Cuban Screw Highball with Rum, Orange Juice & Lime

The Cuban Screw is a clean, citrus-forward highball that pairs rum with orange juice and a touch of lime for balance. It’s easy to build, easy to drink, and sits somewhere between a classic Screwdriver and a tropical rum cooler.

Background

The Cuban Screw is a rum-based variation of the Screwdriver, a drink that dates back to mid-20th-century American cocktail culture. By swapping vodka for rum, this version leans more tropical, reflecting Caribbean flavor preferences while keeping the same simple, approachable structure.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Rum – the base spirit, adding light sweetness and subtle tropical character
• Orange Juice – provides body, sweetness, and citrus flavor
• Lime Juice – sharpens the drink and balances the sweetness

Substitutions:

• No rum? Try vodka for a classic Screwdriver profile
• No orange juice? Use pineapple juice for a more tropical version
• No lime? Lemon juice works as a direct substitute

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Bar spoon
• Ice

Why This Drink Works

Citrus with Structure

Orange juice alone can feel flat, but adding lime tightens the profile and keeps the drink from becoming overly sweet.

Simple but Flexible

This is a base template you can easily adjust—stronger, lighter, sweeter, or more tart depending on your preference.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use dark rum for a richer, deeper flavor
• Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness
• Top with soda water for a lighter, more refreshing version
• Add a dash of bitters for extra depth

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor
• Fill the glass fully with ice to control dilution
• Stir gently to keep the texture smooth
• Serve immediately while cold and bright