The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (2024)

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The Caesar co*cktail, Canada's brunch (or anytime) drink is similar to a Bloody Mary, with a few key changes. Once you try one, you'll never go back. 158 calories and 7 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (1)

Although the Caesar (the co*cktail, not the salad) is a drink reminiscent of my wayward twenties and several queasy morning-afters, I still have a very soft spot for this tomato-based co*cktail. Okay, I wasn't actually that wayward, though perhaps my story about the Kamikaze shots had you thinking otherwise. At the end of a long dinner shift at the restaurant where I worked during some of my university years, the staff would line up at the bar with the vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce to make some stiff co*cktails. Who said these babies need to be relegated to brunch on Sundays?

If you've never heard of a Caesar that doesn’t involve romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, you're not alone. It likely means that you are neither a Canadian nor a regular visitor to my maple-leafed homeland. In fact, you are probably thinking that the drink in the picture looks suspiciously like a Bloody Mary. However, there are several distinct differences, starting with the Clamato juice. This juice, as the name suggests, is a mixture of tomato juice and clam broth and is found on the shelves of most supermarkets in the United States. I know the flavor combination sounds questionable, but you really can't taste the clams. At least I can't. In fact, I prefer it over tomato juice because it is not as thick and makes the co*cktail go down more smoothly than a Bloody Mary.

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (2)

The Clamato juice is mixed with vodka, kicked up with Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce (I like mine spicy) and served in a glass rimmed with celery salt. Traditionally, it is served with a rib of celery, but I also toss in a couple of pimento-stuffed olives. The big ones. I always save them to the end because, after marinating in the co*cktail, they become little drunken orbs of joy.

So, who the heck thought of this crazy drink combination? As the story goes, the Caesar was invented in 1969 by Walter Chell, who was given the task of coming up with a signature drink for a new Italian restaurant opening in Calgary. Chell found inspiration in the classic Italian dish, Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams). The Caesar became an instant sensation and continues to be so popular that, in 2009, a petition was started to make the Caesar into Canada's national drink. Move over Molson...here comes the Clamato.

If a petition isn't enough to convince you, then perhaps this purported statistic will: Over 350 million Caesars are consumed each year in Canada. There are only 34 million people living in Canada. So, either we're filling up the mountain water holes with Caesars (which might explain some of those drunken moose stories) or we think these co*cktails are pretty darn tasty. So, get out there and pick up some Clamato juice and I'll raise my Caesar-filled glass to you. Eh?

The recipe:
Spread the celery salt onto a small plate. Rub the rim of one 12-ounce glass with a lime wedge. Turn the glass upside down and dip the rim of the glass into the celery salt. Repeat with remaining 3 glasses.

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (3)

Fill each glass with ice cubes. Divide the vodka equally between the 4 glasses. Pour Clamato juice into each glass.

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (4)

Season each Caesar with several dashes of Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces, to desired spiciness. Stir each co*cktail with a stir stick. Garnish with celery sticks, olives and remaining lime wedges. Serve.

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (5)

More of my favorite co*cktails:
Cookin' Canuck's Kamikaze co*cktail or Shot
Cookin' Canuck's
Creative Culinary's Grapefruit, Lime & Maraschino Martini
Family Style Food's Italian Greyhound with Rosemary Sugar
Inspired Taste's Pear & Cranberry co*cktail

Printable Recipe

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (6)

The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary

The Caesar co*cktail is Canada's version of the Bloody Mary and it is so flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for brunch! 158 calories and 7 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: Canadian

Keyword: Bloody Mary

Servings: 4 co*cktails

Calories: 157.6kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Spread the celery salt onto a small plate. Rub the rim of one 12-ounce glass with a lime wedge. Turn the glass upside down and dip the rim of the glass into the celery salt. Repeat with remaining 3 glasses.

  • Fill each glass with ice cubes. Divide the vodka equally between the 4 glasses. Pour Clamato juice into each glass.

  • Season each Caesar with several dashes of Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces, to desired spiciness. Stir each co*cktail with a stir stick.

  • Garnish with celery sticks, olives and remaining lime wedges. Serve.

Video

Notes

*Not included in nutritional information.

Weight Watchers Points: 7 (Freestyle SmartPoints)

Nutrition

Serving: 1co*cktail | Calories: 157.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.3g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 895.9mg | Sugar: 8.2g

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

More Beverage Recipes (Tipsy & Non-Tipsy)

  • Strawberry Smoothie (without yogurt)
  • Cranberry Kamikaze Shots or co*cktail
  • Blackberry Tea Recipe
  • Blueberry Banana Smoothie {Vegan}

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Scott

    I'm an American & my wife is Canadian. She introduced me to the Caesar in 2007 when we met. It wasn't long after that I gave up bloody marys and I ;loved my bloody marys. Note that in Canada in the grocery stores spices & seasoning section they have Caesar Seasoning.
    This really adds to the drink.
    I took it on myself to master a good caesar for my Canadian wife. We server them with Celery, Spicy Beans, Olives, and sometimes a pepperoncini. Its a staple drink in this house.
    Don't let the "clam" in the clamato scare you. Another interseting variation when you find it is to use Camaranazo which is a tomato & shrimp mixture. This is also very good.

  2. Glen Frankland

    I've made several variations on the venerable Caesar and they're all good.
    One ingredient that puts them over the top is an oz or so of kimchi juice.

    Reply

  3. Kerstlint

    The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (12)
    I made it at home, a perfect beverage!

    Reply

  4. Kim Dryden

    Hi! I was introduced to the Caesar in 2013 while in Montreal in 2013 awaiting a Marillion 3 day concert weekend. Had asked for a Bloody Mary, to be met with a blank look. She suggested a Caesar, so I said sure... Oh my gosh! Was FAR superior to the US version, truly. I do not deal with "heat" all that well, so unless home made, did not tolerate Bloody Mary's terribly well. But the Caesar? An epiphany. I now drink ONLY that at home here in the States, and twice as much while in Canada for the concert weekends. 🙂

    Reply

  5. bloody ceaser

    Please please please put pickle juice and a pickle in this recipe

    Reply

  6. Tony E. Medlin

    I love the recipe but use Tequila instead of Vodka. I suppose it becomes a Caesaro, a Caesarian? I need help getting the right name for it.

    Reply

    • Dara

      LOL. I think you're on the right track, Tony! I'll have to try it with tequila sometime.

      Reply

    • Lriq

      Actually in Mexico its quite popular and its called Vampiro.

      Reply

  7. Nikki

    Molson Canadian beer is brewed in Belgium. So there's plenty of room for the caesar to be our drink!

    Reply

  8. Deb

    We are from the US and have been fishing in Canada for over 20 years. Year before last it was very hot, so instead of cooking we went to a local bar to eat..only 2 places to eat where we fish and one is a bar. So we went eat and saw these people drinking the most wonderful looking drinks WITH DILL PICKLES which I happen to love. We asked what they were at they said they were Caeser's Canadian Style. The recipe is all the same except.....they used season salt around with rim with lime juice, and instead of celery they put a dill pickle spear down the middle. IT IS WONDERFUL!!! So that is the only way we ever have had them. As a matter of fact, just had one!!! lol Was great!!!!

    Reply

  9. Rob

    American clamato is very different than what can be found in Canada. Here's a great compromise when in the US - use a spicy tomato juice and mix with about 50% American clamato. Spice and garnish as per your normal recipe!

    Reply

  10. Susie

    A Bloody Mary is the drink of choice at the Hamlin House on every holiday. I'll have to try it Canadian Style - another AWESOME for them is Zing Zang, and a spear of pickled okra. 2/3 of the Lafayette Trails Runners went this morning, it has finally cooled down in St. Louis and was in the 70s at 7 when we hit the trail. Yay!

    Reply

  11. Heather

    One of my favourite drinks and a Canadian classic. For garnish though you can't beat spicy, pickled green beans or asparagus vs. celery.

    Reply

  12. ruthie

    I hate vodka, so I make my version of the Bloody Mary with light rum. For the tomato, I use the zippy version of V-8 (how healthy am I?), throw in some Worcestershire and nirvana! I like the idea of the olives, though, maybe some pickled garlic, too. Mmmm, good thinking. If I hadn't already had dinner, I'd be making a co*cktail now!

    Reply

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The Caesar co*cktail, aka the Canadian Bloody Mary Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a Canadian drink similar to Bloody Mary? ›

of course, Canada is the home of the Caesar co*cktail. the Caesar co*cktail. you're very proud of that, which is? Caesar is kind of like a Bloody Mary, but with clam juice.

What is the Canadian take on the Bloody Mary called? ›

The Bloody Caesar is a Canadian co*cktail that contains hot sauce, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, ice, celery salt and a stick of celery. What really sets it apart from the Bloody Mary, however, is the Caesar mix.

What is Bloody Caesar in Canada? ›

The Caesar, also known as the Bloody Caesar, is considered Canada's national co*cktail. The key ingredients are vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, spices and Worcestershire sauce. It is typically served in a highball glass rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a celery stalk, olives and lime.

What is Canada's national co*cktail? ›

Canada's National co*cktail Turns 50 - And Here Are 4 Great Places to Drink It. It's as Canadian as maple syrup. The Caesar is Canada's national co*cktail. Created in a hotel bar in Calgary in 1969, it's been the only-in-Canada favorite game night, summer patio, and 'hair of the dog' Sunday brunch co*cktail.

What's the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Canadian Caesar? ›

They each have a vodka base, but Bloody Marys feature tomato juice, while Caesars make use of clamato, a combination of clam and tomato juice. Also, even though both are popular brunch drinks, the Caesar is really only well-known in Canada.

What is Canada's best co*cktail? ›

1. Bloody Caesar. The Caesar, also known as the Bloody Caesar, is considered Canada's national co*cktail. Walter Chell was charged with mixing a co*cktail to mark the opening of the Calgary's Inn's new Italian restaurant and invented the Caesar in Calgary, Alberta, in 1969.

What country invented the Bloody Mary? ›

The story goes that a young bartender named Fernand “Pete” Petiot invented the Bloody Mary at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in 1921.

Where is a Bloody Mary called a Caesar? ›

So Chell took some vodka, a bit of Worcestershire and a little Tabasco, added a mix of clam and tomato juices and dubbed it the “Bloody Caesar.” It sounds rather odd, but it's the national drink of Canada and has been so practically since Chell invented—or should I say “invented”—it.

What is beer and tomato juice called in Canada? ›

Clamato is also added to beer in various beer co*cktails, such as the michelada; the most basic is known as a "beer 'n clam", "Clam Eye", or "Red Eye" in Western Canada, which adds Clamato to pale lagers.

What is the USA national drink? ›

Bourbon (whiskey), named for Bourbon County, Kentucky, is a corn whiskey aged in charred oak barrels. It was proclaimed the U.S. National Spirit by an act of Congress in 1964.

Is a Caesar drink healthy? ›

Thanks to the tomatoes, garnish vegetables and even the clams, a Bloody Caesar gives you an antioxidant boost, and a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals.

What drink is similar to a Bloody Mary? ›

Screwdriver. The Screwdriver has the same vodka base as a Bloody Mary. However, it uses orange juice instead of tomato juice. Another popular brunch drink, this is a great choice for those looking for an alcoholic brunch drink that is more sweet than savory.

Why do Canadians call a Bloody Mary a Caesar? ›

In 2010, Parliament named the Caesar as the official co*cktail of Canada. The name Caesar is said to come about from a patron of Chell's who shouted out, “that's a damn good Caesar” and it's stuck since it's inception. Mott's, a distributor of Clamato estimates 350 million Caesar's are consumed each year in Canada.

What do Canadians drink for breakfast? ›

For breakfast in Canada, we drink coffee, orange juice and chocolate milk. There is a choice between eating a small breakfast or a big breakfast. We are more likely to eat a big breakfast during the weekend and it has eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pancakes with maple syrup and toast with butter and jam.

What is a popular drink in Canada? ›

Coffee. Coffee is Canada's favorite beverage, especially because it provides that energy boost needed to kick into action. In this country, we always appreciate a little help to wake up, especially in the heart of winter, Canadians don't really have a national coffee drink, they just love coffee a lot, in all its forms ...

What do Canadians call beer and clamato juice? ›

Clamato is also added to beer in various beer co*cktails, such as the michelada; the most basic is known as a "beer 'n clam", "Clam Eye", or "Red Eye" in Western Canada, which adds Clamato to pale lagers.

What's the difference between a Bloody Mary and a michelada? ›

A michelada is often called a "Mexican Bloody Mary." It has tomato juice as the base, spices, a little hot sauce, and savory seasonings, but instead of vodka (like a Bloody Mary), we use a cold Mexican style beer. It's a refreshing, low-alcohol drink that's amazing for brunch or anytime of year!

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