Did you know Old Bay seasoning originated in Baltimore? (Just like these other recipes from Maryland.) Old Bay is a popular spice blend consisting of black pepper, paprika, celery salt, red pepper flakes and a whole lot more. If you’ve never had it, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s got just the right amount of kick that complements a variety of recipes (including lots and lots of seafood).
But what about Old Bay vodka? Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, you need to try it!
Ever wondered what vodka is made from? We’ve got the answer.
What Can I Do With Old Bay Vodka?
More than you could ever dream of, but we’ll give you a little taste. This soon-to-be classic drink can be used in both beverages and meals. You can check out the brand’s entire recipe list, but for now, here are a few of our faves:
- Vodka Ginger Spritz: Blend Old Bay vodka, ginger beer, lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning for a mixed drink that makes the perfect pick-me-up. I can see myself sipping this!
- Old Bay Vodka Grapefruit Soda: Old Bay vodka, fresh ruby red grapefruit juice and club soda combined for a citrus sipper with a spicy kick. This might just be the drink of my dreams.
- Gnocchi Alla Old Bay Vodka: You can make this classic potato gnocchi dish with Old Bay, cream, tomato and garlic for an easy, delicious dinner.
- Rigatoni with Crab: If you’re a die-hard seafood fan, you’ll be absolutely living for this dish. Everyone knows Old Bay and seafood go hand-in-hand, and for good reason! This recipe calls for garlic, cream, tomato and Old Bay for a lovely meal to enjoy with friends and family.
Where Can I Get a Bottle?
This special spirit is set to be released in mid-March 2022. However, there’s already a portion of the brand’s website that will explain where to find Old Bay vodka as soon as it hits stores. Keep an eye out at your local liquor store for the official release. You definitely won’t want to miss this!
Don’t forget to check out these other great flavored vodkas.
How to Cook with Old Bay Seasoning
Living in Maryland has its perks. It's not uncommon for steamed crabs, sweet corn or local oysters to grace the dinner table. However, the most iconic ingredient that Marylanders turn to is a salty crimson seasoning called Old Bay. (
Purchase it here.) Though the box may say "for seafood, poultry, salads, meats," true fans know that Old Bay can be sprinkled on just about anything. Old Bay popcorn? Yes. Old Bay chicken wings?
Yes. Old Bay caramel ice cream? Don't knock it until you try it.
Follow along to see some of our Test Kitchen-approved recipes that make the most of Old Bay. While you're at it,
check out the rest of our favorite recipes from Mayland
Zucchini Patties with Dill DipThese crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Sweet Tea Barbecued ChickenMarinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Cod DelightI used to make this in the oven, but then I discovered that microwave lets me enjoy it even faster. It's a pretty dish to serve company. In fact, many of my friends and family now cook this at home. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Maryland Corn PopsFresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn that brings in local bay flavors. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Spicy Shrimp Not too hot but full of flavor, these shrimp are one of a kind. They're easy to make and take to parties, where they'll impress the other guests. —Bob Gebhardt, Wausau, WI.
Carolina Crab BoilThis pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Salmon with Spinach & White BeansMy husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Sauteed Scallops & Shrimp PastaI created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Sweet Potato Crab CakesMild sweet potato flavor and a chipotle kick complement the fresh crab in these hearty cakes. Serve them with your favorite mayo or aioli sauce. —Robert Bosley, Pacific, Washington
Warm Crab & Spinach DipIn Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania
Seasoned Crab CakesAt the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland
Crab Phyllo CupsI always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
German Brat Seafood BoilGrilled bratwurst and onion add a smoky flavor to corn, potatoes and fish for a hearty meal that's always a hit with my family. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Shrimp & Crab CasseroleThis quick, easy recipe is truly delicious. The succulent, melt-in-your-mouth seafood flavors and textures make for elegant comfort food. To make ahead, just assemble, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. —Jan Bartley, Evergreen, North Carolina
Garlic Tilapia with Mushroom RisottoBoxed risotto makes it quick; mushrooms, shallots and cheese make it tasty. Serve the risotto alongside seasoned fish for a weeknight supper in a hurry. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Mini Crab CakesFresh crab is one of my all-time favorite foods so whenever I get the chance to cook with it I will often make this dish. It's great for appetizers but you can make larger ones for a fantastic dinner with a simple salad. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Frogmore StewThis picnic-style medley of shrimp, smoked kielbasa, corn and spuds is a specialty of South Carolina cuisine. It's commonly dubbed Frogmore stew or Beaufort stew in recognition of the two low country communities that lay claim to its origin. No matter what you call it, this one-pot wonder won't disappoint! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Updated: Mar. 10, 2022
