We've been here before; last year actually. Seems we can make the playoffs but the big game alludes us. I'm hoping that's not true this year. I love the Broncos; they are well known as a great organization. They won't tolerate a lot of crappy behavior on the part of players (and some have been doozies); they really appreciate their fans and for the past couple of years, we simply could not have had a team leader like Peyton Manning. It's not his arm I value as much as his character and he has that...and can be one too! In 2013 I named my cat after him; sort of as a good luck charm and last year I made a cocktail for the team and all to no avail. Let's not let this happen with the Broncos Orange Crush Cocktail, OK?
The Orange Crush was a storied team; it consisted of men who are now legends in Denver so why not bring some of that brilliance back to life in this simple but OMG tasty cocktail. This cocktail by the way is not my invention. As we went into the playoffs last year a local friend posted it on Facebook but it was too late for me, I had already made and planned to post about this Orange Shandy so I kept it in the back of my mind, never forgetting and certainly hoping that we would get back there this year. And we did...whoo hoo!!
This drink is quite simply, in a word, fun. I thought it a bit strange that the liquor and soda were shaken together but in the long run I got it. Get rid of some of that fizz and adding a topping of sherbet and ice cream did not create bubbles overflowing everywhere. It's light but promise you, it's still plenty boozy. My friend Rajean who shared it with me is local; she blogs randomly about random things, focusing more on her family than on blogging about them (what a concept right?). Her recipe had some either or moments and it's true, lots in this one can be varied depending on what you have on hand.
Rajean used Vanilla Vodka but I had some Blood Orange Vodka in my bar that was calling to me. Plain vodka is fine too; there is plenty of flavor with the soda, liqueur and ice cream. She said orange sherbet but vanilla will do...so I used both! There was no substitute for blueberries; I mean our team is orange and BLUE...not orange and RASPBERRY...so blueberries it had to be. My only caveat? Her recipe called for 3 ounces of soda and I doubled it and boy am I glad I did. Go on...make it stronger but be prepared for lights out before the 2 minute warning...pace yourself and do it my way!
I hope you're tuned in and cheering for the orange and blue; but if not? We are no longer friends. Just kidding. I think. :)
Broncos Orange Crush Cocktail
- 1.5 oz vodka (living dangerously? Make it two!)
- 1.5 oz orange liqueur
- 6 oz Orange soda Crush soda (or any orange soda)
- Orange Sherbet or Vanilla Ice Cream (or both!)
- Blueberries
- Pour the vodka, orange liqueur and soda into a cocktail shaker and shake to combine. Pour into a tall glass.
- Using a small ice cream scoop (a cookie dough scoop would be good) or spoon, add three or four scoops of orange sherbet.
- Garnish with a few fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Scream GO BRONCOS!
