Delaware
State may get an official cocktail: The Orange Crush
A new bill would make the Orange Crush the official cocktail of Delaware. (photo by Another Cocktail Blog)
The community could soon raise a glass with the First State’s official drink of Delaware.
House Bill 444, sponsored by Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, designates the Orange Crush as the state cocktail.
The Orange Crush cocktail is claimed to have been originated by bartenders in Ocean City, Maryland in 1955.
The drink has been a staple of the Starboard restaurant in Dewey Beach.
HB 444 says the Orange Crush “has been made famous and become synonymous with Dewey Beach, Delaware and the Starboard in Dewey Beach, Delaware perfected the Orange Crush and serves the most Orange Crush cocktails of any bar in Delaware every beach season.”
It’s a refreshing summer drink, traditionally made with an orange-flavored vodka, triple sec and orange juice (preferably freshly-squeezed).
Orange Crush is often served in pint glasses or a mason jar over ice and topped with lemon-lime soda.
If the bill passes the House, it will move to the Senate, where it will need to be heard in a committee and pass the full Senate before being signed into law before the session ends June 30.
The drink already is associated with the state on many culinary sites.
On thedailymeal.com, a list of state drinks includes this disclaimer about the Orange Crush:
“Many locals believe it’s not a true orange crush if it’s made with bottled orange juice — fresh is always the way to go.”
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
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BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.
Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.
The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.
The investigation remains active and on-going.
Top headlines of the week, April 17 2026
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.
The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.
Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.
The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.
“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.
Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.
Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:44AM
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) — Something exciting is taking flight in the hallways of Warner Elementary School in Wilmington.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer helped celebrate the launch of the state’s first elementary school streaming radio station on Tuesday.
“Flying High with Thunderbird Radio” will provide students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, public speaking, and content creation.
This innovative initiative empowers students to step behind the microphone and lead the way in digital storytelling, communication, and creativity.
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