ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Beginning June 1, the Orange Crush will officially become Maryland’s state alcoholic beverage, just in time to celebrate the cocktail’s 30th anniversary. The Senate approved the bill at 11:58 p.m. on the final night of the 2025 General Assembly session, just two minutes before the deadline, sealing the deal for a citrusy cocktail that has defined Maryland summers for three decades.
“This gives new meaning to last call,” said Del. Wayne Hartman, R-Worcester, who sponsored the bill.
Created in 1995 at Harborside Bar & Grill in Ocean City, the drink blends vodka, triple sec, fresh-squeezed orange juice and lemon-lime soda for a taste that’s pure Maryland.
Clash of the Crush: Maryland vs. Delaware
In a twist of regional pride, Delaware designated the Orange Crush as its official state cocktail in August 2024 with the passage of House Bill 444. While Delaware lawmakers acknowledged the drink’s origin in Maryland, they pointed to its widespread popularity at The Starboard in Dewey Beach — claiming the bar had “perfected” the recipe and serves more Orange Crushes than any other establishment in the state.
Wilmington Mayor John Carney added to the rivalry on social media, posting on Aug. 9, 2024: “The Orange Crush is the official state beverage of the state of Delaware. Gov. Wes Moore, come join us at The Starboard Restaurant anytime.”
Maryland responded by solidifying its claim to the Orange Crush through House Bill 536, asserting the state as the cocktail’s true birthplace.
“The Orange Crush belongs to Maryland,” Hartman said. “We’ve all seen the bumper stickers that Virginia is for Lovers; Maryland is where you had your first crush.”
Hartman added that Maryland leads the nation in orange vodka sales and said the Maryland Tourism Coalition, the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Commerce supported the bill.
Celebrate at Harborside — or Make One at Home
To mark the occasion, Harborside Bar & Grill is hosting an all-day celebration on Sunday, June 1, at its original location: 12841 Harbor Road, Ocean City, Md. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy throwback $6 Original Orange Crushes and live entertainment as the bar toasts to the cocktail’s 30th anniversary and new status as Maryland’s state drink. The event is open to the public.
Can’t make it to Ocean City? Make your own Maryland classic at home.
Harborside’s Original Orange Crush Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces orange vodka (Harborside uses Smirnoff Orange Vodka)
- 2 ounces triple sec (Harborside uses La Quiere)
- Juice of one fresh orange (preferably Valencia)
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or Sierra Mist)
- Crushed ice
- Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with crushed ice.
- Add the vodka and triple sec.
- Squeeze and pour in the juice of one fresh orange.
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- Stir and garnish with an orange slice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
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It sure is great that the our elected politicians are working late and hard to glorify an alcoholic beverage and it’s made with all imported products, except maybe the ice, which is no doubt, a result ‘Global Warming’.
What’s next, an official State Rolling Paper or State Bowl?
Wow! Priorities right? Why do we keep voting this same nonsense in? We get taxed to death, are back in deficit territory… but at least we have an official drink now!
should I spoil this by saying therres also the orange crush soda?