Classic Canadian Caesar Cocktail

Make an unbeatable classic Canadian Caesar cocktail that will set your next brunch or dinner party apart with this authentic recipe.

Ah, the classic Caesar – Canada’s iconic cocktail. Whether you’re out for Sunday brunch or just catching up with friends, this one-of-a-kind beverage will help you bring a little taste of Canada to your celebrations.

Grab that bottle of vodka – there’s no better time than now to get started on mixing up this Canadian classic!

We have all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your Caesar comes out perfect every time.

Ready to whip up something special? Let’s dive in and learn how to mix a delicious Caesar cocktail worthy of any celebration hosted north (or south!) of the border!

What is a Caesar Cocktail?

The Caesar Cocktail is a classic Canadian cocktail made with vodka, Clamato juice (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. It is typically served in a large glass rimmed with celery salt, and garnished with a celery stalk.

The Caesar Cocktail is an adaptation of the American Bloody Mary cocktail, which was first created in 1921 by Fernand Petiot at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

In 1969, Walter Chell – a Canadian bartender working at the Calgary Inn (today it is the Westin Hotel) – created the Caesar as a signature drink for their new Italian restaurant. His inspiration came from the traditional Italian dish, Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams). The addition of clam juice offers a more complex flavour than a Bloody Mary.

The Caesar earned it’s name when a regular customer declared upon tasting it: “Walter, that’s a damn good bloody Caesar!”

The Caesar Cocktail quickly became popular around Canada and is now one of the most popular cocktails in the country. It’s often referred to as “Canada’s national cocktail” and it has been a staple at many Canadian restaurants for decades.

Today, there are endless variations on the Caesar Cocktail, with different types of vodka or spirits substituting for the traditional vodka base, as well as additional ingredients like pickled beans, olives and bacon. Some restaurants even offer “Caesars” with a variety of meat and seafood ingredients.

So if you’re looking for something unique and flavorful, the Caesar Cocktail is an excellent choice!

Tips for Making the BEST Caesars

• A classic Caesar follows the one, two, three, four rule (1.5 oz vodka, 2 dashes Tabasco etc…) but feel free to adjust to your own tastes. I like a little extra Tabasco for more of a kick.
• Chill your glasses ahead of time to help ensure the cocktail remains cool to the very last sip.
• You don’t need to reach for the top shelf with a Caesar but at least avoid scraping the bottom of the barrel when choosing your vodka.
• To make sure your cocktail is properly chilled, consider using larger ice cubes. They melt slower and won’t water down your drink as quickly.
• Garnish your Caesar for that extra special touch.
• You may want to shake your Caesar instead of stirring, it’s up to you.
• Caesar’s are traditionally meant to be a breakfast or brunch drink but a lot of us Canadians enjoy them the whole rest of the day too. I think it’s savoury flavour is great before, during, and after supper.
• Enjoy your Caesar and don’t forget to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Caesar Cocktail Variations

• Stir in horseradish to taste
• Cocktail sauce is another popular addition
• Add a spoonful of dill pickle brine, spicy pickled bean brine, or olive brine.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice
• Lighten it up by halving the clamato and substituting with ginger ale.
• Swap the Vodka for Mezcal or Tequila. Swapping with Gin is pretty popular but I think it is a bit of a waste in a Caesar.

How to Garnish a Caesar

A classic Caesar is usually garnished with a celery stalk but try some of these other ideas! Some Canadian restaurants and bars go over the top with their Caesar garnishes, and personally I think a Caesar has enough going on that it doesn’t need a whole cheeseburger on top.

• Olives
• Spicy pickled bean
• Lime wheel
• Pickled asparagus
• Jumbo shrimp
• Bacon
• Pepperoni stick

About the Ingredients for a Classic Caesar

Vodka – This time around I used Tito’s vodka which I actually do not recommend unless you are looking for something a little different. Tito’s is made from corn and adds a hint of sweetness to the Caesar which is quite different from a typical Caesar. I would highly recommend Grey Goose or Ketel One instead.

If you are bored with a typical Caesar then reach for the Tito’s or try a flavour infused vodka. Think chili pepper-infused vodka, lime flavoured vodka, or a dill pickle vodka.

Tabasco sauce – Tabasco is the classic, standard hot sauce used to make a Caesar, but if you want to try something different substitute with a little Sriracha instead for a bit of a garlicky kick.

Salt & Pepper – If you skip it the Caesar will be a little flat tasting. Season it well for the best results. Sometimes I skip the pepper and just use Old Bay seasoning. Another great swap for the salt and pepper is Tajin which is a Mexican seasoning made with lime, salt, and chilis.

Worcestershire sauce – Lea & Perrins is my go-to. Skip the no-name brand stuff, it doesn’t compare. Good quality Worcestershire sauce is a must.

Mott’s Clamato – Clamato is what makes a Caesar, a Caesar.

Rim – You will need lime to prep your glass to rim. For the rim itself, Celery salt is the standard. Hear me out though. A little Old Bay seasoning combined with a pinch of salt elevates the whole thing, and is the only rim I use on my own Caesars.

Looking for More Drink Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite drinks!

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A classic Shirley Temple recipe made with lemon-lime soda, orange juice, and grenadine. Perfect fun and fancy mocktail for any party!

This Virgin Blue Margarita is a fun and refreshing drink to help you cool off all summer long. If you are looking for a non-alcoholic beverage to serve at your summer parties and backyard barbecues, you have found the perfect one!

How to Make a Classic Canadian Caesar Cocktail

Yields: 1 Serving | Prep time: 3 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 2 Dashes Tabasco sauce
• 3 Dashes Salt and Pepper
• 4 Dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 5 oz Mott’s Clamato juice
• Celery salt (or upgrade to Old Bay seasoning+salt)
• 1 lime

Directions:

Pour the celery salt or Old Bay seasoning onto a small plate.

Rim the glass by running a wedge of lime around the glass, then turning the glass upside down to dip into the celery salt.

Fill the glass part way with ice, then add all the ingredients. Stir gently to mix.

Garnish as desired.