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
- Orange Vodka
- Triple Sec
- Orange Fanta
- Sprite (or club soda for less sweet version)
- Orange Blossom Simple Syrup
- Pasteurized Orange Juice
- 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!
