This is the best Orange Crush Recipe because it uses fresh orange juice, orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange-flavored sparkling water. It’s not too sweet and it’s really fresh.
A couple of years ago, I discovered the Orange Crush cocktail. We’ve been down to Maryland and Delaware a good bit this year and it’s been my drink of choice this summer. My husband Jared and I wanted to combine our favorite variations to make the best Orange Crush recipe ever.
What’s in an orange crush?
An orange crush is orange juice, some sort of vodka, and a sparkling, clear mixer. The traditional version uses orange juice, orange flavored vodka, sometimes triple sec, and sprite.
We’ve tried variations with non-flavored vodka, Grand Marnier added, orange bitters added, orange juice from a can, orange juice made with the rind on (WOOF), and club soda and sparkling water in the place of Sprite.
Yes, friends, we suffered through it all. And some of it was not so good. But, we suffered, and prevailed and here’s what we found out.
What are the secrets to a really good, classic orange crush recipe?
Our favorite variation to make at home combines fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange (or mandarin orange) flavored vodka, a little triple sec, and orange sparkling water. Heavy on the fresh orange, but not too sweet.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The fresh orange juice really matters. And, it’s better if you use a juicer. Squeezing oranges by hand just doesn’t do the trick. I got this little guy for $20 and it’s been great. Do not attempt to use orange juice from a carton. Just don’t give in.
- You also gotta do the orange-flavored vodka. I was trying to be all cute and unflavored blah blah blah…NOPE. Doesn’t work. Grand Marnier and the bitters are too powerful, just stick to the orange-flavored vodka and the bit of triple sec.
- Shaking the cocktail in a shaker really helps things. Ice does wonders for cocktails.
- The orange sparkling water makes the drink perfect because you get a hint of orange flavor and you don’t get all the sweetness of the Sprite, which I can’t do too much of.
There you have it, folks! The perfect orange crush recipe! Check out my Grapefruit Thyme Rosemary Fizz for another great, light cocktail.
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The Best Orange Crush Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This is the best Orange Crush Recipe because it uses fresh orange juice, orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and orange-flavored sparkling water. It’s not too sweet and it’s really fresh.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 oz. orange vodka (I like the Absolute Mandarin)
- 1 oz. triple sec
- about 4 oz. orange or tangerine flavored sparkling water or club soda
Instructions
- Add the orange juice, orange vodka and triple sec to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10 seconds.
- Pour into a glass with ice and top with the orange sparkling water. Stir and enjoy!
Notes
The fresh orange juice really matters. And, it’s better if you use a juicer. Squeezing oranges by hand just doesn’t do the trick. I got this little guy for $20 and it’s been great. Do not attempt to use orange juice from a carton. Just don’t give in.
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Cocktail Shaker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cocktail, orange, vodka
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I will rate this recipe 5 out of 5 because it is very good as compare to a orange flavored energy drink. Read More here and visit us.
Thank you!
Yumm!! This looks so good. Thanks for posting.
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Which juice blender you are using?
We use the juicer that’s linked in the post: https://www.amazon.com/Juiceman-Citrus-Juicer-White-JCJ450/dp/B0169ZDF4M/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=coothesto-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=b22b18b1a2bd5f79b624f8569d6bbe51&creativeASIN=B0169ZDF4M
What a fabulous cocktail you’re created and a stunning photo. Saving this post for my birthday party!
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