Get ready to try Canada’s iconic cocktail with this recipe for Granny’s classic Caesar! This epic savory drink is a staple north of the border, beloved for its unique and flavorful combination of vodka (or gin!), Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices, all served in a salt-rimmed glass. I love a good Caesar Cocktail – it’s complex, satisfying, and surprisingly refreshing. While it might seem like just a Bloody Mary variation, the Clamato juice makes it distinctly different and, in my opinion, absolutely delicious! It’s the perfect savory cocktail for a Sunday evening like today, April 27th, no matter where you are in the world.
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Cocktail
- Canada’s National Cocktail: Experience a true Canadian classic!
- Unique Savory Flavor: A complex blend of tomato, clam broth (in Clamato), spice, and savory seasonings.
- Easy to Make: Simple to build right in the glass – no shaking required.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, spirit, and garnishes.
- Perfect Brunch/Anytime Drink: Great for brunch, afternoon sipping, or whenever you crave a savory cocktail.
Ingredients for Granny’s Caesar
Here’s what you’ll need to mix up this classic Canadian cocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Cocktail
- Lemon or lime wedge (Fruit)
- Vodka (or gin) (Liquor)
- Clamato juice (Juice Blend) (See Notes/FAQs for info & substitutions)
- Worcestershire sauce (Condiment)
- Tabasco (or other hot sauce) (Condiment)
- Dill pickle juice (Brine/Flavoring)
- Squeeze of lemon and lime juice (to taste) (Acid)
- Ice cubes (Ice)
Rim & Garnish
- Caesar rim seasoning or celery salt (Seasoning)
- Stick of celery (optional garnish) (Vegetable)
- Other common garnishes: Pickled bean, olive, lime wedge, extreme garnishes like bacon, shrimp etc.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
While Granny’s classic Caesar Cocktail is fantastic, here are some ways to switch it up:
- Different Spirit: Try it with tequila (sometimes called a Bloody Maria variation), aquavit, or even skip the spirit for a Virgin Caesar.
- Extra Spice: Add more Tabasco, use a spicier hot sauce, add horseradish, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Different Rim: Use a mix of celery salt and black pepper, smoked paprika, or a pre-made spicy rimmer.
- Pickle Variations: Use spicy pickle juice or olive brine instead of dill pickle juice.
- Add Flavor: Muddle some fresh cilantro or add a dash of pickle brine for extra tang.
How to Make Granny’s Caesar Cocktail
Making this classic Caesar Cocktail is all about building the flavors in the glass:
Prep the Glass
- First, I prepare my glass (usually a tall highball or celery glass). I rub the lemon or lime wedge around the outer edge of the rim.
- I place my Caesar rim seasoning or celery salt onto a small plate or shallow bowl.
- I tip the glass upside down and press the moistened rim into the salt mixture until it’s evenly coated.
- I fill the rimmed glass with ice cubes.
Mix the Cocktail
- Now, I add the remaining ingredients directly into the ice-filled glass. I start with the Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco (adjusting to my preferred heat level), and the dill pickle juice.
- I pour in the vodka (or gin).
- I top it off with the Clamato juice, filling the glass almost to the top.
- I add a fresh squeeze of both lemon and lime juice to taste for extra brightness.
Garnish and Serve
- I give the Caesar Cocktail a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
- I garnish with a traditional stick of celery, or get as fancy as I wish with other garnishes like olives, pickled beans, or even more elaborate toppings!
- Serve immediately
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Caesar Cocktail
Here are my secrets for making an exceptional Caesar Cocktail:
- Clamato is Key: Don’t substitute plain tomato juice if you want an authentic Caesar! The clam broth adds a unique savory depth. (See FAQs for substitutions if absolutely necessary).
- Rim the Glass Properly: Only moisten the outer edge of the rim so salt doesn’t fall into your drink excessively.
- Adjust Spice: Start with less Tabasco/hot sauce and add more if needed – you can always add more heat!
- Don’t Forget Pickle Juice: The brine adds a fantastic tangy, savory note that really complements the other ingredients.
- Fresh Citrus: Use fresh lemon and lime juice for the best flavor.
- Stir Gently: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients without melting the ice too much.
How to Serve
The Caesar Cocktail is a Canadian icon, perfect served:
- For Brunch: The ultimate savory brunch cocktail.
- At Parties: A unique and flavorful alternative to standard cocktails.
- With Appetizers: Pairs well with savory snacks.
- On its Own: A satisfying savory drink any time of day (especially Sunday afternoons!).
Serve immediately in a salt-rimmed highball or celery glass with plenty of ice and your favorite garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Like most cocktails built directly in the glass with ice, the Caesar Cocktail is best made fresh just before serving to ensure proper chill and dilution.
FAQs about Granny’s Caesar Cocktail
- What is Clamato juice? Can I substitute it?
- Clamato is a commercially produced drink made from tomato juice concentrate, clam broth, and spices. It’s essential for an authentic Caesar. If you absolutely cannot find it, a distant substitute could be made by mixing high-quality tomato juice with a splash of bottled clam juice and extra Worcestershire/hot sauce/spices, but it won’t be quite the same. Spicy V8 juice is another potential (though different) alternative base.
- Is this the same as a Bloody Mary?
- No. While similar, the key difference is the base juice. A Bloody Mary uses plain tomato juice, while a Caesar specifically uses Clamato juice (tomato + clam broth). This gives the Caesar a unique savory, umami quality.
- Can I make this non-alcoholic?
- Yes! Simply omit the vodka or gin for a delicious Virgin Caesar. The complex flavors of the Clamato, spices, and citrus still make a fantastic drink.
Enjoy this “epic” and classic Granny’s Caesar Cocktail Recipe! It’s a true Canadian treasure. Cheers!
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Granny’s Caesar (Classic Canadian Cocktail)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
An epic cocktail, here is our favourite recipe for Granny’s classic Caesar. A savory Canadian staple made with Clamato juice, vodka or gin, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and spices, served in a rimmed glass.
Ingredients
- 1 lime wedge (or lemon wedge)
- Caesar rim spice blend (or celery salt)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce, adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
- 1–2 ounces vodka (or gin)
- 1 cup Clamato juice
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice (to taste)
Classic Garnishes (Optional):
- Celery stalk
- Lime wedge
- Pickled bean or asparagus
- Olive
Instructions
- Rim the Glass: Pour the Caesar rim spice blend or celery salt onto a small, flat plate. Rub the lime (or lemon) wedge around the rim of your tall glass to moisten it. Dip the moistened rim into the salt mixture, rotating the glass to coat the rim evenly.
- Fill with Ice: Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes.
- Add Ingredients: Add the Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, dill pickle juice, vodka (or gin), Clamato juice, and a squeeze of both fresh lemon and lime juice directly into the ice-filled glass.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently with a long spoon or stirrer until well combined and chilled.
- Garnish: Garnish with a celery stalk and/or other desired garnishes like a lime wedge, pickled bean, or olive. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Rimmer: Celery salt is traditional, but pre-made Caesar rim spice blends offer more complex flavors.
- Spirit: Vodka is most common, but gin also makes a delicious Caesar (often called a “Gin Caesar”).
- Clamato Juice: Clamato juice (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth) is the defining ingredient of a Caesar and cannot be substituted for plain tomato juice if making a true Caesar.
- Spice & Savory: Adjust the amount of Tabasco, Worcestershire, and pickle juice to achieve your preferred level of spiciness and savory flavor.
- Garnishes: Get creative! Beyond the classics, popular garnishes include crispy bacon, shrimp, or even mini sliders for “extreme” Caesars.
- Storage: This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately.