A sparkling screwdriver cocktail recipe made with fresh squeezed Sunkist® Minneola tangelos, sparkling water and vodka. It’s an elevated take on the classic screwdriver cocktail with a non-alcoholic option using zero-proof botanicals! 

Nothing says brunch like a classic screwdriver cocktail! But why settle for the classic orange and vodka recipe? If you’re looking for a cocktail or mocktail recipe that’s going to impress your brunch guests, look no further!

This sparkling screwdriver cocktail is an elevated twist on the classic using fresh squeezed Sunkist® Minneola tangelos, sparkling water, and vodka or botanicals for a non-alcoholic version. It’s sweet and tangy with a welcomed fizz from sparkling water. I have a feeling this sparkling screwdriver is going to be your new brunch bevvy of choice!

Sparkling SCREWDRIVER DRINK RECIPE Ingredients

The classic screwdriver cocktail consists of a 2:1 ratio of orange juice to vodka. But  this version gets an upgrade with the addition of sparkling water. This makes it extra refreshing and lightens the cocktail up a bit. Here’s what you’ll need to make this sparkling screwdriver cocktail. I’ve also included more in-depth how to make this into a mocktail further down in the post.

• Sunkist® Minneola tangelos — the star ingredient in this sparkling screwdriver. The Sunkist® Minneola tangelos adds a bold and tangy flavor. Sunkist® Minneola tangelos are super juicy, so you’ll need 1-2 of them to get the 4 ounces to make one drink.
• Vodka or non-alcoholic botanical — if making a cocktail, choose a high quality vodka. Since there are minimal ingredients in this recipe, you’ll be able taste the quality. If making a mocktail, you have the option to replace the vodka with a zero-proof alcohol replacement, like Proteau, Ritual or Seedlip.
• Sparkling water – the added fizz from sparkling water or club soda makes for a more dynamic drink. There’s also something about bubbles that makes a drink taste more refreshing. Plain sparkling water or a flavored option like lemon, berry or citrus works well in this recipe.

WHAT ARE MINNEOLA TANGELOS?

This bold and flavorful citrus is a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine. They have a deep red-orange exterior and can usually be identified by the knob-like formation at their stem. Sunkist® Minneola tangelos are exceptionally juicy with a bright, tangy flavor. This makes them perfect for juicing to enjoy by the glass or to use in a variety of recipes including cocktails, salads, baked goods and soups. Their easy-peel exterior also makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking or of little hands. Minneola tangelos are available mid-December through April.

Not only are Minneola tangelos delicious, but they are a great way to add a boost of nutrition to your day. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and folate. One Sunkist® Minneola tangelo contains 60% of the daily value of vitamin C and 80% of the daily value of folate.

How to make a non-alcoholic screwdriver recipe?

Making a classic screwdriver cocktail without alcohol means you’d just be drinking orange juice. Or Minneola tangelo juice in this case! That’s why I created this sparkling screwdriver recipe. The addition of club soda or sparkling water adds a welcomed fizz and a chance to add additional flavor. Citrus, berry or tropical flavored sparkling water pairs well with the fresh squeeze Minneola tangelo juice in this recipe.

If you want to make a unique mocktail that’s more than just sparkling citrus juice, you need the addition of a zero-proof alcohol replacement, like Proteau, Ritual or Seedlip. These non-alcoholic beverage companies are making it easy to elevate your bevvy recipes sans alcohol. Simply use one of these botanicals in place of the vodka in the recipe.

How to Elevate This Sparkling Screwdriver cocktail recipe?

• Change up the citrus – no Minneola tangelo juice? Try another citrus. Sunkist® Cara Cara orange, Blood orange, or Navel orange, Ojai Pixie tangerines, or even a mix of your favorite orange juice, California Star Ruby grapefruit and lemon would be delicious. Just make sure you use freshly squeezed juice!
• Add botanicals – whether you’re making a cocktail or mocktail, adding botanicals like herbs, spices, extracts or bitters can add more depth to your drink. Need some ideas? Try vanilla or almond extract, ginger, cloves, cardamom, sumac, orange bitters, or herbs like mint, basil, thyme.
• Use flavored sparkling water – this makes for an easy way to add a little extra flavor. Lemon, berry, or citrus flavors would all be lovely in this drink.
• Add additional fruit – citrus pairs well with berries or tropical fruits like pineapples, passionfruit, guava or mango. Muddle the fruit in the bottom of the glass or replace 1-2 ounces of the Minneola tangelo juice with another juice of choice.
• Skip the vodka – I’ve been having a lot of fun making flavorful cocktails without alcohol. Using botanicals, zero-proof alcohol alternatives, or nootropics can make for an interesting drink without the alcohol.