Rum Screwdriver

The Rum Screwdriver is a simple two-ingredient highball made with light rum and orange juice, substituting rum for the vodka used in the classic Screwdriver cocktail. Light rum brings a subtle sweetness and tropical character from its sugarcane origins, which complements fresh orange juice's natural sweetness and vitamin C-rich brightness. The combination is often considered more flavorful than the original vodka version due to rum's greater character.

Build the Rum Screwdriver directly in a tall highball or Collins glass over ice by pouring light rum over the ice and topping with fresh or chilled orange juice. Stir gently once to combine and garnish with an orange wheel or slice. Using freshly squeezed orange juice rather than packaged juice significantly improves the cocktail's brightness and freshness.

A classic Screwdriver uses vodka, which is virtually flavorless and allows the orange juice to dominate completely. The Rum Screwdriver substitutes light rum, which adds notes of sugarcane, tropical fruit, and subtle vanilla that interact with and enhance the orange juice rather than merely carrying it. This makes the Rum Screwdriver a more complex and characterful drink, though some prefer the neutrality of vodka when they want pure orange juice flavor.