By Joseph Edelen

DEWEY BEACH — For the millions of tourists that flock to Dewey Beach each year, visiting The Starboard is a must.

For many, stops at The Starboard are accompanied by a staple of the longtime Dewey Beach restaurant and bar: the Orange Crush.

Now, with the efforts of the retiring, former Speaker of the House, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, and Gov. John Carney’s signature on Friday, the Orange Crush is now the official cocktail of the First State.

“When I introduced legislation to make the Orange Crush Delaware’s state cocktail, I never imagined it would stir up a friendly rivalry with Maryland and generate so many headlines!” Rep. Schwartzkopf said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“I’m glad that my final bill was one that added a little fun to our legislative session, supported our tourism industry, and brought so many Delawareans together. Having the signing at The Starboard, a place so central to our community and where I’ve hosted my Friday Breakfast Club for years, made it all the more special.”

The Orange Crush was originated by bartenders in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1995, according to the text of House Bill 444, but the cocktail was “perfected” by The Starboard, which serves the most of its kind than any Delaware beach each year.

Gov. Carney posed with a sign displaying the message, “Maryland created, Delaware legislated,” at The Starboard on Friday for the signing of the legislation, which follows some light-hearted controversy between the two neighboring states over which laid claim to the popular drink.

“The orange crush is the official state beverage of the State of Delaware. Governor Wes Moore, come join us at The Starboard Restaurant anytime,” Gov. Carney wrote in a Facebook post.

The Orange Crush contains fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec and lemon-lime soda with crushed ice.

Members of both chambers in Delaware’s General Assembly had fun with the legislation during its consideration prior to the final day of this year’s legislative session on June 30. But lawmakers also used it as a way to honor and celebrate Rep. Schwartzkopf, who is retiring after 22 years in the legislature.

The longtime representative – whose district encompasses Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches – was honored with the Order of the First State from the term-limited governor, which is Delaware’s highest individual award.

“I could speak for a long time about Pete and all the things that he’s done and meant to our state,” Gov. Carney said at The Starboard on Friday. “I’ve never been happier than I am right now to present this Order of the First State to my good friend and a great leader in our state, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf.”