw Up cocktail is a playful twist on the classic Screwdriver, which traditionally consists of vodka and orange juice. The addition of 7 Up gives the Screw Up a bubbly personality, making it a hit at casual gatherings and summer parties.

• Origins: The exact origins are unclear, but it likely evolved from the Screwdriver.
• Popularity: It's favored by those who enjoy light, citrusy cocktails with a fizzy lift.
• Occasions: Perfect for barbecues, beach outings, and relaxed evenings.

The Screw Up cocktail offers a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. The effervescence of 7 Up complements the citrus tang of orange juice, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean base that's neither too strong nor overpowering.

• The Screw Up is often considered a 'highball' due to its use of a spirit mixed with a larger proportion of non-alcoholic mixer.
• It's a popular choice for those new to cocktails because of its simplicity and approachable flavor profile.
• The name 'Screw Up' is a playful nod to the original Screwdriver, suggesting a 'mishap' with the addition of soda.

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Pour 1 oz of vodka over the ice.
• Add 1 oz of orange juice.
• Top with 4 oz of 7 Up.
• Stir gently to mix.
• Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry.

• Always use fresh ice to avoid diluting the cocktail with melted water from the ice.
• Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
• If you want a less sweet version, use club soda instead of 7 Up and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Appetizers

• Fried Calamari: The light citrus notes of the cocktail complement the crispiness of the calamari.
• Bruschetta: The fresh tomato and basil can be a good match for the fruity and refreshing notes of the Screw Up.

Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken Salad: The cocktail's bubbly and citrus profile pairs nicely with a simple salad with a tangy dressing.
• Fish Tacos: The orange juice in the cocktail accentuates the flavors of the fish and the taco toppings.

Desserts

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The sweetness of the ice cream will contrast pleasantly with the slight tanginess of the cocktail.
• Lemon Tart: The citrus flavors in both the tart and the cocktail can enhance each other.

• Vodka: Any good quality vodka will do, but for a twist, you can use a citrus-flavored vodka.
• 7 Up: Can be substituted with any clear lemon-lime soda, like Sprite or Sierra Mist.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but store-bought is also acceptable.

Citrus Breeze

• Include a splash of grapefruit juice.
• 2 dashes of bitters.
• Use lemon-lime soda instead of 7 Up.

Recipe: Follow the original Screw Up recipe, but after pouring vodka, add a splash of grapefruit juice and the bitters. Then top with lemon-lime soda and stir. Expect a slightly bittersweet twist with an herbal undercurrent that transforms the drink into a more complex concoction. Perfect for those afternoons when plain ol' sunshine just isn't enough.

Tropical Screw Up

• Use coconut-flavored vodka.
• Substitute 7 Up with coconut water.
• Add a splash of pineapple juice.

Recipe: Swap out the regular vodka for coconut-flavored vodka, replace 7 Up with equal parts coconut water, and add a splash of pineapple juice. It's like catching a wave in a highball; this version is a mini-holiday in your mouth, with tropical breezes flirting with your taste buds.

Berry Up

• Muddle a few fresh berries at the bottom of the glass.
• Use club soda instead of 7 Up.
• Add a splash of berry liqueur.

Recipe: Muddle some fresh strawberries or raspberries in your glass first. Pour in the vodka, followed by club soda, and top it off with a generous splash of berry liqueur. The berry presence turns each sip into a summer fruit harvest, ideal for those dreamy evenings with a hint of nostalgia.