Caesar

The Caesar is a complex and savory cocktail celebrated for its unique flavor profile, which sets it apart from the more globally known Bloody Mary. Its defining ingredient is Clamato juice, a blend of tomato and clam broth, which imparts a distinct briny and umami quality. This is layered with the clean spirit of vodka, the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce, and a kick of heat from hot sauce. Served over ice with a celery salt rim and traditional garnishes, it's a refreshing and full-bodied drink beloved across Canada.
Caesar

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Caesar is a savory cocktail, firmly categorized as a modern classic. It is celebrated as Canada's national cocktail and is a staple in the brunch and savory drink categories, similar to the Bloody Mary.

Serving

This cold, savory cocktail is served in a tall Highball or Collins glass with a distinctive celery salt rim. Its alcohol content is relatively low, making it a perfect daytime drink.
Serving size
Approx. 300-360 ml / 10-12 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 7-10% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins Glass
Glass treatment
Rimmed with celery salt or a custom spice blend

Backstory

The Caesar was invented in 1969 by restaurant manager Walter Chell of the Calgary Inn (now the Westin Hotel) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was tasked with creating a signature drink for the inn's new Italian restaurant. Chell drew inspiration from the Italian dish spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), combining the flavors of tomato and clam to create the signature Clamato juice base, and thus, the Caesar was born.
Origin
The Caesar cocktail originated in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1969. It has since become a national icon and is considered Canada's most popular cocktail.

Caesar

The drink is most commonly known as the Caesar. It is sometimes referred to as a Bloody Caesar to differentiate it from the Bloody Mary, its close relative. In Canada, however, simply ordering a "Caesar" is sufficient and universally understood.
Original name
Caesar
Alternative name
Bloody Caesar

Characteristics overview

The Caesar is a multi-layered sensory experience, defined by its savory and briny tomato-clam aroma and flavor, a spicy kick, and a smooth, medium-bodied texture. Its vibrant red color and savory profile make it a refreshing choice any time of year.
Flavor
Savory, briny, umami, spicy, tangy, tomato-forward
Aroma
Tomato, clam, celery, Worcestershire, spice
Taste balance
Salty, sour, savory, spicy
Aftertaste
Lingering warmth, savory, clean
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Opaque, vibrant red
Texture
Smooth, slightly viscous, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Caesar has a pronounced flavor profile, dominated by savory saltiness from the Clamato and celery salt, with a tangy sourness and adjustable spiciness. It is not sweet, bitter, or creamy, and has a relatively low alcohol strength.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The foundation of a Caesar is vodka and the indispensable Clamato juice, seasoned with dashes of Worcestershire and hot sauce. The drink is served in a glass rimmed with celery salt for a complete flavor experience.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a simple built-in-the-glass cocktail, requiring only a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for a gentle stir. A small plate is needed to prepare the celery salt rim.
  • Bar Spoon
  • Jigger
  • Small Plate or Saucer

Instructions

The Caesar is built directly in its serving glass. Simply rim the glass with celery salt, fill with ice, add the liquids, stir gently, and finish with the classic celery and lime garnish.
1. Prepare the glass: Pour celery salt onto a small plate. Rub a lime or lemon wedge along the rim of a highball glass, then dip the wet rim into the celery salt to coat it evenly.
2. Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes.
3. Add the ingredients: Pour the vodka, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the ice. Top with Clamato juice, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Stir and season: Stir the cocktail gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients. If desired, add a pinch of black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a fresh celery stalk and a lime wedge on the rim. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A Caesar is traditionally garnished with a crisp celery stalk and a citrus wedge. However, it's also a canvas for creativity, with bars often competing to create the most elaborate and "extreme" garnish displays.
  • Celery Stalk: A crisp stalk of celery placed in the glass is the classic garnish.
  • Lime or Lemon Wedge: A wedge placed on the rim of the glass adds a fresh citrus aroma.
  • Extreme Garnishes (Optional): Caesars are famous for over-the-top garnishes like pickled beans, olives, bacon, or even a full slider or fried chicken.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to the clam broth in Clamato juice and anchovies often found in Worcestershire sauce. Check specific brand labels for gluten or soy information, but it is typically free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Caesar is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. Most of its sugar content comes naturally from the tomato juice base.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 9-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Caesar is famously versatile, best known as the ultimate brunch cocktail. It's also perfect for casual get-togethers, enjoying on a sunny patio, or as a classic "hair of the dog" hangover remedy.
  • Brunch
  • Casual Gatherings
  • Patio Drink
  • Hangover Cure

Pairing suggestions

The Caesar's savory and spicy character makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of foods. It is a quintessential brunch partner but also pairs wonderfully with seafood, spicy bar snacks, and grilled items.
  • Brunch Foods (e.g., Eggs Benedict, Bacon, Sausages)
  • Seafood (e.g., Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail)
  • Spicy Foods (e.g., Chicken Wings, Nachos)
  • Grilled Meats

The Caesar: Canada's National Cocktail

The Caesar is more than just a cocktail; it's a Canadian cultural icon. Invented in Calgary in 1969, its unique base of Clamato juice gives it a savory, briny depth that distinguishes it from a Bloody Mary. This beloved drink is customizable, with spice levels adjusted to individual preference, and famous for its garnishes ranging from simple celery to extravagant meals on a stick. As Canada's national cocktail, it's a staple at brunches, on patios, and at gatherings from coast to coast.