There’s something effortlessly fun about a Sloe Screw. This fruity, slightly cheeky cocktail blends the tart brightness of orange juice with the deep berry sweetness of sloe gin. It’s light, refreshing, and just the thing for warm evenings, brunches, or anytime you want a drink that’s both playful and easy to make. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: fresh orange juice makes all the difference.
Sloe Screw
Ingredients
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 1 oz (30 ml) sloe gin (a sweet gin-based liqueur made with sloe berries)
– 4 oz (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (bottled will work in a pinch, but fresh is best)
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: orange slice or maraschino cherry
What You’ll Need
– Highball or Collins glass
– Bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring
– Citrus juicer (if using fresh oranges)
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice all the way to the top. This keeps your drink nice and cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) of sloe gin over the ice.
- Top it off with 4 oz (120 ml) of fresh orange juice.
- Give it a good stir to mix everything together. You’ll want the flavors to blend evenly.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and a little flair.
Tips & Tricks
– Use cold ingredients: If your sloe gin and orange juice are chilled, your drink stays cooler longer without needing too much ice.
– Fresh juice matters: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought.
– Want to tone down the sweetness? Add a splash of soda water for a lighter, more refreshing version.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the sloe gin and orange juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before serving. Don’t add ice or garnish until you’re ready to pour.
Substitutions
– No sloe gin? Try a berry-flavored liqueur like raspberry or blackcurrant. The flavor will be a little different, but still tasty.
– Want a non-alcoholic version? Use a sloe-flavored syrup or berry syrup in place of the gin.
– Out of orange juice? Blood orange juice adds a richer color and a subtle berry twist.
Serving Suggestions
A Sloe Screw is great on its own, but it really shines when paired with the right bites. Here are some combos that work beautifully:
Spicy Snacks
The sweetness of the drink balances heat nicely. Serve it with spicy wings, jalapeño poppers, or even spicy shrimp skewers.
Grilled Seafood
The citrus notes in the cocktail pair like a dream with grilled fish or shrimp tacos-think seaside picnic vibes.
Sweet Treats
Pair it with vanilla desserts like panna cotta, shortbread, or vanilla bean cheesecake. The berry and citrus combo makes for a lovely finish.
Variations
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner twists on the classic Sloe Screw-these are fun ways to change it up depending on your mood or the occasion.
Sloe Screw Up
– Add a splash of club soda to the original recipe for a fizzy lift.
Sloe Screw Against the Wall
– Add a float of Galliano (an herbal liqueur with vanilla and anise notes) on top for a more complex, aromatic finish.
Frozen Sloe Screw
– Blend the sloe gin, orange juice, and a handful of ice until slushy. Perfect for hot days.
Virgin Sloe Screw
– Use a berry syrup or non-alcoholic sloe cordial instead of gin. Still fruity and fun-just without the booze.
Storage
If you’re making a batch for a party, mix the sloe gin and orange juice in a pitcher and chill. Serve over ice when ready. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a day, but don’t add ice or garnish until serving to keep it fresh.
Common Questions
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Stir well and chill. Serve over ice and garnish as you go.
What’s the best orange juice to use?
Freshly squeezed is ideal-it gives the cocktail a bright, clean taste. If you’re using store-bought, go for pulp-free and not from concentrate.
Is sloe gin the same as regular gin?
Not quite. Sloe gin is a sweet liqueur made by steeping sloe berries in gin. It’s lower in alcohol and has a fruity, slightly tart flavor.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, just mix the sloe gin and orange juice and store in the fridge. Stir before serving and add ice and garnish last.
How can I make it look extra nice?
Use a colorful garnish like an orange twist or cherry, and pour it into a clear glass to show off that gorgeous pink-orange color.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just want something easy and tasty to sip, the Sloe Screw is a keeper. It’s quick to mix, easy to tweak, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to too.
