Harborside Bar and Grill Named Birthplace of Maryland’s Official State Cocktail
West Ocean City, Md. – The Harborside Bar and Grill has made history as the birthplace of the Orange Crush, recently declared Maryland’s official state cocktail. Owners Chris Wall and Lloyd Whitehead have been serving this iconic drink since 1993, celebrating over 30 years in business. Patrons gathered to toast the recognition, emphasizing that Harborside’s version is uniquely superior; longtime customer Charles Bitting remarked, “You cannot duplicate the Orange Crush at Harborside.”
The designation was spearheaded by Maryland State Delegate Wayne Hartman, who sought to honor its local origins after Delaware adopted the cocktail in 2024. He announced that June 1 will now be celebrated as Maryland Orange Crush Day.
Longtime bartender Anthony Policelli shared the secret recipe: orange Smirnoff vodka, triple sec, fresh orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, confirming that the original taste is unmatched. Local customers were delighted, with one exclaiming, “Fabulous! You can taste the orange and the vodka.” As bars around the state put their own spin on the drink, Harborside continues to stand out as the cherished source of the beloved Orange Crush.
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