This Caprese Caesar Cocktail recipe is in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. Have you ever tried a Caesar Cocktail? If you're Canadian, you probably have. If you aren't Canadian and haven't tried one, don't miss out. This year Canada, my home and native land, is celebrating this milestone birthday. Whether or not you are Canadian, let's all toast that birthday with the classic Canadian cocktail, the Caesar.

What Exactly is a Caesar Cocktail?

Many people think of the Caesar as Canada's national cocktail. Although the origins of the drink are questionable, it was supposedly invented in Calgary, Alberta in 1969. But, regardless of where this drink originated, the Caesar is Canada's most unique and popular cocktail.

A Caesar What??

I think a lot of Canadians can relate to trying to order a Caesar when travelling in the USA. Usually, a blank stare is the reaction. And then when explaining the drink, (a Bloody Mary, only with clam juice), disbelief. The Caesar Cocktail is a drink enjoyed pretty much exclusively by Canadians. So, in honour of Canada's 150th birthday, we are toasting with Caesars.

Creative Garnishes for Caesars

A celery stalk is a usual garnish for a classic Caesar. Pickled beans or asparagus stalks are also common. But the Caesar drink gets creatively topped with every garnish you can think of. One restaurant that we frequent has a cheeseburger, Caesar. They garnish their Caesar with two cheeseburger sliders. Others are practically a meal in a glass, with prawns, pepperoni sticks, stuffed olives, & all kinds of other goodies.

Caprese skewers seemed like a perfect garnish for this Canada Day Caesar cocktail. They feature the red & white colours of Canada's flag, and they're fresh and summery, too. Caprese is especially perfect when you can pluck the cherry tomatoes and basil straight out of the garden.

What's in a Caesar Cocktail?

Caesar's are a vodka-based drink, and Clamato juice is the key ingredient in a Caesar. It's what separates it from just being a bloody Mary. Clamato is a mixture of tomato juice and clam juice, which, together give this savoury cocktail beautiful umami that you just want to savour. Tabasco is the traditional hot sauce for a Caesar, but any hot sauce will do. Sriracha is nice, as is Louisiana, or Franks, all of which will vary the flavour somewhat. Worcestershire Sauce is almost always included in a classic Caesar, too. And the glass is always rimmed in celery salt.

Warning: I don't usually find that a Caesar is the best choice for a pre-dinner drink unless it's very pre-dinner. The drink, along with the garnish, is quite filling. They can substitute for an appetizer, though. We like them for a late afternoon on the patio cocktail snack.

So, raise a toast this Canada Day with this classic Canadian cocktail. And if you like summer cocktails try a Greyhound, Spiked Iced Tea Rum Cocktail, this twist on a Mohito, or how about a Blueberry Martini?