The Caesar: The Best of the Rocky Mountains
We had the opportunity to visit the Fairmont at Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. While each hotel has its unique style, ingredients and personality, a common thread connected them all as Canadian: The Caesar.
Where was The Caesar invented?
The Caesar cocktail, a Canadian classic, owes its popularity to the mind of Walter Chell. In 1969, Chell, the owner of Calgary Inn, reimagined the flavors of spaghetti alle vongole, a pasta dish featuring clams. From this inspiration, Chell spent months crafting the Caesar, blending vodka, tomato juice, clam nectar, Worcestershire sauce, and celery salt. Interestingly, Chell revealed to the Toronto Star in 1994 that his secret ingredient was a dash of oregano while leaving out Tabasco.
Although we have yet to fact-check the claim, it is widely reported that Canadians consume over 400 million Caesars each year. As fellow Canadians, we believe it to be true.
What’s in a Caesar?
The Caesar cocktail is a classic beverage that has found its mainstay in Canadian culture. Infused with the spirit of the True North, this drink brings together the harmonious blend of vodka, Clamato, a touch of hot sauce, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce (or many depending on your taste). The result is a delight for your tastebuds in an ice-filled glass rimmed with celery salt and finished with a celery stalk (or pickled vegetables) and a wedge of lime.
Now, you might wonder, how does the Bloody Mary distinguish itself from the remarkable Caesar? Although both cocktails share a common makeup, one thing sets them apart. While a Bloody Mary features a fusion of vodka (or other spirits) and tomato juice, the Caesar is made with Clamato.
How to make the classic Caesar cocktail
The recipe for this drink varies from place to place but typically includes vodka or gin (or other spirits); clamato juice (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth); Worcestershire sauce; Celery salt; and/or hot sauce if desired.
To make a Caesar, you will need the following:
- 1 oz vodka
- 8 oz clamato juice (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth)
- 1-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
- Celery salt or specialty Caesar rim
- 1-2 dashes of hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or Tabasco®), or to taste
- 1 lime wedge
- 1 celery stick (or pickled vegetables)
- Ice cubes
Rim the glass with celery salt or Caesar rim. Mix all ingredients in a glass with ice. Garnish with a slice of lime and celery if desired.
The hot sauce is optional (but recommended); if you want to add some spice. It’s also worth noting that these additions aren’t necessary –the base recipe will still taste great without them if you’re looking for something simpler or more traditional.
Our favorite recipes in Western Canada
The best Caesars across the Canadian Rocky Mountains are in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: Mountain Caesar
Savor the irresistible Mountain Caesar at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (found at the Emerald Lounge). This delightful Clamato mixture is brought to life with fresh horse radish while providing a pinch of spice alongside the dash of hot sauce. Citrusy notes of lemon and lime mingle, and the Worcestershire sauce brings a mild savory touch. Served in a generous glass, accompanied by pickled vegetables (olives, pickle and asparagus) and beef jerky, and rimmed with chipotle salt, this Caesar is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s an indulgence worth the drive.
To top off this delightful cocktail are the incredible views of Lac Beauvert, it’s no wonder that the Caesar at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is revered.
Tasting Notes to Note:
- It comes with ALL the pickled vegetables (olives, asparagus, dill pickle) plus beef jerky!
- Fresh horse radish (you can skip if you want).
- Incredible rim adding extra flavor!
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Louiza Caesar
(FOUND ON THE BREAKFAST MENU)
Louiza, found in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, offers an exceptional Caesar to tantalize your taste buds. Crafted with carefully selected ingredients, this Caesar is a refreshing and flavorful delight that perfectly complements the stunning backdrop of Lake Louise. It is served with an impressive array of pickled onion, pickle, asparagus, olive, a sprig of fresh basil and cherry tomato, elevating the presentation and infusing each sip with additional layers of flavor.
With its unique blend of chili vodka, fresh cucumber, clamato, lemon, and Worcestershire, complemented by a garnish extravaganza, this Caesar promises an exciting and refreshing journey for your taste buds.
Tasting Notes to Note:
- Chilli vodka adds a tantalizing heat that sets this Caesar apart.
- Fresh cucumber for a crisp and cooling sensation, balancing out the heat from the chilli vodka.
- Served with shrimp, cocktail style.
Fairmont Banff Springs: secret menu item
(Not officially on the menu, but they will make one upon request)
At the Rundle Bar, located within the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs, you’ll find a Caesar that pays homage to the traditional roots of this beloved Canadian drink while infusing it with a subtle twist. While a celery stalk typically accompanies the classic Caesar, this variation opts for pickled asparagus and olives to add a twist that elevates the flavor profile without sacrificing the drink’s iconic characteristics.
The Caesar served here delivers the classic taste that Caesar enthusiasts expect while offering a delightful surprise for those seeking a touch of uniqueness in their cocktail experience.
Tasting Notes to Note:
- Made with high-quality clamato, giving off made-in-house vibes.
- Kicking it old-school with a traditional celery salt rim.
- Leveled-up garnishes with pickled asparagus and olives.
The Caesar cocktail is an iconic drink that has been enjoyed for generations. Here is too many more!
TRAVEL TIP
Are you looking for more local cocktails and spirits around the Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains? Check out our Sip Locally Guide.