Caesar Drink (Bloody Caesar!)

The Bloody Caesar drink is a Canadian version of the Bloody Mary! Clam juice makes this signature brunch cocktail unique.

All hail, the Bloody Caesar! This classic brunch drink is a variation on the Bloody Mary invented in Canada, and here’s the thing: it’s arguably more delicious. The secret? Clamato juice adds an intensely savory undertone to what’s an already umami-packed drink. This drink was inspired by a plate of Italian spaghetti with clams, and while that might sound a bit off, but let us assure you: this spicy, savory, tangy drink is pure flavor. If you love a Bloody Mary (and we do), the Caesar is the cocktail for you.

Caesar cocktail ingredients

The Caesar drink, aka Bloody Caesar, is a variation on the Bloody Mary invented in Canada in 1969. The classic Bloody Mary stems back to 1920’s Paris. But this version was a later spin created by a restaurant manager at the Calgary Inn. He claimed to be inspired by the flavors in the dish spaghetti with tomato sauce and clams (spaghetti alle vongole), and named his invention after this Italian heritage. The drink took off immediately and within a few years was the most popular cocktail in Calagary.

What’s in a Bloody Caesar drink that makes it so irresistible? The Caesar cocktail ingredients are:

• Clamato juice
• Vodka
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco sauce
• Celery salt
• Black pepper

Of course if you eat vegetarian or vegan, you’ll want to try one of our other Bloody Mary Variations!

More about Clamato juice

What’s Clamato? This bright red beverage is a combination of tomato juice, clam broth, and spices. What’s in the name? As you might guess, it’s a combination of “tomato” and “clam.”

Clamato was first produced in the 1930’s, and rose to fame in the 1960’s. It’s popular in Mexico, where it’s often used in the Michelada, a beer cocktail, and Canada where it’s used in the Bloody Caesar. It’s not as well known in the United States, but it’s growing in popularity.

How to make a Bloody Caesar drink (basic method)

This recipe results in a Bloody Caesar drink mix that makes 4 drinks. Because you’re probably not enjoying the Caesar cocktail alone! But if you want a single serving, refrigerate the remainder and the flavor improves over time. Here are the basic steps for a Bloody Caesar drink:

• If you can, chill the Clamato juice and vodka first. This lets the drink get cold without having to use too much ice to dilute it. If you forget, it’s not big deal!
• Stir the Caesar drink ingredients in a pitcher. The best way to make a Bloody Caesar is not shaking or stirring it with ice, like you would with a normal drink. This dilutes the mix too much and makes for a watery consistency. Simply mix the mixture without ice, then serve it over ice. This results in the perfect consistency.
• Rim the glass and garnish! Serve the drink over ice with the garnishes of your choice. Speaking of…

Caesar drink garnishes

The best part of a Bloody Caesar drink? Just like the Bloody Mary, go big on the garnishes! This drink is is all about unusual, pickled, vegetal garnishes: the weirder the better. Here are some of the best items to spear into a Caesar:

• Celery stalks 
• Lemon wedges
• Pimento stuffed olives
• Cocktail onions
• Dill pickle spears
• Pepperoncini
• Pickled jalapeno peppers
• Pickled okra
• Pickled cauliflower
• Pickled asparagus

The easiest way to add these to a drink? Cocktail picks! This is especially nice for entertaining. Thread all your garnishes onto picks or skewers, which looks lovely and helps to keep them contained. Here are the bamboo cocktail picks we use.

More variations on a Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary was born in the 1920’s, and spawned all sorts of variations (including this Bloody Caesar drink). Once you’ve tried the Caesar, hit up all these variations:

• Bloody Mary The classic! Perfection in a glass.
• Bloody Maria Here’s the Mexican spin on this drink: using tequila!
• Red Snapper This version with gin has become a favorite.
• Spicy Mary Love the heat? Make this version with jalapeno peppers.
• Virgin Mary Who needs vodka? This zero-proof version is just as good.
• Michelada This Mexican style beer cocktail can also use Clamato.

This Caesar drink recipe is…

Gluten-free and dairy-free.

Print