This time of year, most people have had enough of the dreary, cold winter days and our minds wander to summer, sun, sand and delicious beachy drinks. Travel with us to the eastern shore of Maryland as we daydream of the famous Orange Crush. A refreshing combination of fresh OJ, orange vodka, triple sec and lemon-lime soda screams summer vacation, spring break – anything but winter!

What started as the creation of a signature drink for Ocean City’s Harborside Bar and Grill in 1995, quickly became the signature drink for the summer and seaside escape for Marylanders. Harborside owners Chris Wall and Lloyd Whitehead, along with their friend Jerry Wood and bartender Kelly Flynn, invented the Crush on a slow Sunday afternoon. This drink is not to be confused with the bottled Ward’s Orange Crush soft drink.

The Orange Crush is much like the beaches of Maryland – sweet, simple and guaranteed to be a good-old-time for everyone. Locals are quick to confirm that the key to the Crush is in its namesake – the act of crushing oranges for for each drink to ensure the crispiest OJ flavor. Since its creation, the Orange Crush has made its way to bars throughout Maryland and along the East coast to destination beach towns.

If you ever escape winter and head to Maryland, be sure to pair your Orange Crush with a world famous Maryland crab cake. Your mom would be so happy to know you’re getting your fill of Vitamin C.

Cheers!

Ingredients

2 oz Orange Vodka

1 oz Margaritaville Triple Sec

Fresh juice from 1 whole orange

Crushed Ice

Splash of lemon-lime Soda (i.e. Sprite)

Directions

Fill a pint glass with crushed ice. Pour orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange juice over ice; top with lemon-lime soda. Mix well and garnish with orange slice.

A Twist

The original Orange Crush now comes with plenty of modifications including grapefruit, cranberry and peach.