If you're a cocktail enthusiast planning a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, you’re in for more than just beach days and boardwalk bites. This vibrant seaside town has quietly become a destination for creative cocktails, locally inspired spirits, and waterfront bars that offer more than just a view.
Whether you're packing your shaker or just your sandals, Ocean City offers plenty of opportunities to explore mixology in a coastal setting that’s as refreshing as the drinks themselves.
Coastal Flavors: What Makes OCMD Cocktails Unique
The best cocktails tell a story, and in Ocean City, the narrative is steeped in salt air, fresh seafood, and laid-back luxury. Local bars and restaurants often lean into beachy, tropical profiles, but with a regional twist.
Look out for:
Fresh-squeezed citrus and Eastern Shore honey in house-made syrups
Blue crab seasoning used creatively on glass rims
Locally distilled spirits from Maryland craft distilleries, often with Chesapeake Bay influences
Seasonal specials that incorporate beach-grown herbs like mint and basil
You’ll find the classics, of course, think piña coladas, mojitos, and crushes, but Ocean City bartenders aren’t afraid to experiment, often blending tiki elements with Mid-Atlantic ingredients for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Top Spots for the Cocktail Curious
If you’re on the hunt for exceptional drinks and skilled bartenders, make time for these local highlights:
1. Seacrets Distilling Company
Home to Maryland’s first post-Prohibition distillery, Seacrets crafts rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon on-site. Book a tour, sample a flight, and take home a bottle of their Caribbean-style spiced rum for your own beachside mixing.
2. The Hobbit Restaurant
Not just known for its upscale dining and bayfront views, The Hobbit also boasts an elevated cocktail menu featuring classics and coastal originals. Try their Lavender Lemon Drop or a smoked Old Fashioned with Maryland bourbon.
3. Dry Dock 28
This nautical-themed bar embraces playful presentation and big flavor. Expect creative takes on frozen cocktails and rotating craft specials — many of which use house infusions or locally sourced ingredients.
4. Winder Beer & Wine Bar
While primarily known for its extensive wine and craft beer list, this hidden gem also offers expertly made cocktails. Their seasonal menu highlights fresh ingredients and classic techniques.
Mixologist Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Ocean City Visit
If you’re traveling as a cocktail enthusiast, here are a few ideas to blend mixology into your vacation:
Pack Smart: A travel-sized bar kit with a shaker, jigger, and bar spoon can turn any rental kitchen into your own cocktail lab.
Shop Local: Visit farmers' markets or roadside stands for fresh peaches, herbs, or even sweet corn — all of which can enhance summer cocktails.
Bring the Beach Home: Pick up a local spirit, like a bottle of Seacrets coconut rum, and recreate your favorite drink once the trip is over.
Ask Questions: Ocean City bartenders are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask about their ingredients or techniques — you might learn a trick or two.
Every Getaway Deserves a Great Cocktail
Ocean City, Maryland, is more than just a summer vacation spot. For those who love a well-crafted drink, it’s a destination filled with discovery, creativity, and flavor. Whether you’re sipping on the sand or toasting under the stars, let your passion for mixology follow you all the way to the shore.
Ready to master your mixology game before you travel?
Explore expert-level certifications and cocktail resources at UMixology.com or become a member of The Empire Society for exclusive access to recipes, travel tips, and mixology guides.