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    Home Β» Drinks

    Canadian Caesar Cocktail

    Published: Apr 27, 2016 / Updated: Apr 18, 2022 / 12 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This classic Caesar cocktail recipe has a delicious blend of bold flavors! You'll want to try Canada's national cocktail and find out why it's just so tasty.

    Make this Classic Mint Julep Recipe next for another fun drink.

    a classic Canadian caesar cocktail in a glass with olives and a celery stick

    What is a Caesar?

    It's Canada's answer to the bloody Mary. This zesty and spicy cocktail has a curious mixture of ingredients that together make magic. It tastes pretty close to a bloody Mary, but the Caesar uses Clamato juice instead of tomato juice. Ask any Canadian, and they'll tell you they prefer the Caesar, hands down.

    I think that it's truly a shame that pretty much nobody outside of Canada has heard of this refreshing savory cocktail. I'm on a mission to change that, and I'm hoping that the Caesar will become popular with our neighbors to the south as well!

    Who invented it?

    • The Caesar was invented in Calgary, Alberta in 1969 by one Walter Chell, who was a restaurant manager at a hotel. He was inspired by a seafood pasta called Spaghetti alla Vongole and wanted the same bold flavors in a drink! The history of this beverage is actually pretty fascinating.
    • He originally called his innovation the bloody Caesar, but we just simply call it a Caesar now. You will raise a few eyebrows and give yourself away as an American if you called it a "bloody Caesar" up here!
    • Canadians like it so much that we consume upwards of 350 million of these bad boys per year. It's actually our national drink. We especially enjoy it as a brunch cocktail and to cure a hangover (spoiler alert: it doesn't work, but it sure does taste good)

    Ingredients for it

    • Ice - to make it crisp and chilled
    • Celery salt - it's a seasoning we're using to rim the glass that packs a flavorful punch
    • Clamato juice - we're using Mott's. It might sound odd, but it's a mixture of clam juice and tomato juice. They sometimes use it to make a michelada in Mexico. Don't knock it till you've tried it!
    • Vodka - I don't have a brand preference. Use your usual.
    • Worcestershire sauce - to enhance the savory flavor
    • Tabasco sauce - hot sauce gives it a spicy kick
    • Lime - fresh lime juice adds an acidic contrast and freshness. Always use real limes.
    • Garnish - use a celery stick, pickled asparagus spears, jumbo green olives, etc.

    Substitutions and variations

    • Vodka is traditional, but if you've run out, white rum makes a fun twist, but it will be a little on the sweet side.
    • Gin or tequila are fine substitutes in a Caesar as long as you don't mind using an alcohol that isn't as neutral in taste as vodka is.
    • Canadians are super creative with the garnishes. We've even been known to serve it with anything from pickled beans to mini burgers to a strip of crispy bacon. Seriously.

    What to serve with a Caesar

    • Since it's a beloved brunch beverage, we enjoy serving it with late morning, early afternoon comfort food favorites like this Simple Breakfast Casserole or a Brunch Egg Sandwich. It's also great with grilled cheese.
    • For pairing it with a dinner meal, I like it with my Easy Shrimp Alfredo or these Creamy Lemon Garlic Pan Seared Scallops since it was inspired by a seafood dish. Honestly, there's no wrong recipe to go with a Caesar.
    close-up of Canada\'s classic caesar cocktail with Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and Tabasco

    More easy cocktail recipes

    • Aperol Spritz
    • Easy Rosé Spritzer Recipe
    • Blackberry Friesling (Frozen Riesling)
    • Grapefruit Irish Mule Recipe
    • Easy Mango Margarita Recipe

    Will you give Caesars a try? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram!

    Canada's caesar cocktail is a delicious blend of vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and Tabasco sauce. Like bloody marys? You might want to try this!

    Canadian Caesar Cocktail

    This classic Caesar cocktail recipe has a delicious blend of bold flavors! You'll want to try Canada's national cocktail and find out why it's just so tasty.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drink
    Cuisine Canadian
    Servings 1 drink
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • Ice (optional)
    • Celery salt for rimming glass
    • Clamato juice (to top glass up with)
    • 1.5 oz vodka
    • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
    • 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
    • 1 wedge of lime

    Garnish (optional)

    • 1 celery stick/pickled asparagus/green olives

    Instructions
     

    • Rim a highball glass with lime and then dip it into the celery salt.
    • Add ice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and a squeeze of lime (then place lime wedge in glass).
    • Top up with Clamato juice.
    • Garnish with a celery stick, a stem of pickled asparagus, or green olives.
    • Serve immediately.
    Keyword Caesar drink recipe, Canadian Caesar cocktail
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Chimichurri Potato Salad
    Grilled Eggplant and Spinach Salad »

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    1. Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss says

      April 30, 2016 at 9:24 AM

      When I was a bartender, making a Bloody Mary from scratch was always a pain when you were busy. But I was always glad to see everyone was pleased with their drink when they started sipping. This looks like a fun twist on a Bloody Mary though! Beautiful photos πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 30, 2016 at 9:45 AM

        Thanks Jessica! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

      April 28, 2016 at 12:07 PM

      Although, I woke up hangover over this morning after drinking half a can of hard cider (i'm a light weight) I still want this cocktail. It looks so refreshing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 28, 2016 at 12:13 PM

        Thanks Nicole! Ha - I'm a lightweight too, don't worry. I hope you feel better soon πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    3. MissCurious says

      April 28, 2016 at 11:28 AM

      Wow! That glass is just superb!! I am French Canadian and Caesars are a big thing here. Thank you for honouring them on your site. πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 28, 2016 at 11:30 AM

        Thank you!! And you are welcome πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says

      April 27, 2016 at 7:05 PM

      I mean this photo!!!! I want to swim in this drink! I'm obsessed with Bloody Marys and I can't wait to try this twist. Love!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 27, 2016 at 7:12 PM

        Thank you πŸ™‚ I hope you like it!!

        Reply
    5. nicole (thespicetrain.com) says

      April 27, 2016 at 1:57 PM

      Sounds delicious! And what a unique glass, I love it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 27, 2016 at 2:03 PM

        Thanks Nicole! A local shop had these glasses quite a few years ago. I think they're really neat, too. They're all a bit different. My mom helped me buy the collection. Sadly I've broken a few pieces πŸ™

        Reply
    6. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

      April 27, 2016 at 10:23 AM

      I make these all of the time. Love them. I pretty much garnish with a whole bunch of snacky things, so it's like a drink and meal all in one! I use Garden Cocktail in mine, which I really like. Remember that commercial a ways back - when you see one, you want one! Yours looks scrumptious! Is it Thirsty Thursday yet??

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 27, 2016 at 10:27 AM

        Thanks Dawn!! A drink and meal in one... I like your style πŸ˜‰

        Reply

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