“Crab cakes and orange crushes, THAT’s what Maryland does.” – Wedding Crashers (the Chesapeake Bartender version)
Okay, so maybe that isn’t exactly how the movie line went…but still, we Marylanders know all to well that our beloved Orange Crush cocktail is a staple at any bar based in the Free State. We are willing to bet that any Maryland bartender who has been slinging drinks for a few years knows exactly how to make this refreshing, summery drink.
But in case they don’t (we won’t judge), you can show them this handy dandy orange crush recipe, or better yet, you can whip it up at home anytime with a few simple ingredients.
How To Make A Classic Orange Crush Cocktail At Home
Ingredients:
- Orange Vodka
- Triple Sec (or orange liqueur)
- Sprite
- Fresh Oranges (to make fresh squeezed orange juice)
What you will need:
- Cups/glasses
- Ice
- A cup for shaking (to mix the ingredients)
Optional Enhancements:
- Reggae tunes
- Citronella Candles
- Boat
- Views of the Chesapeake Bay
Prep:
Be sure to have fresh oranges on hand, as these are what can make or break an orange crush. The key to this cocktail is fresh squeezed orange juice. If you do not have oranges, our go-to is the fresh squeezed orange juice from Trader Joe’s (it is half the price of the Whole Foods fresh squeezed oj and just as yummy).
Preparing the oranges: Personally, I like oranges to be cut in quarters because I think they are easier to squeeze and get lots of juice, with minimal mess. Some people prefer fancy juicers (they are great too), and some like to half the orange before squeezing it (by half the orange, I mean cut the orange in half). You do you boo! It doesn’t matter how you juice your orange, as long as you add it to the cocktail.
Step 1: Grab a large cup (we prefer a good old Red Solo cup) and fill to the top with ice.
Step 2: Pour 1.5 oz orange vodka over ice.
Step 3: Pour 1 oz Triple Sec (or orange liqueur) over ice.
Step 4: Pour 3 oz sprite
Step 5: Squeeze orange over the ice
Step 5: Use empty shaker cup and pour contents back and forth between cup and shaker cup to mix all ingredients
Step 6: Sip and enjoy!
Skinny Orange Crush Recipe
For those who prefer their orange crush with less sugar, here is the “Skinny Orange Crush Recipe:”
Ingredients:
- Orange Vodka
- Club Soda
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Other Popular Crush Recipes:
Grapefruit Crush:
- Grapefruit Vodka
- Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- Sprite
- Triple Sec
Margarita Crush:
- Tequila
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- Sprite
- Triple Sec
- Garnish with a fresh squeeze of lime
Pineapple Crush:
- Pineapple Vodka
- Fresh Pineapple Juice
- Sprite
- Triple Sec
Mermaid Crush:
- 1/2 Grapefruit Vodka + 1/2 Orange Vodka
- 1/2 Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice + 1/2 Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- Triple Sec
- Sprite
Let us know what you think of our classic Orange Crush recipe! We offer orange crushes at many private events. Ask for details if you would like to host an event with orange crushes. Cheers!