Old Bay Bloody Mary Recipe {The BEST Bloody Mary} - Savory Simple (2024)

An Old Bay Bloody Mary has Old Bay seasoning for extra spice. Make this vodka co*cktail recipe for a brunch or to serve with steamed crabs.

As a native Marylander, I LOVE Old Bay seasoning. I didn’t realize it was a regional ingredient when I was younger, but if you’ve never spent time in the DMV or near the Chesapeake Bay, you might not be familiar with it.

Old Bay Seasoning is a must for steamed blue crabs. No exceptions! I also love using it in other crab recipes, like my hot crab dipand crab cake bites.

It’s a spice blend that includes (but is not limited to) paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. More on that below.

Old Bay also pairs amazingly well with a Bloody Mary co*cktail. We go to the eastern shore several times per year, and I immediately order an Old Bay Bloody Mary (spicy version!) when I see it on the menu. The spices add so much depth.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• V8 juice – I tested this recipe using both 100% tomato juice (the traditional option) and V8 vegetable juice. I think the V8 does a better job of balancing and enhancing the spices in the Old Bay. It makes the drink taste like it has a lot more going on.
• Worcestershire sauce
• Prepared horseradish (store-bought or homemade)
• Tabasco sauceor your favorite hot sauce
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Sweet paprika
• Celery seed
• Lemon juice
• Vodka
• Optional garnishes: Celery ribs with leaves, lemon wedge, green olives, grape tomatoes

How to Make An Old Bay Bloody Mary

co*cktails are usually relatively easy to make, and this vodka co*cktail recipe is no exception!

1. Rim the glasses. On a small plate, combine equal amounts of Old Bay, paprika, and celery seed. Run a lemon wedge around the top edge of two glasses, then dip the glasses into the spice mixture.

2. Add ingredients to a co*cktail shaker. Next, fill a co*cktail shaker or large liquid measuring cup halfway with ice. Add the remaining ingredients, then gently shake or whisk the ingredients to combine.

3. Pour into serving glasses. Add some ice to the glasses and divide the drink evenly between them. Add any optional garnishes, then serve immediately.

What is Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is a seasoning blend that’s considered a staple in many DMV-area home. It’s amazing on a variety of seafood dishes, especially steamed crabs and crab cakes.

GARNISHES

Bloody Mary garnishes are always optional, but they make a beautiful drink look even more inviting. Smaller garnishes like olives can be attached to a co*cktail toothpick (or a regular one).

Here are some suggestions, including the garnishes I use, plus a few other ideas:

• Celery ribs with leaves
• Lemon or lime wedge (I prefer lemon)
• Pitted green olives (stuffed or plain)
• Grape tomatoes
• Cooked shrimp –steamed, boiled, and even grilled shrimp are delicious with this vodka co*cktail.
• Cornichons or dill pickle spears
• Pickled jalapeños
• Pepperoncinis or other small spicy peppers
• Old Bay or a blend of paprika and celery seed for the rim of the glass (see tips section below)

Recipe Tips

1. Reducing the sodium. Old Bay contains salt. To avoid a salty drink, I recommend diluting the amount of Old Bay used to rim the glass with equal parts paprika and celery seed.
2. Shake gently! If you use a co*cktail shaker (I did), shake the ingredients gently. Otherwise, the V8 (or tomato) juice might foam up. Or, you can use a large liquid measuring cup or any type of mixing bowl.
3. Mix before adding ice. I recommend mixing the Bloody Mary ingredients with ice before adding them to an ice-filled glass. This will prevent the ice in the glass from melting quickly, which dilutes the flavors.
4. Extra spicy co*cktail option: I like making this drink with 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce for a spicy Bloody Mary! I don’t find it overpowering, but if you don’t like a lot of heat, use 1 teaspoon or add to taste.

Can you make this co*cktail recipe without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the vodka for a spicy tomato-based drink known as a “Virgin Mary.”

co*ckTAIL HISTORY

Mary Tudor was the first queen of England. She was the queen from 1553 to 1558 (when she died). She is known for her religious persecutions of Protestants and executing over 300 subjects, hence the nickname Bloody Mary. {Source: Biography.com}.

OTHER co*ckTAIL RECIPES

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other alcoholic drink recipes!

Another vodka co*cktail is the Moscow Mule, made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime!

Apple Cider SangriaandCranberry Margarita are both perfectly refreshing fall co*cktails.

You can also see my full archive of drink recipes here!