It’s National Caesar Day – You Know You Want One

“Celebrating Caesars: Canada’s Signature Cocktail”

If you enjoy sipping on a caesar get ready to raise your glass on May 19^th, to celebrate National Caesar Day! That’s right, Canada’s most popular cocktail has it’s own special “holiday” (falling on the first Thursday before the May long weekend).

Canada’s signature cocktail is made with vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s typically served in a glass rimmed with celery salt with some sort of vegetable garnish such as  celery, asparagus or olives garnish. Leave it to a Canadian to come up with that concoction eh? Unique for sure, the caesar is virtually unknown outside of Canada (with the closest resemblance being the American Bloody Mary), which is why we love it.

History of Caesars
The Caesar was invented by restaurant manager and bartender Walter Chell to celebrate the opening of Marco’s Italian restaurant at the Calgary Inn in 1969. Inspired by the Italian dish Spaghetti alle vongolle (spaghetti with clams), Chell mixed added clams to his tomato cocktail and finished it with lime, Worcestershire sauce and celery salt to create a unique taste.

A true Canadian classic, the caesar is a cocktail to be celebrated. So if you’re oot and aboot (had to do it) this May 19^th and looking for a great caesar, check out the following Victoria locations for our favourites. Each one is made with their own unique twist, from fresh shucked oysters to hot chicken wings.

THE SEAFOOD CAESAR 

Bartholomews Pub (pictured above)

Bart’s signature double caesar is one heck of a drink. 2 oz. vodka, with all the fixings, including a steak spiced rim, garnished with prawns and a mussel. It’s a feast! Regular – $11 Sunday – $9

Address: 777 Douglas Street

Ferris Oyster Bar

It’s clear to see why this caesar is Ferris’ house specialty. A classically made cocktail taken to the next level with a fresh shucked oyster and a grilled prawn. Yum! 1 oz $8 – 2 oz $11

Address: 536 Yates Street

THE CHICKEN WING CAESAR 

Fifth Street Bar and Grill

Fifth Street makes a mean (in a good way) caesar. Patrons favour the Cowboy Caesar equipped with a piping hot chicken wing and a good dash of horseradish. One is never enough. Single – $6

Address: 1028 Hillside Avenue

THE BACON CAESAR

Jam Café

Jam is where it’s at for brunch and the late lunch. They don’t mess around when it comes to their caesars either. The Classic is made with all the spices and finished with a spear of asparagus and sugar cured bacon. Or switch it up and try the Bourbonator; made with Bullett bourbon, BBQ, pickle juice and sugar cured bacon. Now if that can’t cure a hangover what will?! $8

Address: 542 Herald Street

LOADED WITH ALL THE FIXINS

Mo:Le Restaurant 

Super Caesar with horseradish and extra zing from Mo:Le’s homemade hot sauce. Though what makes this one of our favourite caesars are the fixings. Topped with pickled asparagus and pickled purple cabbage, this bevy is not only colourful and pleasing to the eye it’s damn delicious! $6/8

Address: 554 Pandora Avenue

Cactus Club Cafe

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, cheese is my weakness (ceasars too). So, I was over the moon to discover Cactus Club does just that with their Signature Ceasar and more. Made with Smirnoff vodka and a signature blend of spices and then the fixings: a borettane onion, bocconcini, vermouth soaked olive and a peruvian pepper. I’m in! $7.25/Sundays – $5.25

Address: 1125 Douglas Street

The Homemade Caesar 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Premium Vodka
• 8 oz Walter All-Natural Craft Caesar Mix (Well Spiced or Mildly Spiced)
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
• 1 dash Worchestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 small pinch grated horseradish (optional)
• Garnish: celery salt rim, lime wedge, celery stalk, cracked black pepper, olives, asparagus

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a 12 oz cocktail glass, rimmed with celery salt. Finish with cracked black pepper, lime wedge & a celery stalk.

Note on Walter Caesar Mix 

If you’re not a fan of preservatives or MSG in your Clamato then look no further. Walter Caesar Mix is Canada’s first ever all-natural Ocean Wise Caesar mix, made with no added MSG, no artificial colour and no artificial flavours.

This Canadian company has always only ever used real clam juice in their product (not dried clam broth or bouillon). Being able to partner with the Vancouver Aquarium has helped to consistently ensure that the clams are being harvested in a way that promised long-term health and stability of the species and the greater marine ecosystem.

Find Walter Caesar mix in Victoria at: 

Charelli’s Cheese Shop

Heart Pharmacy

Jubilee
– Fort St.
– Johnson St.

Market On Yates

Mother’s Nature Market & Deli

Mt. Douglas Market

People’s Drug Mart (Quadra St.)

Pepper’s Foods

Planet Organic Health Corp.

Red Barn Market

Tonolli’s Deli

Happy National Caesar Day!