Bloody Caesar Cocktail Recipe

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Bloody Caesar Nutrition Facts

Calories:171

Fat:0.1g

Protein:0.9g

Carbohydrates:12.4g

Alcohol:11.3%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Bloody Caesar, also known as the Caesar, is a popular Canadian cocktail created in 1969 by bartender Walter Chell in Calgary, Alberta. Chell was inspired by the classic Bloody Mary and the flavors of Italian cuisine, specifically Spaghetti alle Vongole (clam pasta). The cocktail quickly gained popularity and is now considered Canada's national cocktail.

  • The Caesar is typically enjoyed during brunch or as a hangover cure.
  • It is estimated that over 350 million Caesars are consumed annually in Canada.

How Bloody Caesar Tastes?

The Bloody Caesar is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. The combination of Clamato juice, vodka, and hot sauce creates a bold and robust flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Interesting facts about Bloody Caesar

  • The Caesar is often confused with the Bloody Mary, but the key difference is the use of Clamato juice instead of tomato juice.
  • The cocktail is traditionally garnished with a celery stalk and a lime wedge, but many variations exist, including the addition of pickled vegetables, olives, or even bacon.
  • In 2009, the Caesar was officially declared Canada's National Cocktail by the Canadian Parliament.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Clamato juice: 4 oz(120ml)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 2 dashes
  • Tabasco sauce: 2 dashes
  • Freshly ground pepper: 1 pinch
  • Celery salt: 1 pinch
  • Ice: 1 cup
  • Celery stalk: 1
  • Lime wedge: 1

A few good options for Bloody Caesar are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The smooth, clear taste of 1.5 oz vodka provides the alcoholic base without overpowering the other flavors. Too much vodka, and you'll drown out the delicate balance; too little, and the cocktail lacks its courageous backbone.

Alex Green

Clamato Juice

4 oz Clamato juice offers a unique tomato-clam flavor that is the heart of the Bloody Caesar. Without it, you're just left with a feeble, incomplete beverage.

Emma Rose

Worcestershire Sauce

Just 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce add complexity and depth. Skip this, and you'll miss out on the umami that rounds out the drink's profile.

Mary Mitkina

Tabasco Sauce

The 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce bring the heat. It's like the engine for the cocktail's fire truck—you definitely notice if it's missing.

Alex Green

Freshly Ground Pepper

A pinch of freshly ground pepper introduces a sharp, earthy note. It's subtle but significant, like the understated kazoo in a jazz band.

Emma Rose

Celery Salt

Rimming the glass with a pinch of celery salt gives that first sip an extra savory pop. Going without it is like eating a burger without the bun—possible, but why would you?

Mary Mitkina

Ice

1 cup of ice chills the drink to perfection, ensuring that each sip is crisp and refreshing. A warm Caesar is as unwelcome as a snowball in July.

Alex Green

Celery Stalk

The celery stalk garnish isn't just for looks—it's a crunchy, edible stirrer and a classic element. A Caesar without it lacks a certain 'je ne sais quoi'.

Emma Rose

Lime Wedge

Finally, the lime wedge adds a tart contrast, lifting the drink's flavors with a zesty twist. No lime, no final zing; it's that simple.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Bloody Caesar Drink

  1. Rim a highball glass with celery salt.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Add vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and freshly ground pepper.
  4. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly ground pepper can make a big difference.
  • Experiment with garnishes. Try adding a strip of crispy bacon or a pickled asparagus spear for a unique twist.
  • Adjust the heat to your liking. If you like it spicy, don't be shy with the Tabasco sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

Pairing a Bloody Caesar with seafood is a classic choice. The Clamato juice in the cocktail harmonizes with the briny flavors of oysters, mussels, and shrimp, making it a perfect match.

Breakfast/Brunch Foods

The Bloody Caesar makes a fantastic companion to traditional breakfast dishes, especially ones that include eggs, such as omelets or Eggs Benedict. Its savory qualities boost the flavors of bacon and sausages.

Snack Foods

The robust flavor profile of the Bloody Caesar also pairs well with salty snack foods. Think of chips, pretzels, and even popcorn—especially if they're seasoned with a spicy or savory twist.

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What you could change in Bloody Caesar

  • If you don't have Clamato juice, you can use tomato juice and a splash of clam juice or fish sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce can be replaced with soy sauce or steak sauce.
  • If you don't have celery salt, use regular salt and add a dash of celery seed or celery juice.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

The Spicy Caesar

Ingredients: Replace vodka with tequila, add sliced jalapeños. Recipe: Follow the original recipe but use tequila instead of vodka. Add a few slices of jalapeños along with the other ingredients. This twist brings a Mexican flare—think of it like a mariachi band crashing the party.

The Garden Caesar

Ingredients: Add a skewer of pickled vegetables. Recipe: Make the original cocktail, then add a skewer with an assortment of pickled vegetables like olives, pickles, and pearl onions. This turns your cocktail into a mini salad bar—it's a drink and a snack!

The Smoky Caesar

Ingredients: Use smoked vodka, and garnish with a strip of crispy bacon. Recipe: Replace regular vodka with smoked vodka. Stir as usual and garnish with a strip of crispy bacon. It's like a barbecue in a glass, giving you all the smoky goodness without the grill.

In case you forgot basics how to make Bloody Caesar

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bloody Caesar

What type of vodka works best for a Bloody Caesar?

While any vodka can work effectively for the Bloody Caesar, a clear, high-quality vodka is usually recommended.

Can I use a substitute for fresh lime wedges?

Fresh lime is always best, but if you don't have any available, a small amount of bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute.

What does 'dashes' refer to in the context of Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces?

A 'dash' is a small, fast pour, equivalent to about 1/8 of a teaspoon.

What does 'rimming a glass' mean?

Rimming a glass refers to the process of applying an ingredient, such as salt or sugar, to the edge of the glass, usually to enhance the flavor of a cocktail.

How did the Bloody Caesar get its name?

The drink was named 'Bloody Caesar' in reference to the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, with the 'Caesar' element likely deriving from the Roman emperor, a hint at the Italian inspiration behind the drink.

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