The
Orange Crush
has officially become Maryland’s state cocktail, a well-deserved recognition for a drink that has become synonymous with Maryland summers. This designation, signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, went into effect on June 1, 2025. During our trip to Ocean City, we visited The birthplace of the Orange Crush: Harborside Bar & Grill.
The story of the Orange Crush begins in 1995 at the Harborside Bar & Grill in West Ocean City, Maryland. Co-owner Chris Wall, along with friends Jerry Wood and Kelly Flynn, are credited with creating this now-iconous drink on a slow winter night. Their vision was to create a refreshing cocktail using fresh-squeezed juice, a concept that took off and made the Orange Crush a sensation. Harborside Bar & Grill proudly declares itself the “Home of the Original Fresh Squeezed Orange Crush!” and has reportedly sold millions of them over the years.
The original Harborside recipe for the Orange Crush typically includes:
• 2 ounces of orange vodka (often Smirnoff)
• 2 ounces of triple sec (often La Quiere)
• The juice of one fresh orange (preferably Valencia)
• A splash of lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or Sierra Mist)
• Crushed ice
• An orange slice for garnish
The preparation involves combining the vodka and triple sec in a glass with ice, squeezing in the fresh orange juice, and topping it off with lemon-lime soda.
Harborside Bar & Grill is a rustic waterfront bar and restaurant located at 12841 S Harbor Rd, Ocean City, MD 21842. It offers a casual atmosphere with views of the commercial fishing harbor, and is even accessible by boat. Beyond its claim to fame as the birthplace of the Orange Crush, Harborside Bar & Grill boasts an extensive menu featuring fresh seafood, steak and pasta entrees, burgers and sandwiches, a variety of appetizers like calamari, crab dip, and shrimp skins, and more.
The restaurant is open year-round, serving lunch, dinner, and late-night fare, with both indoor and outdoor seating. They also frequently feature local live entertainment. It’s a popular spot for both full dining experiences and, of course, for enjoying their famous Orange Crushes. If you’re looking for crushes locally, in Montgomery County, we put together
this small list
last summer.
