Orange Crush Cocktails

If you’re from Coastal Virginia, then you know all about the orange crush cocktail. The perfect fresh fruit cocktail for a hot and humid summer day on the beach. There's even an annual festival, Crush Fest, in honor of the deliciously satisfying drink. However, if you’re not familiar with the area and have no clue what I'm talking about, no worries, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about this local favorite.

Where did the Orange Crush Originate?

Contrary to popular belief, the Orange Crush is not native to Virginia Beach. The original orange crush was created in Ocean City, Maryland at the Harborside Bar and Grill in 1995. Although not the exact recipe, the drink consists of a lemon-lime seltzer/soda, triple sec, orange vodka, crushed ice, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Since then, the drink has made its way to Virginia Beach and has become popular among VB locals. Waterman’s Surfside Grille, at the Oceanfront, claims to have brought the original recipe down from Maryland over decade ago. You can also find the Waterman's Original Orange Crush at their sister locations: The Shack on 8th and Chix on the Beach.

Many other Oceanfront restaurants and bars serve their version of the drink but beware of those who don’t use freshly squeezed orange juice!

How to Make an Orange Crush Cocktail

To make an orange crush at home, you’ll need a Pint Glass, two juiced navel oranges, ¼ cup of Sprite or lemon lime seltzer, ¼ crushed ice, 1 ounce of triple sec, and 2 ounces of orange vodka.

Fill a pint glass with crushed ice, then pour in all the alcohol. Then add your freshly squeezed orange juice. Finally, top it off with the Sprite, garnish with an orange wedge and enjoy!