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Orange Blossom Crush Cocktail – 2026 Newest Crush Recipe

There’s a New Orange Crush In Town – Move Over Classic Orange Crush!

If you live in Maryland and have ever been near a dock bar or Ocean City (and are 21 years old+), chances are, you are very familiar with the Orange Crush – it is hailed as Maryland’s official state cocktail. This delicious blend of orange vodka, triple sec, fresh squeezed orange juice and sprite goes down way too easy, because well…it is that good.

The Classic Orange Crush and almost as well known “Grapefruit Crush” are often requested at Maryland wedding bars, birthday parties, graduation parties and corporate events… and for good reason. Guests absolutely love them. The only problem? In the last 4 years, the cost of orange juice has skyrocketed.

Last year, we had a few wedding couples who really wanted orange crushes at the signature drink for their wedding bar menu, but they did not like the price tag that came along with the fresh juice. So I racked my mixologist brain to come up with something delicious, but without relying on the ever-increasing price of fresh squeezed OJ.

The result? The Orange Blossom Orange Crush – a delightful and vibrant blend of orange vodka, orange blossom simple syrup, triple sec, Sprite, Orange Fanta and a splash of pasteurized orange juice. It is quite different than the Classic Orange Crush, but in a fragrant, elevated yet subtle way. Orange blossom is delicate, floral, and subtly sweet essence that originates from bitter orange blossoms. Think subtle honey and flowery flavor profile. So it sort of turns a classic cocktail into an elevated, more complex taste profile, with a beautiful color (thanks to the Fanta).

Love Creamsicle flavors? You’ll want to try the Vanilla Orange Blossom Crush variation – simply swap out the orange vodka and replace with vanilla vodka. You won’t regret it!

And with rising costs on just about anything involving food and beverages in 2026, I’m sure many of you can appreciate a spin on a classic Maryland cocktail that also saves you some money. Having a big outdoor party this summer? Pre-batch this recipe in large containers.

Orange Blossom Crush Recipe

  1. Orange Vodka
  2. Triple Sec
  3. Orange Fanta
  4. Sprite (or club soda for less sweet version)
  5. Orange Blossom Simple Syrup
  6. Pasteurized Orange Juice
  7. Ice

Follow These Simple Steps To Make An Orange Blossom Crush

1. Fill a cup with ice (ideally 12 ounce cup like they serve it at dock bars)

2. Add 1 ounce orange vodka

3. Add 1 ounce triple sec.

4. Add 1.5 ounce Fanta orange soda.

5. Add 1.5 ounce Sprite (or club soda)

6. Add .5 ounces Orange Blossom simple syrup

7. Add a splash of Orange Juice on top of the cocktail

8. Stir vigorously or if you want to do it like dock bar bartenders, take an empty cup of the same size and pour back and forth between 2 cups to mix everything evenly)

 

Please leave a comment and let us know if you tried this recipe! We would love to know if you like the Orange Blossom Crush as much as we do! We may earn a commission if you purchase items based on Amazon links on this site. The products we link to have been tested in our own recipes, so we feel comfortable sharing these recommendations with you.

Be sure to read other blog posts with creative drink recipes. Chesapeake Bartenders is proud to be the go-to event bartending company for weddings, events and private parties in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Delaware. For more information, please contact us! 

 

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Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist (Part-Time, Benefits-Eligible)

 

Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist (Part-Time, Benefits-Eligible)

Location: Remote or Hybrid (Kent Island, MD)
Hours: ~70 hours/month average (flexible schedule)
Compensation: Base + event bonuses + full benefits

Chesapeake Bartenders is a highly reviewed mobile bar and events company serving Maryland, DC, and surrounding areas. We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations and are growing into catering and alcohol sales.

We are hiring a part-time Client Experience & Event Coordination Specialist to support client communication, menu design, and event preparation. This is a benefits-eligible role with flexibility, stability, and room to grow.

What You’ll Do

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for clients leading up to events

  • Conduct pre-event check-ins and confirm key details

  • Create and edit drink menus using existing Canva templates

  • Assemble and quality-check event overviews

  • Coordinate details with internal team members and planners

  • Keep events organized and on track behind the scenes

What This Role Is Not

  • No on-site bartending

  • No heavy lifting or deliveries

  • No late nights or event-day execution

Schedule & Work Style

  • Approx. 70 hours per month on average

  • Flexible scheduling; work can be batched into focused days

  • Remote or hybrid (Kent Island office available)

Pay & Benefits

  • $1,100/month base compensation

  • Event bonuses:

    • $150 per wedding

    • $50 per corporate event

    • $50 per private event

  • 100% employer-paid CareFirst Silver PPO medical plan

  • Dental coverage (including adult orthodontia)

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • $25/month cell phone reimbursement

Growth Opportunity

This is a foundational role with the opportunity to grow in responsibility and compensation as the business expands into catering and alcohol sales. Compensation and scope will be reviewed after the 2026 wedding and events season.

Who You Are

  • Experience in hospitality, events, or client-facing roles

  • Highly organized and detail-oriented

  • Clear, professional communicator

  • Comfortable working independently

  • Reliable, calm, and team-oriented

How to Apply

Please apply with the following:

  1. A brief introduction (a few paragraphs is perfect) telling us:

    • Your background and current work situation

    • Why this part-time, flexible, benefits-eligible role appeals to you

    • What makes you a strong fit for client coordination or event support

  2. A resume or summary of relevant experience, especially any work related to:

    • Hospitality, events, weddings, or customer service

    • Administrative or coordination roles

    • Working independently or managing details

  3. (Optional but encouraged) If you’ve worked with tools like Canva, Google Drive, or scheduling systems, feel free to mention how you’ve used them.

We care far more about communication style, reliability, and attention to detail than formal titles or years of experience.

Please submit your application via email to courtney at chesapeakebartenders dot com

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Chesapeake Bartenders Launches “Classic Bar Collection” – Bringing More Affordable Bar Rentals To Corporate and Private Clients in the DMV

KENT ISLAND, MD — Chesapeake Bartenders, a leading provider of curated bar experiences in the DMV region, has officially launched its Classic Bar Collection—a new lineup of affordable mobile bar rentals designed for corporate, nonprofit, and private events. The collection includes four stylish bar setups that balance visual appeal with practical functionality, making them ideal for events that don’t require heavy wooden bars or high delivery fees. The Classic Bar Collection price point ranges from $200 – $250 and can serve up to 100 guests.

The inspiration behind the Classic Collection stems from growing demand among corporate and private clients for budget-conscious bar options that still feel intentional and elevated.

“Not every event needs a 100-lb wooden bar and a two-person delivery crew,” said Courtney Smith, founder of Chesapeake Bartenders. “But that doesn’t mean clients should have to settle for a plain folding table either. The Classic Bar Collection is our solution—clean, styled setups that are efficient to transport and beautiful on site.”

Each bar in the collection is built using standard 6-foot tables and then fully dressed using high-quality linens, curated runners, coordinated signage, and detailed design elements. The goal is to maintain the Chesapeake Bartenders aesthetic—refined, welcoming, and professional—while offering an accessible price point.

The Classic Bar Collection includes:

• The Noir Bar – A sleek black-and-ivory setup with floral detailing and gold accents. French-inspired and ideal for corporate events and cocktail hours. 

• The English Garden – A spring-inspired setup featuring wildflower runners, topiaries, and eucalyptus garland. Designed for showers, brunches, and outdoor weddings. 

• Limonetta – A cheerful lemon-accented setup with a blue floral runner and ivory linens. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and ideal for summer gatherings and private parties. 

• La Crème Bar – A minimalist black-and-ivory floral setup with clean lines and a sophisticated feel, suitable for modern weddings, engagement parties, and formal receptions.

View Classic Bar Collection

Noir Bar Rental

While Chesapeake Bartenders will continue to offer their formal wooden bars, including the popular Chessie Bar, the Classic Collection is positioned as a lighter, lower-cost alternative that is easier to deliver and set up—especially for weekday events, nonprofit galas, or venue-restricted load-ins.

The collection is already seeing interest from event planners, venue partners, and repeat clients looking for more flexible styling options. Each bar can be paired with the company’s full-service bartending team, beverage planning support, and optional add-ons such as white bar lamps, custom shelving, or self-serve water stations.

To learn more or view the full bar gallery, visit https://www.chesapeakebartenders.com/mobile-bar-rentals

For media inquiries please email courtney at chesapeakebartenders dot com.

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Holiday and Christmas Cocktail Recipes To Delight Guests

It’s beginning to look a lot like…THE HOLIDAYS! Now I don’t know about you, but this time of year is one of my favorites. From Christmas parties to family gatherings, the more holiday cheer, the better. Each year, the Chesapeake Bartenders team curates a list of customized, festive cocktails and mocktails that we serve during corporate holiday parties, Christmas parties and various events. Below you will find a list of fun, crafty and unique cocktail ideas that check all the “holiday cheer” boxes. I hope you enjoy these recipes, please let me know if you make them in the comments below. Also, we have included some links to Amazon products we use regularly in our bartending services and at home when making up signature drink menus – we earn a very small commission if you purchase items based on the included links (which really help support our business).

Cheers!

Courtney

Smoked Cinnamon Old Fashioned

A sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned with a smoky cinnamon flair.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (made by simmering cinnamon sticks with sugar and water or you can buy Monin cinnamon syrup)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cinnamon stick (for smoking) – you can light this with a lighter and then blow out the flame, or use a cocktail smoker and dome
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, cinnamon syrup, and bitters with ice.
  2. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  3. To create smoke, light the cinnamon stick with a torch until it starts to smolder. Place it under a glass dome or cover it with a rocks glass to trap the smoke.
  4. Once the glass has filled with smoke, lift the dome or glass and garnish with the smoked cinnamon stick and orange peel.

Tip: The cinnamon syrup can be made in advance by simmering cinnamon sticks with equal parts water and sugar until the syrup is infused with the spice.

*You can also do it the easy/fast way and buy Monin Syrup from Amazon which is what I do!

 

2. Fig & Sage Sour

A unique, herbaceous, and fruity twist on a classic whiskey sour, featuring fig and fresh sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz fig syrup (made by simmering dried figs with water and sugar or purchase an already made fig syrup like the one I use here)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, fig syrup, simple syrup, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
  3. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

Tip: If you want a more pronounced sage flavor, you can lightly muddle the sage leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

3. Maple-Pecan Butter Sour

A rich and decadent cocktail combining the flavors of maple syrup, pecans, and bourbon, with a buttery mouthfeel.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz maple syrup
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz pecan butter (blend toasted pecans with a bit of oil to make a smooth paste)
  • 1 egg white
  • Toasted pecans for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, pecan butter, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake first to emulsify the egg white and pecan butter.
  3. Add ice and shake vigorously to chill.
  4. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with toasted pecans on top or around the rim.

Tip: You can create your own pecan butter by blending toasted pecans with a small amount of vegetable oil or neutral oil until smooth and creamy.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this pre-made pecan syrup in lieu of the homemade version

4. Mulled Wine Negroni

A holiday twist on the classic Negroni, incorporating mulled wine flavors for a spiced and aromatic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 oz mulled wine (warm red wine simmered with cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel)
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and mulled wine.
  2. Add ice and stir gently to combine.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Tip: To make mulled wine, simmer red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with orange slices and a bit of sugar. Strain before using it in cocktails.

5. Winter Spice Highball

An elevated highball cocktail that combines the spiciness of rye whiskey with the bright flavors of ginger beer and citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz ginger syrup (make a spiced ginger syrup with ginger root, sugar, and water)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Club soda
  • Fresh thyme and crystallized ginger for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
  2. Add ice and stir to chill.
  3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a piece of crystallized ginger.

Tip: For a stronger ginger flavor, you can muddle fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the liquids.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this Monin ginger syrup instead of the DIY version. Trust me, it works really well!

6. Cranberry Sage Julep

A holiday twist on the traditional Mint Julep, featuring tart cranberry and aromatic sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/4 oz cranberry syrup (made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and water)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Fresh cranberries and sage sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a julep cup or glass, muddle the sage leaves with cranberry syrup and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the cup with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon.
  3. Stir well to chill and combine.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of sage.

Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, lightly torch the sage leaves before garnishing to release the oils and add a smoky aroma.

These crafted cocktails are perfect for elevating your holiday menu with complexity and creativity. They incorporate techniques such as smoking, shaking, and muddling, along with seasonal ingredients that will surely impress guests at your events. Don’t feel like making these drinks, and prefer our team of certified bartenders does it for you?

* some products contain affiliate links and we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Request a Quote Today! 

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