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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

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!

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