Classic Caesar Cocktail
Canada's national cocktail: vodka, Clamato, Worcestershire and hot sauce over ice in a celery-salt-rimmed glass.
About this classic caesar cocktail
The Caesar was created in 1969 by bartender Walter Chell at the Calgary Inn in Alberta, reportedly inspired by spaghetti alle vongole: clams, tomato and spice. It's sometimes called Canada's national cocktail, and Canadians drink hundreds of millions of them a year.
Clamato is what makes it a Caesar rather than a Bloody Mary. The clam broth adds savoury depth. The rest is personal: more hot sauce, a squeeze of lime, horseradish, or over-the-top garnishes like pickled beans, olives or a strip of bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 wedge lime
- 1 tbsp celery salt (or Caesar rimmer)
- 1 oz vodka (30 mL)
- 4 oz Clamato (tomato-clam juice, 120 mL)
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Ice
- Pinch of black pepper
- Celery stalk, lime wedge and pickled bean, to garnish
Equipment
- Tall glass
- Bar spoon
Instructions
Tip: tap Start Cooking for hands-free step mode with built-in timers.
- 1
Run the lime wedge around the rim of a tall glass and dip the rim in celery salt.
- 2
Fill the glass with ice.
- 3
Add vodka, Worcestershire, hot sauce and pepper. Top with Clamato.
- 4
Stir gently and garnish with celery, lime and a pickled bean.
Notes
- Check your Worcestershire if you need it gluten-free; most Canadian brands are, but some contain malt vinegar.
Substitutions
- vodka: gin, tequila, or leave it out for a 'Virgin Caesar'
Storage
Serve immediately.
Freezer
Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition not calculated. Cook temperatures follow Health Canada guidance where cited.
Classic Caesar Cocktail: common questions
What's the difference between a Caesar and a Bloody Mary?
A Caesar uses Clamato (tomato and clam juice) and a celery-salt rim. A Bloody Mary uses plain tomato juice.
Who invented the Caesar?
Walter Chell, at the Calgary Inn, in 1969.
Can I make a pitcher of Caesars?
Yes. Mix 1 part vodka to 4 parts Clamato with Worcestershire and hot sauce to taste, chill, and pour over ice into rimmed glasses.
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