Trying new things is great, but sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics, especially on National Caesar Day.
A classic Canadian cocktail, the original Caesar is well established: Rim a tall glass with a lime wedge and celery salt. Add ice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, salt, pepper, a shot of vodka and top with Clamato juice. Garnish with a stalk of celery and lime wedge.
However, in the 53 years since the Caesar was first created in a Calgary hotel, this signature cocktail has evolved, with many variations out there to try. All of them — much like ketchup chips and poutine — are uniquely Canadian.
In honour of National Caesar Day, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite tried-and-true Caesars from across Canada. Some of them vary slightly from the classic, with elevated garnishes and flavour profiles, yet each drink shares one similarity – high-quality spirts:
- Bloody Caesar – This rendition of the classic Caesar is a Canadian cocktail staple. For the recipe, add 1½ oz. Absolut Vodka, 5 oz. Clamato (regular, hot, or extra hot depending on personal preference), two dashes of hot sauce, two dashes of Worcestershire sauce, one stick celery and one wedge of lemon.
- J.P. Wiser’s Prescott Caesar – A twist on the classic Caesar, this drink features pineapple juice and whisky. Rim a glass with celery salt and add 1 ½ oz. J.P. Wiser’s Deluxe, 5 oz. Clamato Juice, ¼ oz. lemon juice, 1 ½ oz. pineapple juice, seven dashes Worcestershire Sauce and two dashes Tabasco Sauce. Garnish with dried basil beef jerky. Don’t forget to throw in the ice too.
- True North Caesar – Now we can’t talk about Canadian-inspired drinks without mentioning this recipe, a polite twist on the classic Caesar. What is needed is: 8 oz. Caesar Cocktail Mix, 1.5 oz. Polar Ice Vodka, three dashes Worcestershire Sauce, one dash Hot Sauce, a pinch of Salt and Pepper. Garnish your drink by using celery salt, fine maple sugar and seasoning salt on the rim of the glass. Add celery and crispy bacon if desired.
