Summer’s BEST cocktail! This Orange Crush Cocktail Recipe is as easy as it gets. Refreshing and light, it’s my favorite way to beat the summer heat. Party perfect and just in time for the Labor Day weekend festivities!

Famous Orange Crush Cocktail on a blue background with oranges in the background, and blue and white strawx.


Orange Crush

I’d be lying if I said I was sad that summer is starting to wind down. I’m just finishing up another week at the beach and had planned to leave a bit early because the weather is going to be less than beach perfect this weekend.

I have a ton of work to do (if you hadn’t noticed, I haven’t posted a new recipe in over a week.) and we need to start the back to school shopping. I did get going a little bit thanks to online shopping but Landon’s need to try on ALL.THE.THINGS to make sure he looks extra handsome can’t be done while lounging in the sand.

So, we will be packing it in today and heading home for the weekend. It’s time, we’ve been here for most of the month of July and August…..even squeezing in a few Fox 29 segments on the waterfront.

Overhead shot of three orange crush cocktails with orange slices and crushed ice on a blue board.

Last week, we hopped on a boat to share one of my FAVE summer drinks….the Orange Crush Cocktail!!! It’s so simple to make but I, literally, kick off summer every single year with an Instagram shot of my drink at Two Mile Landing.

What is an Orange Crush Cocktail?

It’s like a summer tradition and usually falls around the beginning of May. This Orange Crush Cocktail recipe is like a less fancy version of the Mimosa….kinda like it’s less buttoned up step-cousin.

A little looser on the quality of the alcohol, this one is made with orange vodka (which I usually am not a fan of), triple sec and orange juice. Make it fizzy with a little lemon lime soda and we’re good to go.

It is said to be invented by the Harborside restaurant and bar in Ocean City, Maryland but there are a bunch of beach bars on the New Jersey beaches that claim that honor, as well. 

I don’t know WHO originally invented it (and it’s claim to fame popped up around 1995) but it’s one of the most iconic drinks of the summer season.

Three orange crush cocktails on a blue background with an ice bucket.

How To Make It

We tried to demo this on the Good Day Philadelphia segment but the orange presser was a little slow so we needed to move onto the other recipe items that go perfectly with this drink: Strawberry Caprese Salad Skewers and Peach Crostini! They’re all perfect for your late summer parties and early football tailgates.

To make a classic Orange Crush soda cocktail, simply stir together orange vodka, triple sec (or Grand Marnier or Cointreau), FRESH SQUEEZED Orange Juice and Lemon Lime soda! Serve it over crushed ice and sip it with a pretty straw.

You could totally make this in a big punch bowl and call it an Orange Crush Punch….it’s so fun for parties OR just whip up a bunch in tiny glasses for an Orange Crush Shot! 

While this Orange Crush does not have caffeine, it is high in sugar….so sip responsibly if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Overhead shot of orange crush cocktail with an ice scoop.

More Cocktail Recipes

Lemonade Gin Mojito Cocktail on a blue background from TheSuburbanSoapbo

We also threw in this Blueberry Mojito Popsicle which is totally fab and a great way to cool off when that September sun reminds us all that, even though school has started, summer isn’t over yet. Party on, my friends!

Want even more easy recipe ideas and inspiration? Follow us over on Instagram!

Get the Recipe: Orange Crush Cocktail Recipe

the popular orange crush cocktail!
5 from 11 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Orange flavored vodka
  • 2 ounces triple sec
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • lemon-lime soda

Instructions 

  • Combine vodka and triple sec in a glass with ice.
  • Stir in the orange juice.
  • Top with lemon-lime soda.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

YouTube video
Calories: 333kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 0g, Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 124mg, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 125IU, Vitamin C: 31mg