What would the world be like without music? It is very difficult to imagine. So many memories have a soundtrack. Hearing a song brings images to your mind in the same way as the scent of a certain food cooking. Some are tied together.
The smell of Sauerbraten turns on classic old German music in my head (thanks to my parents). The video for the song “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Tom Petty was based on the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland. I can’t listen to that song without thinking of a crazy tea party.
Sunday Supper is celebrating music inspired recipes. Scanning through my song collection brought a few choices. First there was candy inspired from “Candy” by Iggy Pop or “Candy-O” by The Cars. Tea cakes was a possibility because of the Tom Petty song video.
When I got to R.E.M. I knew I wanted to make an Orange Crush Cocktail. I’ve listened to their song “Orange Crush” many times. Their music is the soundtrack to lots of my memories.
Orange Crush Cocktail is easy to make. Fresh squeezed orange juice, vodka, and triple sec are shaken with ice then topped off with lemon-lime sparkling water or soda. It’s refreshing and loaded with Vitamin C.
Use a sweetened soda such a Sprite if you want to have more sweetness to the beverage. It’s a burst of orange flavor with a slight effervescence from the sparkling water.
What song brings food memories to you? Is is a song about food or one you heard while enjoying a favorite dish? I’m interested to see how music is a part of your cooking and dining memories.
Leave a comment, turn on the music, and crush some oranges. Cheers!

Orange Crush Cocktail
A recipe for an Orange Crush Cocktail made with fresh squeezed orange juice, triple sec, and lemon-lime sparkling water. It is a refreshing beverage for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 tablespoon triple sec
- Splash of lemon-lime sparkling water or soda
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
-
Combine the orange juice, vodka, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
-
Cover and shake vigorously.
-
Pour contents of shaker into a highball glass.
-
Pour a splash of lemon-lime sparkling water on top and stir to combine.
-
Garnish with orange slice.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for an Orange Crush Cocktail made with fresh squeezed orange juice, triple sec, and lemon-lime sparkling water. It is a refreshing beverage for any time of the year.
Here are more music inspired recipes. Join me in visiting each one of these by Sunday Supper bloggers. You will be ready to crank up the tunes and head into the kitchen:
Prelude (Beverages):
- Calimocho (Red Red Wine Cocktail) from La Cocina de Leslie inspired by Red Red Wine by UB40
- Dark & Stormy Cocktail Recipe from An Appealing Plan inspired by Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen
- Horchata from Treats & Trinkets inspired by Horchata by Vampire Weekend
- Orange Crush from Magnolia Days inspired by Orange Crush by REM
- Pineapple Lemonade Slushy with Coconut Water from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz inspired by Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul & Mary
- Strawberry Tequila from Shockingly Delicious inspired by Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles
Overture (Appetizers):
- Mustard Dill Beer Bread from Curious Cuisiniere inspired by In Heaven There Is No Beer a German Polka
Intermezzo (Entrees & Sides):
- Chicken and Bacon Cheddar Waffles from I Run For Wine inspired by Glady’s Knight
- Classic Fried Chicken from The Food Army Wife inspired by Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band
- Margarita Chicken from In The Kitchen With KP inspired by Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet
- Meatball Duet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings inspired by On Top of Spaghetti by Tom Glazer
- Pan-Seared Halibut with Corn Hash and Asparagus Puree from Crazy Foodie Stunts inspired by Saturday Night Fish Fry by Louis Jordan
- Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork from Neighborfood inspired by Something Like That by Tim McGraw
- Spaghetti and Pork Meatballs from Family Foodie inspired by On Top of Spaghetti by Kidsongs
- Teriyaki Burger from Juanita’s Cocina inspired by Cheeseburger in Paradise by Jimmy Buffet
Finale (Desserts):
- Banana Cream Pie Bars from Peanut Butter and Peppers inspired by Tra La La Song by The Banana Splits
- Banana Pancake Ice Cream with Maple Brittle from Foxes Love Lemons inspired by Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson
- Cherry Pie from My Cute Bride inspired by Cherry Pie by Warrant
- Cherry Marshmallows from Pies and Plots inspired by I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow
- Chocolate Cappuccino Cream Puffs from Runner’s Tales inspired by Choux Pastry Heart by Corinne Bailey Rae
- Chocolate Chip, Walnut and Caramel Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich from Ruffles & Truffles inspired by Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
- Chocolate Covered Caramels from Big Bear’s Wife inspired by At Last by Etta James
- Coconut Rum Blondies from Gotta Get Baked inspired by I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts by Danny Kaye
- Easy Blueberry Recipe: Fruit Tart from Growing Up Gabel inspired by Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino
- Espresso Nib Ice Cream from Vintage Kitchen Notes inspired by Black Coffee by Ella Fitzgerald
- Fancy Watermelon Lime Popsicles from Daily Dish Recipes inspired by Watermelon Crawl by Tracy Byrd
- Fresh Peach Pie from Killer Bunnies, Inc. inspired by Sweet Sweet Pie by PWEI
- Jammin’ Oatmeal Cookies from What Smells So Good? inspired by Jammin’ by Bob Marley
- Many Flavors Whipped Cream from Noshing with the Nolands inspired by Whipped Cream and Other Delights by Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Peach Basil Pie from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen inspired by Peaches by POTUSA
- Pina Colada Poke Cake from Cookin’ Mimi inspired by Two Pina Coladas by Garth Brooks
- Peach Donuts with Brown Sugar from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks inspired by Peaches by POTUSA
- Peach Strudel with Honey Bourbon Frozen Yogurt from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures inspired by My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music & Wild Honey by U2
- Rainbow Popsicle from The Urban Mrs inspired by Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
- Salted Ripple Chip No Machine Ice Cream from Cupcakes & Kale Chips inspired by Ice Cream by Sarah McLachlan
- Salted Peanut Swirl Peanut Butter Ice Cream from girlichef inspired by Salt Peanuts by The Quintet
- Shall We Dance? Fairy Cakes from The Ninja Baker inspired by Shall We Dance from the Japanese Film
- Sugar Crusted Zucchini Bread from That Skinny Chick Can Bake inspired by Sugar, Sugar by the Archies
- Tangerine Sorbet from Webicurean inspired by Tangerine Speedo by Caviar
- Yeasted Banana Bread from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner inspired by I Like Bread and Butter by The New Beats
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement
The Ninja Baker says
Your orange crush looks so good, Renee. You just may make a drinker out of me!
Renee says
Thanks Kim and you can go easier on the vodka and triple sec and make it more of a beginner beverage.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
When I thought about this song all that came to mind was the bottled soft drink, Crush. You made a great cocktail with that song, really awesome! I love that it has triple sec Renee. It looks so innocent…
Renee says
Well, the song really is about the soft drink but I let it inspire me for a cocktail. I prefer it over the soft drink anyway.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Ohhh, this drink is right up my alley!! I love it!
Liz says
What a simple, yummy cocktail! Orange crush is one of the few sodas I will drink 🙂
Renee says
I haven’t had an Orange Crush soda in so many years. I cut out all those soft drinks long ago.
Susan says
Just like Paula, I kept thinking of the soda Crush but I like your version better. Kind of like a screwdriver with a little extra touch.
Renee says
Oh yes, like a uber screwdriver.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
This is SO much more than I was hoping for when I saw your title for today! I’ll take 3. 😀
Renee says
You got it Jen! Cheers!
Megan @ I Run For Wine says
YUM! I’m currently on our family vacation and have all of these ingredients on hand – we will be making this cocktail tonight!
Renee says
Thanks and I hope you enjoyed them on your vacation.
Nicole says
I just love the gorgeous, vibrant color of this drink and this sounds like a WINNER. I will be making this VERY soon!
mmm… and I have all ingredients here already 😉
Renee says
It is a really nice color which makes it even better for sipping.
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
OK. I am making a frozen version of this today in my machine! I have all the ingredients! Wahoo!!
PS…I also think of the crazy tea party with Tom Petty thanks to the era of MTV when they actually played music videos. 🙂
Renee says
A frozen version would be great too! I do miss those days of actually seeing videos on MTV.
Heather @girlichef says
Oh, perfect! This is like a sophisticated screwdriver ;). Love the inspiration!
Renee says
Thanks Heather! Nice description, I like the term “sophisticated”.
adam @unorthodoxepicure says
First, this cocktail looks divine!
OK. Please don’t judge me, but Kenny G causes me to start jonesing for Chinese food. It all goes back to the late 1980s and this local dive called China Garden. Their dining room soundtrack consisted of 1 CD (or cassette) — Kenny G.
Renee says
Oh my, a restaurant with only 1 cd and it was Kenny G. I hope the food was good enough to listen to it over and over again.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
Lovely color and very refreshing too. That’s right, life will be boring without music…and this cocktail.
Renee says
Thanks Linda!
Tara says
So refreshing and so very good!!! Love this cocktail and I love REM too!!
Renee says
Glad to see another REM fan. I’m really partial to them since they are from Georgia.
Rachel @ Runner's Tales says
This cocktail sounds amazing!
Camille says
That looks so refreshing for summer, too!
Laura Dembowski says
I am going to make one of these cocktails and sit on the deck and enjoy this beautiful day. This is exactly what my summer needed 🙂
Renee says
I agree – a perfect cocktail for sitting outside and enjoying a nice summer day. I hope you enjoy it very much.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
I have everything. This is a must-make!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
Wow!! That cocktail is a perfect embodiment of that song… I love that tune too
Renee says
Thank you Sarah and I’m glad you think it is fitting for the song too.
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
This looks delicious and refreshing – perfect for summer!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
Mmm…so refreshing and bright! Seems like the perfect summer cocktail.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Sounds perfectly refreshing and delicious. And just imagine the dramatic color if you used you a BLOOD orange when they’re in season!
Renee says
Now you have me ready for blood orange season. I really can’t wait to make it and see the color. I’m sure it will be incredible.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee,
what a great song! and love the orange crush cocktail recipe!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
This sounds soooo refreshing!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Nice! I just want to sit on a porch and sip this while music plays in the background!
Renee says
Great idea Anita and I hope you do.
DB-The Foodie Stuntman @ Crazy Foodie Stunts says
Sounds refreshing! I don’t listen to R.E.M. a lot but one of my favorites is The One I Love off of “Document” I’ve always been amazed at Stipe’s vocal range because he his voice is always in higher octaves when he sings but he’s got a deep voice whenever he is interviewed.
Renee says
The song “The One I Love” is one of my favorites of their songs. Stipe’s voice is very interesting and I never really noticed the difference between speaking and singing until you just mentioned it.
[email protected] Treats & Trinkets says
So, since its got orange juice, that means it’s for breakfast, right?
Renee says
Oh sure! Some people have mimosas, you can have an Orange Crush.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
Oh yum! This sounds so refreshing! Do you think it would work with tequila or white rum? (I’m not much of a vodka gal 🙂 )
Renee says
As long as they have a mild flavor then you can probably substitute.
Priscilla | ShesCookin says
I love that song! Gorgeous photo – the cocktail looks so bright and refreshing, I’d like to have it for breakfast 🙂
Renee says
Cheers to cocktails at breakfast!
Family Foodie says
LOVE the color of this drink. It is beautiful! This is the kind of drink I like to sit around the pool on a summer hot day and sip on.
Renee says
Absolutely! Like sipping sunshine by the pool.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Like Paula and Susan, I immediately thought of the Orange Crush soda too – it was my favourite as a kid and we only got to drink it on special occasions. To this day, I always remember that special feeling when I drink it. But ooooooh Renee, your recipe is so much better! I love.love.LOVE alcohol (hmm…maybe I shouldn’t sound so enthusiastic, lol). I can’t wait to make and drink a giant pitcher of this!
Renee says
Thanks so much Nancy. I figured some people would think of the soda but then find a great cocktail instead. Glad you want to make a pitcher. I wish I could be there to share it with you.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
This sounds so refreshing, Renee!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Sounds so refreshing, Renee!
Hezzi-D says
This sounds like a refreshing summer beverage! You could even use it in place of mimosas for brunch!
Anne @ Webicurean says
LOVE R.E.M.! Seems we have all the ingredients to try these tonight!
Renee says
Oh wonderful – enjoy the cocktail!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This is my absolute favorite cocktail. Your version looks so refreshing.
Renee says
Thank Jennie and cheers!
Katie says
Simple but deliciously refreshing – this is definitely my kind of cocktail!