Drinks
The Caesar
Ingredients
- - 45ml (1.5 fl oz) vodka
- - 150ml (5 fl oz) Clamato juice (tomato-clam juice blend)
- - 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- - 2-3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco), to taste
- - 1 pinch celery salt
- - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- - Lime wedge, for the rim and garnish
- - Celery salt, for rimming the glass
- - Celery stalk, to garnish
- - Ice cubes
Method
- Rub the rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into celery salt spread on a small plate to coat evenly.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of celery salt and black pepper directly into the glass.
- Top up with Clamato juice, leaving a little room at the top.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and a wedge of lime, then serve immediately.
Introduction: Invented in 1969 by a Calgary bartender at the Calgary Inn who wanted to recreate the flavours of spaghetti alle vongole in a cocktail, the Caesar – built on Clamato juice (a tomato-clam juice blend) – has become Canada's unofficial national cocktail, with Canadians consuming more of it than any other mixed drink domestically.
Cultural Background: Invented in 1969 by a Calgary bartender at the Calgary Inn who wanted to recreate the flavours of spaghetti alle vongole in a cocktail, the Caesar – built on Clamato juice (a tomato-clam juice blend) – has become Canada's unofficial national cocktail, with Canadians consuming more of it than any other mixed drink domestically.
Tips: Always rim the glass before adding ice, or the salt won't adhere properly to a wet or cold surface. Adjust the hot sauce and Worcestershire to taste – some prefer a much spicier Caesar.
Variations: A 'Bloody Caesar' with extra garnishes such as pickled beans, olives or even a mini burger skewer is popular for brunch service. A virgin (non-alcoholic) Caesar simply omits the vodka. Contains clam broth (in the Clamato base) and is not vegetarian; a tomato-juice-only 'virgin' substitute exists but is not the authentic Caesar.
Storage: Best mixed fresh and consumed immediately; not suitable for storage.
Reheating: Not applicable; this is a cold cocktail.
Nutrition: Per serving: approx. 130 kcal, 1g protein, 8g carbohydrate, 0g fat, 0g fibre, 620mg sodium.
FAQs:
Q: What is Clamato juice?
A: A commercial blend of tomato juice and clam broth, first produced in Canada, forming the essential base of a true Caesar cocktail.
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
A: Yes, simply omit the vodka for a 'virgin Caesar', which is commonly served the same way in Canadian restaurants and bars.