Picture this..It is a hot summer day and you are sitting on your deck, enjoying the sights and sounds of the backyard. The sun is out, the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping. This call for a beverage. The Classic Canadian Beverage – the Caesar.
As the story goes, the caesar (which for our friends south of the Canadian border is similar to your Bloody Mary cocktail), was invented in Calgary Alberta by restaurant manager/bartender Walter Chell. Walter thought it was a good idea to combine the flavours of a favourite pasta dish – Spaghetti alle vangole and make a cocktail. He mixed clam and tomato juice with vodka, worcestershire sauce and spices. Spices can be anything that adds that little kick. Some use tabasco sauce, or horseradish or hot sauce. The cocktail was poured into a glass of which the rim was dusted with celery salt.
The Classic Caesar Recipe
1 oz vodka
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
3 dashes freshly ground salt and pepper
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
4 oz Clamato cocktail – my favourite is Walter Caesar mix as it is all natural
Combine all ingredients, and serve over ice in a highball glass rimmed with seasoning with a wedge of lime.
**The non-alcoholic versions is just as good**
Fun Fact: because we can not pronounce ‘worcestershire’ – In our home it is commonly known as ‘who’s your sister’ sauce!!
The Evolved Caesar
There was a time in my life, when I was much younger, the caesar was my go to Friday night drink. It meant the weekend was here. At that time it was still the classic caesar, garnished with a slice of lime and a celery stick.
Over time, the drink has evolved and some may use gin instead of vodka. The lonely celery stick has become lost in the crowd of creativity. The caesar is now a drink and a meal in one. Check out some creations here.
So with Canada Day so close, Christine and I thought having a caesar bar would be a great idea for your celebrations. And you can pair it with our Great Canadian Poutine Bar. Done! Just planned your next Canada Day event…You are welcome 🙂
So for your Classic Canadian Beverage – The Caesar Bar I would suggest the following for garnish ideas:
- dill pickles
- onion pickles
- olives
- pickled beans
- pickled asparagus
- spicy salami
- pickled hot peppers
- pepperoni
- bacon
- shrimp
- cheese (your choice, anything goes)
- celery
- limes/lemons
- Spicy rim salt
You can even add things like a grilled cheese sandwich cut into triangles. A play on the comfort food of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. You could even dip the grilled cheese morsels into the caesar. Yum! I mean the sky is really the limit with what foods you can garnish with.
If you decide to have the Canadian Classic Beverage – the Caesar bar for your next celebration, we would love to hear what you come up with garnishes. Be creative!!
Danni
