MARYLAND - Raise a glass, Maryland! The iconic and refreshingly citrusy Orange Crush cocktail, a beloved staple of Ocean City and the Eastern Shore, has been officially designated as the official state cocktail of Maryland. Effective June 1, 2025, this legislative recognition celebrates a drink born in Maryland that has become synonymous with summertime and coastal living in the Old Line State.
Maryland Makes it Official: The Orange Crush is Now the State Cocktail!
The Orange Crush has undisputed Maryland roots.
- Invented: It was created in 1995 at the Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City, Maryland. Co-owner Chris Wall, friends Jerry Wood, and bartender Kelly Flynn are credited with concocting the original recipe on a slow Sunday afternoon.
- The Key: The secret to an authentic Orange Crush has always been freshly squeezed orange juice, combined with orange vodka, triple sec, and a splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or Sierra Mist).
The Classic Harborside Recipe (Widely Considered Original):
- 2 ounces of orange vodka
- 2 ounces of triple sec
- The juice of one fresh orange
- Lemon-lime soda to top
- Served over ice, often in a pint glass.
A Summertime Staple and Regional Favorite:
Since its invention, the Orange Crush has exploded in popularity, becoming a quintessential summertime drink not just in Ocean City but across Maryland's Eastern Shore and even into neighboring states like Delaware. Its simple, bright, and refreshing profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach or a seafood feast. Many bars and restaurants across Maryland now feature their own variations of the Crush, using grapefruit, lemon, or other fruit juices.
A Friendly Rivalry with Delaware:
The Orange Crush's popularity led to a good-natured "cocktail clash" with neighboring Delaware.
- Delaware's Claim: In August 2024, Delaware also declared the Orange Crush its official state cocktail, arguing that while invented in Maryland, it was "perfected" and popularized at establishments like The Starboard in Dewey Beach.
- Maryland's Reassertion: Maryland's legislative move in 2025, spearheaded by Delegate Wayne Hartman (who represents Ocean City's district), aimed to "set the record straight" and firmly reassert Maryland's claim as the actual birthplace of the iconic drink. The effort saw a standalone bill for the Orange Crush eventually amended onto a State Mineral bill to ensure its passage just minutes before the legislative session deadline.
More Than Just a Drink: A Boost for Tourism
The official designation is seen as a way to further promote Maryland tourism, with entities like the Maryland Tourism Coalition and OceanCity.com planning to feature the Orange Crush in promotional campaigns, such as a new "Orange Crush Trail" guiding visitors to establishments renowned for the cocktail.
With its official designation as Maryland's state cocktail, the Orange Crush solidifies its place in the state's cultural and culinary identity. Born from a simple mix of fresh ingredients at an Ocean City bar, it has become a beloved symbol of Maryland summers. So, next time you're enjoying the Maryland sunshine, be sure to order an authentic, freshly squeezed Orange Crush and toast to the Old Line State's newly official signature drink!
