Sloe Screw Cocktail Recipe

Sloe Screw Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Sloe Screw cocktail is a variation of the classic Screwdriver cocktail, which is a simple mix of vodka and orange juice. The Sloe Screw adds a fruity twist by incorporating sloe gin, a red liqueur made from the sloe berries of the blackthorn bush. This cocktail became popular in the 1970s and is enjoyed by those who appreciate a fruity and refreshing drink.

How Sloe Screw Tastes?

The Sloe Screw cocktail is fruity, sweet, and slightly tart. The sloe gin adds a rich berry flavor, while the orange juice provides a citrusy brightness. The vodka gives it a smooth, clean finish.

Interesting facts about Sloe Screw

  • Sloe gin is a traditional British liqueur, dating back to the 17th century.
  • The Sloe Screw is sometimes called a 'Sloe Comfortable Screw' when Southern Comfort is added to the mix.
  • Sloe berries are harvested in the fall, after the first frost, which helps to break down the bitter tannins in the berries.

Ingredients

A few good options for Sloe Screw are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Sloe Screw are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

A clear, distilled spirit that provides the base alcohol and a clean backdrop for the cocktail's flavors. Adding 1.5 oz strikes the balance between potency and palatability. Less vodka would make the drink weaker, while more could overpower the sloe gin's subtle notes. No vodka? Try white rum for a twist that adds a hint of sweetness.

Emma Rose

Sloe Gin

A red liqueur made from gin and sloe (blackthorn) berries, contributing a fruity, slightly tart flavor and a rich color. The 1 oz measurement complements the vodka without turning the drink too syrupy. Skip the sloe gin, and you'll miss the heart of this cocktail. As an alternative, a raspberry liqueur could offer a different berry twist.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

Brings fruity sweetness and a touch of acidity, enhancing the botanicals. The 4 oz amount gives a refreshing citrus blast without drowning the alcohol's warmth. Using less juice results in a strong, sharp cocktail, while more could create a mix too sweet and dilute the intended flavors. Freshly squeezed juice is preferable, but store-bought will do in a pinch.

Alex Green

Ice

Creates a chilling effect that tempers the alcohol and maintains an enjoyable sipping temperature. The amount should be enough to fill a highball glass, ensuring the drink stays cool throughout. No ice means a warm, less refreshing drink.

Emma Rose

Orange Slice and Cherry

The fresh orange slice adds an aromatic garnish, while the cherry lends a subtle nod to old-school cocktail tradition and an eye-catching look. Skipping garnishes won't affect taste but will reduce the drink's visual appeal.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Sloe Screw Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 1.5 oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Add 1 oz of sloe gin to the glass.
  4. Top with 4 oz of orange juice and stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it cool for longer.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a more natural and refreshing taste.
  • Stir the cocktail gently to avoid diluting the flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters with mild cheeses to complement the sweetness of the sloe gin
  • Fruit skewers that echo the citrus notes from the orange juice

Main Courses

  • Grilled chicken with a light seasoning to not overwhelm the flavors of the cocktail
  • Salmon as the rich fish pairs nicely with the fruity and refreshing nature of the drink

Desserts

  • Lemon tart to tie in with the citrus profile
  • Vanilla ice cream for a creamy balance against the tangy cocktail

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What you could change in Sloe Screw

  • Sloe gin: Can be replaced with blackberry or raspberry liqueur.
  • Vodka: Try using gin for a different flavor profile.
  • Orange Juice: Grapefruit or pineapple juice can be used for a more tart or tropical twist.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Sloe Screw Against the Wall

  • Replace 1.5 oz vodka with bourbon for a smoother, richer flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla
  • Add a splash of Southern Comfort if you're feeling adventurous

Tropical Sloe Screw

  • Swap out the orange juice for pineapple juice to transport your taste buds to the tropics
  • Add 0.5 oz of coconut cream for a creamy, indulgent twist

Berry Blast Sloe Screw

  • Mix in 0.5 oz of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) with the sloe gin to deepen the berry flavors
  • Use cranberry juice instead of orange juice for a tangy twist and a beautiful ruby color

In case you forgot basics how to make Sloe Screw

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Sloe Screw

Why is it called a Sloe Screw?

The name comes from the drink's main ingredients, sloe gin and vodka, which many associate with the popular tool due to its strong effect. The vodka is 'screwing' up the sloe!

What is the best season to enjoy a Sloe Screw?

While Sloe Screw can be enjoyed any time of the year, it is a great summer drink due to its fruity and refreshing taste.

What's the difference between a Sloe Screw and a Screwdriver cocktail?

While both cocktails use vodka and orange juice, a Sloe Screw also includes sloe gin which gives it a fruity and slightly tart taste.

Is there a mocktail version of Sloe Screw?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the vodka and sloe gin with non-alcoholic alternatives or simply using more orange juice and adding a splash of grenadine for the fruity flavor.

Is there a recommended garnish for a Sloe Screw?

Typically, a Sloe Screw is garnished with an orange slice and a cherry. However, feel free to get creative with your garnishes based on your personal preferences.

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