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.

pouring orange juice into a copper cocktail shaker with oranges in the background

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.

pouring vodka into a copper cocktail shaker with oranges in the background

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.

shaking a copper cocktail shaker with oranges and flowers in the background

pouring an orange crush in a clear tall glass

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.