May 14th is Canada’s first-ever National Caesar Day, so it’s time get off the chesterfield, grab your toque, and bust out the celery salt! Canada’s national cocktail is virtually unknown outside the country, but within the great white north, more than 350 million Caesars are poured every year.
Canadians wanting to paint the town Clamato red on May 14th should follow the one-two-three-four-five rule for creating the basic Caesar. One ounce of Canada’s Iceberg Vodka, two dashes of hot sauce, three grinds of salt and pepper, four drops of Worcestershire and five ounces of Mott’s Clamato cocktail. There are other variations like bacon-infused hot sauces, pickle washes, and even hamburger garnishes. Here are a couple of our faves:
Pegasus Caesar
Created by: Richard Edwards, Pegasus (Toronto, ON)
1 oz. Iceberg Vodka
splash of Worcestershire
splash of Tabasco
1 tsp. horseradish
Mott’s Clamato
Add a dash of salt and pepper
Seasoned salt
Rim a glass with seasoned salt and fill with ice. Add Iceberg Vodka and mix in a splash of Worcestershire, Tabasco, and horseradish. Fill with Mott’s Clamato, season with salt and pepper, then garnish with a lime wedge and pickled vegetables.
La Caesar Vita
Created by: Sal Mora, Paese Ristorante (Toronto, ON)
1.5 oz. Iceberg Vodka
3 dashes of Crazy J’s Pepper Sauce
3 dashes of balsamic vinegar
Pinch of basil
Clamato
Celery salt (for garnish)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
Cooked garlic clove (for garnish)
Cherry tomato (for garnish)
Rim glass with celery salt and fresh basil. Add all ingredients to a glass with ice, pouring Clamato to the rim. Garnish with a cooked garlic clove, cherry tomato and a spring of rosemary. Serve and enjoy!
To celebrate, www.nationalcaesarday.com is sharing fun facts, historical references, recipes, and step-by-step videos from Canadian bartenders on how to make the perfect Caesar. It’s a one stop-shop for Caesar lovers!!