Paul Kushner
The Orange Crush is a bright, refreshing cocktail that captures the flavor of freshly squeezed oranges with a touch of citrus liqueur and fizzy soda. Light, juicy, and incredibly easy to mix, it’s the kind of drink that fits perfectly at beach parties, backyard cookouts, or weekend brunch. With just a few ingredients vodka, triple sec, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda it’s a no-fuss drink that still delivers maximum refreshment. Serve it over ice and finish with a slice of orange for a simple yet satisfying presentation.
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Tasting Notes
The Orange Crush is a bright, citrus-forward cocktail with a clean, slightly fizzy finish. Fresh orange juice brings natural sweetness and acidity, while vodka provides a smooth base. Triple sec adds a subtle orange liqueur note that deepens the overall flavor. Topped with lemon-lime soda, the drink becomes lighter and slightly sparkling, making it easy to sip. The combination is straightforward but balanced, offering a refreshing experience with each pour. It’s a citrus-heavy drink that doesn’t feel heavy perfect for those who prefer something fruit-focused, chilled, and simple without being overly sweet or boozy.
Equipment and Glassware
Making an Orange Crush requires minimal equipment. You’ll need a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon or cocktail stirrer to mix the drink. A citrus juicer or press helps extract fresh orange juice efficiently, which is key to the drink’s flavor. A sharp knife and cutting board are helpful for preparing an orange wedge or slice. Serve the cocktail in a pint glass or any tall glass with enough room for ice and soda. Crushed or cubed ice both work well, depending on your texture preference.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
- Lemon-lime soda, to top
- Orange wedge or slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a collins glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, triple sec, and fresh orange juice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Add an orange wedge or slice for garnish.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for best flavor
- Chill your soda ahead of time to maintain fizz
- Stir gently after topping to avoid flattening the drink
- Try blood oranges for a seasonal variation
- Use citrus vodka for a stronger orange flavor
- Adjust orange juice based on your sweetness preference
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice for longer shelf life
- Make in batches for parties add soda last before serving
- Serve with a straw for easier sipping over ice
- Use a highball or mason jar if you don’t have a pint glass
When to Serve
The Orange Crush is a natural fit for warm-weather gatherings like barbecues, beach trips, and poolside parties. Its bright citrus flavor and fizzy texture make it ideal for brunch, happy hour, or casual afternoon sipping. It’s also easy to batch for group events, making it perfect for laid-back entertaining. Because it’s fruit-heavy and light on alcohol flavor, it works well for guests who prefer easy-drinking cocktails that still feel refreshing and homemade. Serve it cold, ideally in a tall glass over plenty of ice.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Vodka:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Smirnoff No. 21
- Absolut
- Ketel One
- Deep Eddy Orange Vodka (for an orange twist)
Triple Sec:
- Cointreau
- Bols Triple Sec
- DeKuyper Triple Sec
- Hiram Walker Triple Sec
- Combier Liqueur d’Orange
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
- Lemon-lime soda to top
- Orange wedge or slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a collins glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, triple sec, and fresh orange juice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Add an orange wedge or slice for garnish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor store-bought juice will dull the drink.
- Try it with flavored vodka (like orange or vanilla) for a twist.
- Chill your soda beforehand to keep the drink crisp without needing too much ice.
