As a Canadian, we have many things to be proud of, and if there was one drink that truly embodies our culture is the ever gracious and supportive….Caesar!
Now truth be told, I rarely ever get my hands on a Caesar, and I know I’m not the only bartender who gives a massive eye roll when guests orders a Caesar with their steak dinner. But, there is a time and a place, and that’s when all the Basic B’s and Bro’s go out for Sunday Brunch! So even though I’m not the biggest fan of the cocktail, I do love putting it together. To me, it’s a lot like cooking, and I always have a ton of fun throwing things together in the kitchen. I love tomatoes, I love bacon, so really, where can we go wrong?!
You may be wondering what makes this recipe so ‘Ultimate’. No I did not layer chicken and waffles as a garnish, or a slice of pizza…but I made the juice from scratch. That’s right! No Clamato juice here, just the real deal, homemade goodness with the mandatory clam juice. So this isn’t exactly your quick and easy recipe to throw together, but the flavour that you’ll get from this will blow minds. Do this the night before, and leave it in the fridge to cool, and you can guarantee your Sunday Brunch date will be SERIOUSLY impressed with your skills. Cheers to National Caesar day and the long weekend to come!
The Ultimate Canadian Caesar Cocktail
Liquid Culture honours the ever gracious Canadian Caesar Cocktail with a homemade juice recipe!
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 3 Steakhouse Tomatoes Coarsely Chopped
- 1 Celery Stalk
- 1 Shallot Finely Diced
- 1 Tomatillo Coarsely Chopped (Optional - but adds a vibrant, bright flavour to the juice)
- 1 Large Garlic Clove
- 1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2.5 cups Water
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Clam Juice
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Lemon Freshly Squeezed
- 2 tsp Dried Parsley
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp Tobasco Sauce
Instructions
In a medium sized pot, set temperature to medium heat and place the olive oil and shallots
Once translucent, add the garlic, followed by fresh tomatoes, celery and tomatillo. Stir occasionally until broken down and very soft.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and bring that to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer and discard left overs (celery pieces, tomato skin, etc). Let this come to room temperature before storing in the fridge
Recipe Notes
To make an individual Caesar, combine the following:
- 1 Part Vodka
- 4 Parts Caesar Juice
- Shave Fresh Horseradish
- Top with your favourite Garnishes and Lemon!
Vodka is the traditional choice for a Caesar, but replace it with Gin, or even a Smokey Mezcal. You won't believe the flavours that it will pack with this simple switch!
