ANNAPOLIS, Md. — With just two minutes left in the 2025 legislative session, Maryland lawmakers capped the night by designating the Orange Crush as the state’s official cocktail and chromite as its official mineral. The dual designations came in a last-second Senate vote on April 7, blending a popular beach drink with a nod to the state’s geological history.
The measure, which combined both symbols, emerged from a late amendment proposed by Del. Wayne Hartman, R-Wicomico and Worcester, during a session that stretched into Monday evening. Originally sponsoring a standalone bill to crown the Orange Crush as Maryland’s cocktail, Hartman seized the moment to merge it with a chromite bill. “So folks, we’re running out of time,” he said around 5 p.m. “Let me summarize this by saying, let’s not have the Senate crush our enthusiasm.” The Senate approved the amended bill in its final act of the night.
The Orange Crush, a refreshing mix of vodka, triple sec, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and lemon-lime soda, traces its roots to Harborside Bar and Grill in West Ocean City. In the fall of 1995, co-owner Chris Wall, along with friends Jerry Wood and bartender Kelly Flynn, concocted the drink during a slow Sunday shift. “They wanted to create a signature drink for the restaurant,” said longtime Harborside bartender Phil Lewis. “But really, they created the signature drink for summer.” Since then, the bar has sold millions of Crushes, transforming it from a fishermen’s haunt—where tales of trophy catches once dominated—into a destination known for its citrusy cocktail.
Wikipedia notes the Orange Crush’s official recipe: 2 ounces each of vodka and triple sec, a third of a cup of orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, served over ice. Its popularity has spread beyond Maryland, notably sparking a friendly rivalry with Delaware, which named it their state cocktail in August 2024. Maryland’s move reasserts its claim to the drink’s origin, a point of pride for locals.
Chromite, a mineral tied to Maryland’s industrial past, joins the Orange Crush as a state symbol. First discovered in Baltimore County in 1808, chromite fueled the state’s early mining economy, with deposits scattered across counties like Carroll and Howard, according to the Maryland Geological Survey. Its inclusion reflects a legislative nod to heritage alongside the modern flair of the cocktail.
The designations take effect June 1, 2025, pending Gov. Wes Moore’s signature. The Orange Crush adds to Maryland’s roster of symbols, which includes milk as the state drink and rye whiskey as the state spirit. The decision aligns with a push to boost tourism, with the Maryland Tourism Coalition already eyeing the cocktail as a promotional centerpiece, per Chesapeake Bay Magazine.
While the economic impact remains to be seen, the Orange Crush’s rise mirrors a broader trend. Punchdrink.com reports its coastal spread to places like the Jersey Shore, though purists argue Harborside’s original remains unmatched. For now, Maryland lawmakers have toasted a victory—both for a beloved beverage and a mineral milestone—as the session clock ticked down.
