WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. - Since 1993, Chris Wall and Lloyd Whitehead have owned the Harborside Bar and Grill in West Ocean City. Now, more than 30 years later, the iconic bar is being recognized as the birthplace of the original Orange Crush, officially declared Maryland’s state cocktail.
Since 1993, Chris Wall and Lloyd Whitehead have owned the Harborside Bar and Grill in West Ocean City.
The bar was packed Sunday with customers sipping the signature drink, many celebrating the official recognition of Harborside as the birthplace of the now-famous cocktail. “We always liked the idea of fresh-squeezed juices,” Whitehead said. “So we tried to implement that into one of our cocktails — and it took off.”
Regulars say Harborside’s version is unmatched. “You cannot duplicate the Orange Crush at Harborside,” said Charles Bitting, a loyal customer for more than 20 years.
Regulars say Harborside’s version is unmatched.
Maryland State Delegate Wayne Hartman, who represents the district, introduced legislation to recognize the cocktail and honor its roots at Harborside. The move came after Delaware declared the Orange Crush as its state cocktail in 2024. “Representing this district and knowing where it started, we had to set the record straight,” Hartman said.
In addition to recognizing the drink as Maryland’s official cocktail, Hartman announced that June 1 will now be celebrated as Maryland Orange Crush Day, honoring Harborside’s contribution to Maryland.
Longtime bartender Anthony Policelli shared the classic recipe that started it all.
So what’s in the original? Longtime bartender Anthony Policelli shared the classic recipe that started it all. “You’re going to take orange Smirnoff vodka, triple sec, about a shot and a half of both,” he said. “Fill the glass up halfway, then juice one or two fresh oranges. Add a splash of lemon-lime soda on top, give it a toss, a straw, garnish, and there it is!”
A customer was given the final say after taking a sip. “Fabulous! You can taste the orange and the vodka,” the customer said.
While many bars have put their own twist on the drink, patrons at Harborside say the original can’t be beat and now, it’s officially Maryland’s own.