The history of the Orange Crush
The famous Ocean City drink debuted at Harborside Bar and Grill in fall 1995.
Once, Harborside was a favorite watering hole for Ocean City locals.
Fishermen gathered there to tell tales of the trophies they caught or the one that got away.
That is, until the Orange Crush happened.
Suddenly, fish was no longer the main topic of conversation at the rustic waterfront bar. People were talking squeezed oranges, vodka, triple sec and Sprite.
Harborside Bar and Grill was on the map, and in a big way.
"They wanted to create a signature drink for the restaurant," said longtime bartender Phil Lewis. "But really, they created the signature drink for summer."
It was the fall of 1995 — a couple years after the restaurant opened — when Chris Wall, co-owner of Harborside, and his friends Jerry Wood and Kelly Flynn created the now-famous seaside drink.
Since then, the Harborside in West Ocean City has sold crushes by the millions, Lewis said.
Along with the original crush, Harborside offers 10 variations including Cranberry, Ciroc Peach, Key Lime and the Crushsicle, made with Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka.
Over the years, other restaurants have joined in on the crush craze, adding the drink to their menus.
Harpoon Hanna's in Fenwick introduced their version about 10 years ago. Lauren Kurz, marketing and event coordinator, said the crush is one of the restaurant's most requested drinks.
"We easily sell a few thousand each summer," she said. "It's refreshing and appeals to practically everyone."
Harpoon Hanna's has a few crushes to choose from: orange, grapefruit, watermelon and Hawaiian. The Hawaiian Crush, made with Smirnoff Sour Fruit Punch Vodka, fresh squeezed orange juice and Sierra Mist, was added to the menu this summer. And for those watching their calories, the Skinny Crush, made with freshly squeezed orange juice, soda water and a choice of Smirnoff Light Sorbet Vodkas, is also available.
Maggie King of Ocean City believes the key to the perfect crush is in the OJ.
"If you're going to do an orange crush, it has to be made with fresh-squeezed oranges," she said. "You can tell the difference if a bar uses something out of a bottle."
King considers herself a crush connoisseur, having sipped on the drink from as far north as New Jersey to as far south as Virginia Beach. But in the end, she favors the original from Harborside.
"It's the best," she said. "Harborside's crushes are light and perfectly blended every time. And the atmosphere there matches the drink."
Other reviewers agree Harborside is a fun, laid-back place to sit at the day's end and watch boats sail past, all while sipping the original drink of local fame.
hcarroll2@dmg.gannett.com
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If You Go
Harborside Bar and Grill
When: 12841 Harbor Road, Ocean City
Call: 410-213-1846