Orange Crush Recipe : How to Make the Best Virginia Beach Classic

A Taste of Summer in a Glass: Why I Love This Drink

Let me tell you something—my first sip of an Orange Crush happened at a packed beach bar in Virginia Beach, and boom, I was hooked. Cold, citrusy, and just sweet enough, it screamed “summer” louder than a seagull going for your fries.
If you’ve ever wondered what is Orange Crush or how to make one that actually tastes like the beach—you’re in the right place. We’re talking about the Watermans Orange Crush recipe, a coastal legend. I’ll show you the real deal (with some chef-style tweaks), plus some smart tips to avoid a watery disaster.

What Is an Orange Crush? A Quick History of the Virginia Beach Favorite

• Born at Waterman’s Surfside Grille in Virginia Beach—yep, that’s the origin.
  
• It’s a vodka-based cocktail with fresh OJ, orange liqueur, and a splash of fizz.
  
• Now found up and down the East Coast, especially in beach bars.
  

Why It Works

• Fresh-squeezed orange juice brings natural sweetness and acidity.
  
• Vodka keeps it clean and crisp—especially Watermans Orange Crush Vodka.
  
• Sprite or lemon-lime soda adds sparkle without overpowering.

Ingredients for the Best Orange Crush Recipe

Classic Watermans Orange Crush Recipe

Optional: Add a dash of lime juice for extra brightness.

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Orange Crush

1. Squeeze Fresh Oranges

Fresh juice is the soul of a real Orange Crush. Using bottled juice? You’re already two steps behind.

• Use navel oranges or Valencia if you can find them—they’re sweet, juicy, and perfect for cocktails.
  
• A handheld citrus press or electric juicer works great. You’re aiming for about 3 ounces of juice per serving.
  
• Pro tip: Strain the juice to remove pulp if you want a cleaner sip—but some folks love the texture.

Why this matters: Bottled OJ is pasteurized, which dulls that natural citrus punch. Fresh juice gives the cocktail brightness and aroma that you can’t fake.

2. Fill Your Glass with Crushed Ice

You want this drink frosty cold and refreshing—not a warm citrus soup.

• Use crushed ice because it chills faster and helps dilute the alcohol just enough to mellow the edges.
  
• If you don’t have crushed ice, pulse regular cubes in a food processor or wrap them in a towel and bash with a rolling pin.
  

Why this matters: Crushed ice cools the drink faster and keeps the citrus front and center. Cubes won’t do the same job.

3. Add Your Liquids

Time to build the drink—layer by layer.

• Pour in 2–3 oz of Watermans Orange Crush Vodka (or any good citrus vodka if you’re riffing).
  
• Add 1 oz of triple sec (or Cointreau if you want to elevate it).
  
• Pour in 3 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice.
  
• Top it all off with a splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda for a little fizz and balance.

Why this matters: The balance of citrus vodka, liqueur, and soda gives you that signature sweet-tart crush with just enough sparkle to make it addictive.

4. Shake or Pour-Over

This is where most people mess up.

• For the best mix and chill, pour everything into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, give it 3–4 good shakes, and strain it back into your serving glass.
  
• No shaker? No problem. Pour back and forth between two glasses 2–3 times.

Why this matters: Proper mixing chills the drink evenly and prevents one ingredient from overpowering the others. It’s the difference between a bar-quality cocktail and a kitchen experiment.

5. Garnish and Serve

Presentation counts—even for simple drinks.

• Slice a fresh orange wheel and place it on the rim or float it on top.
  
• Serve immediately, before the ice dilutes the drink too much.

Why this matters: The garnish adds aroma as you sip—and that visual pop makes it feel like a real-deal beach cocktail. Plus, you’re not just drinking it—you’re experiencing it.

Variations on Orange Crush Recipes

Tropical Twist

• Add a splash of pineapple juice or coconut rum.

Skinny Orange Crush

• Use diet soda and skip the liqueur for a lighter version.

Frozen Orange Crush

• Blend everything with ice for a slushy beach drink.

Orange Crush Mocktail

• Virgin version: Use OJ, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of orange extract. Still refreshing!

Orange Crush Recipe: How to Make the Best Virginia Beach Classic

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• Author: Emilio
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A crisp, citrusy cocktail that captures the taste of summer straight from Virginia Beach. This Orange Crush is made with fresh juice, vodka, and a sparkling splash of soda for the ultimate beach bar experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 oz Watermans Orange Crush Vodka (or citrus vodka)
• 3 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
• Splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda
• Crushed ice (as needed)
• Orange slice (for garnish)
• (Optional: Dash of lime juice for extra brightness)

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Instructions

1. Squeeze fresh oranges using a handheld press or juicer until you get about 3 oz of juice. Strain if desired.
2. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour in 2–3 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, and 3 oz fresh orange juice.
4. Top with a splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda.
5. Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice or pour between two glasses to mix well.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. Crushed ice chills the drink faster. For a lighter version, use diet soda and skip the liqueur. Mocktail version: use orange juice, Sprite, and orange extract.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: American, Coastal

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 0g

Keywords: Orange Crush recipe, Virginia Beach cocktail, fresh orange vodka drink

Watermans Orange Crush: Why It’s the OG

Straight From the Source: Virginia Beach

• Waterman’s bar is famous for its beachy vibe and this iconic cocktail.
  
• They even bottle their own Watermans Orange Crush Vodka now.

Secret Sauce

• It’s the balance: not too sweet, not too boozy, just crushable.
  
• Bartenders there mix with flair—but I’m giving you the home kitchen version.

Orange Crush Nutrition Facts

(Based on one standard cocktail using Watermans Orange Crush Vodka)

Notes:

• Calorie count varies depending on how much soda and orange liqueur you use.
  
• Using diet soda will reduce sugar and calories significantly.
  
• Fresh orange juice adds natural sugars and vitamin C—but also carbs.
  
• Vodka is the main contributor to alcohol and overall calories.
  

FAQs: Orange Crush Recipe

What is an Orange Crush?

It’s a citrusy vodka cocktail made with fresh orange juice, triple sec, and soda, famously born in Virginia Beach.

How do you make an Orange Crush at home?

Combine Watermans Orange Crush Vodka, fresh OJ, orange liqueur, and a splash of Sprite over crushed ice. Shake or pour between glasses, garnish, and serve.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

You can, but it’s not the same. Fresh-squeezed is what gives this drink its edge.

Is Watermans Orange Crush Vodka necessary?

No, but it’s preferred for authenticity. Any good citrus-flavored vodka will do in a pinch.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yep! Mix OJ, Sprite, and a splash of orange extract. Add crushed ice and enjoy.

Conclusion: Time to Crush It

There’s something magical about sipping an Orange Crush on a hot day, especially when you’ve made it right. Whether you’re reminiscing about Orange Crush VA Beach weekends or just need a new go-to summer drink, this is it. Grab your oranges, your vodka (preferably a citrus-infused one), and crush away.

Want to round out the night with something sweet?
Check out these easy summer desserts that pair perfectly with an Orange Crush—think citrus bars, creamy cheesecake, or a scoop of sorbet.

Thirsty yet?
Try the recipe, tag a friend, and let me know your favorite twist on this classic.
Crush responsibly.