National Caesar Day has arrived!
Yes, it’s a real Canadian tradition that happens every year on May 16th, and it’s quickly becoming one of our favourites.
The Caesar was first invented in 1969 by Canadian mixologist Walter Chell of Calgary. The drink was inspired by his favourite Italian dish, spaghetti vongole.
Chell’s attempt to capture the dish’s tomato and clam flavours led to the famous drink we know and love: vodka, tomato juice, clam broth, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce all mixed together in a large salt-rimmed glass that’s usually garnished with a stalk of celery and wedge of lime.
In honour of the world famous Canadian cocktail, we put together a list of 9 of Victoria’s most popular and unique versions of the drink.
1. Ferris’ Oyster Bar
Address: 536 Yates Street
While the Canadian caesar may have started in Calgary, Ferris’ Oyster Bar has helped perfect a West Coast version of the drink.
The oyster bar’s delicious Seafood Caesar features sobieski vodka, a fresh shucked oyster, a chilled prawn, a spicy pickled green bean, a piparra, fresh horseradish, and clamato juice.
2. SüLT Pierogi Bar
Address: 609 Yates Street
In a hip city full of great Caesars, SüLT Pierogi Bar’s stands out.
Their brew features house made clamato juice with a piece of cheese, a tomato, a pickled pepper, a pickle, specialty beef jerky, and of course, a deep fried pierogi.
3. Nautical Nellies
Address: 1001 Wharf Street
Nautical Nellies’ ceasar is a bonafide Canadian classic.
The cocktail is made with Premium Stolichnaya vodka, delicious Clamato juice, Tabasco brand hot sauce (a little or a lot), Worcestershire sauce, plus lime, stuffed olives, and some flavourful “drunken” green beans. If you want to upgrade your caesar, you can also add jumbo prawns or a freshly shucked local oyster.
4. Bartholomew’s Pub
Address: 777 Douglas Street
If you’re looking for a hefty beverage, Bart’s Signature Double Seafood Caesar has got you covered.
The drink features Wyborowa Vodka, two prawns, a mussel, pickled beans, a veggie skewer, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce, and a Montreal steak spice rim.
5. Mo:Le Restaurant
Address: 554 Pandora Avenue
Mo:Le’s delicious Super Caesar is not to be missed!
The classic cocktail features a little extra zing, with pickled horseradish, pickled beans, lime, and more.
6. Jam Cafe
Address: 542 Herald Street
The Classic Jam Bacon Caesar has everything you’d want in a savory cocktail.
Jam’s variation includes Stolichnaya vodka, asparagus, house-made sugar-cured bacon, and a spicy house mix rim.
7. Varsha Indian Kitchen
Address: 1600 Government Street
Caesar lovers looking for a unique cocktail are in luck!
Varsha’s Pakora Bacon Caesar features lime, spicy green bean, a slice of bacon, and pakora (a popular deep-fried Indian snack).
8. Belleville’s Watering Hole & Diner
Address: 427 Belleville Street
You can’t go wrong with one of Belleville’s Classic Caesar’s.
The brunch cocktail boasts Bocconcini cheese and house-made pickled beans.
9. Crooked Goose Bistro
Address: 4136 Wilkinson Road
The Crooked Goose is home to four different types of delicious caesars.
They have their traditional Bloody Caesar, their Jerky Caesar which features Glenwood Beef Jerky, the Dill Pickle Caesar which includes a Dill Pickle and pickle juice, and their Bacon & Blue Caesar that boasts bacon and olives.
