Caesar (cocktail)
The Caesar is a popular cocktail in Canada, typically made with vodka, Clamato (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass, typically garnished with a stalk of celery and a wedge of lime. It was invented in 1969 by Walter Chell, a restaurant manager in Calgary, Alberta.
History[edit]
The Caesar was created by Walter Chell to celebrate the opening of a new Italian restaurant in Calgary. Chell drew inspiration from the Italian dish Spaghetti alle vongole, which features clams and tomato sauce. The cocktail quickly became a hit in Canada and has since become a staple in Canadian culture.
Ingredients[edit]
The primary ingredients of a Caesar are:
- Vodka
- Clamato juice
- Hot sauce (commonly Tabasco sauce)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Celery salt (for rimming the glass)
- Garnishes such as celery stalks, lime wedges, pickled beans, or other pickled vegetables
Preparation[edit]
To prepare a Caesar:
- Rim a highball glass with celery salt.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add 1.5 ounces of vodka.
- Add 4 ounces of Clamato juice.
- Add 2 dashes of hot sauce.
- Add 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, lime wedge, pickled bean, or other pickled vegetables.
Variations[edit]
There are several variations of the Caesar, including:
- The Bloody Caesar, which is similar to a Bloody Mary but uses Clamato instead of tomato juice.
- The Mexican Caesar, which substitutes tequila for vodka.
- The Clamdigger, which is a non-alcoholic version of the Caesar.
Cultural Significance[edit]
The Caesar is often considered Canada's national cocktail and is a popular choice for brunch. It is celebrated annually on May 18th, known as National Caesar Day in Canada.
