Classic Screwdriver Cocktail

Here’s the thing about those three drinks—I only like them when the mixers are fresh, meaning straight from squeezed lemons, grated ginger, or juiced oranges. If it’s from a bottle (or even worse, a bar fountain), just give me a splash of sparkling water and a lime and call it a day. So I give you my usual: the screwdriver. It’s the drink most often waiting for me when I come home from a late night running errands.

Considering how much I dislike the actual cocktail labeled a “screwdriver”—or at least the subpar versions made with canned orange juice, often found at overpriced brunches and bars—I really didn’t want to include that name in the title. Except for the fact that, technically it’s what a drink containing vodka and orange juice is. But for the record, I think this “recipe” (or lack there-of) should be considered a gold standard of the classic.

• 1 large orange, juiced
• 2 ounces good-quality vodka (or gin)
• Splash of club soda
• Orange slice, for garnish