The Mountain Maryland Orange Crush Trail

Sure, the Orange Crush may have been born on the coast—but it’s thriving in the mountains. Welcome to Mountain Maryland, where crisp mountain air meets the citrusy sparkle of the state’s signature, and official cocktail, the Orange Crush, which was officially declared the state's cocktail on June 1, 2025, by the Maryland General Assembly.

The Mountain Maryland Orange Crush Trail is a refreshing twist on the traditional drink, and served with scenic overlooks, outdoor adventure, and the laid-back charm of our mountain towns. Whether you're lounging on a restaurant patio after a hike or toasting at a lively downtown concert, you'll find that the perfect Crush doesn't need an ocean breeze—just fresh-squeezed juice and a mountain state of mind.

THE HISTORY OF THE ORANGE CRUSH

To appreciate the present, we must celebrate the past, and credit is due to our friends in Ocean City, Maryland. The Orange Crush was invented in 1995 at Harborside Bar & Grill, located in West Ocean City, Maryland. Roots trace the drink's origins back to the bartenders at Harborside who were looking to create a light and refreshing cocktail to compliment the summer sun and heat. Freshly squeezed orange juice, using a manual juice press, became the not-so-secret ingredient that led to this hit cocktail. After its debut, gossip on the drink quickly spread through Ocean City, into Maryland cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis, and even found its way to the mountainside of the state. 

In 2025, the Maryland General Assembly officially named the Orange Crush the State Cocktail, cementing its legacy.

THE RECIPE

While bars and restaurants across the state of Maryland, have their own 'twist' on their cocktail, this is one drink which cannot deviate far from its original recipe. While spirit brands are often a point of contention and up for debate one thing is an absolute must - freshly squeezed orange juice is a nonnegotiable to the cocktail. 

• Vodka
• Triple Sec
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Splash of lemon-lime soda