A Bloody Caesar is a classic Canadian cocktail. It is similar to a Bloody Mary but has a lot more depth of flavor. We make our own homemade Clamato juice (it’s easy!) for the best flavor. Want to know how to make the best Caesar drink? I’ll show you how!
We’re big fans of Bloody Caesars around here, and I honestly can’t imagine brunch without one. They’re Canada’s answer to the Bloody Mary — bolder, brinier, and far more satisfying — and once you’ve had one, it’s hard to go back. If I’m ordering at a restaurant, I just ask for a Caesar (we’re on a first-name basis), and it always hits the spot.
What makes my Bloody Caesar stand out is skipping store-bought Clamato and making it fresh at home. It’s surprisingly easy (just 2 ingredients!) and tastes so much better, especially once you add a splash of dill pickle juice and a good hit of horseradish to your glass. From there, you can choose your spirit — vodka is classic, but I love a tequila Caesar, and mezcal, gin, or even bourbon all work beautifully. It’s just as easy to mix up a big pitcher for friends as it is to make one perfect glass for yourself.
For the booze, you’ve got options, my friends. Vodka keeps things traditional; tequila is my personal favorite; mezcal adds a delicious smokiness; gin is always a solid choice; and bourbon brings bold flavor (especially with a bacon garnish). You can even add beer for a Michelada-style Caesar , or skip the alcohol altogether and go with a virgin Caesar.
Why a Bloody Caesar is the best Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary and a Bloody Caesar are virtually the same things, with one very important difference … Clamato juice. Clamato is tomato juice mixed with clam juice (and I know that sounds SUPER WEIRD), and it’s really the best thing ever. Think about how adding pungent fish sauce to your curry makes it taste better. It’s the same idea.
Don’t believe me? Both Vice Magazine and The Thrillist have written long arguments about why a Bloody Caesar is WAY BETTER than a Bloody Mary. Still not sure? Try one. You’ll never go back.
Rim salt for Caesars
It is absolutely mandatory that you salt the rim of your Bloody Caesar glass, but you have options for what to use. I always keep this Caesar Rimmer on hand. It’s decently flavored and comes in a container that’s shaped for the job. Some other tasty options are:
- Tajin
- Montreal steak spice
- Celery salt
- Seasoning salt
Party Caesars
Pitcher: Making a pitcher is the easiest option when you’re hosting a group. Stir everything together in a large pitcher, then pour into salt-rimmed glasses as needed — simple and stress-free.
Caesar bar: For something more interactive, set up a Caesar bar and let everyone customize their drink. Put out a pitcher of Clamato, a few booze options, grated horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, plenty of garnishes, and salt-rimmed glasses so guests can help themselves.
Make it a muddy Caesar/dirty Caesar
When I’m at a restaurant, I always order a spicy dirty Caesar. This means it comes with extra hot sauce (spicy) and extra Worcestershire sauce (dirty). The great thing about a Bloody Caesar is that they’re super easy to customize to your taste. Simply add any ‘extras’ to your glass, then pour the Calamato over the top.
Bloody Caesar Drink Recipe (Best Bloody Mary Variation)
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ Salt for the rim (I use this one )
- ▢ 1-2 ounces of your favorite spirit (vodka, gin, tequila, mezcal, and bourbon work best)
- ▢ 1 tablespoon clam juice (available in most grocery stores)
- ▢ 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from a jar of pickles – optional but highly recommended)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon EACH: prepared horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce
- ▢ Juice from ¼ lime
- ▢ ⅔ cup tomato juice
- ▢ A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Wet the rim of a 12-ounce glass with a lime wedge then dip it in rim salt. Fill the glass half full of ice.
- Add your choice of spirit, the clam juice, pickle juice, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Fill the glass with tomato juice. 1-2 ounces of your favorite spirit, 1 tablespoon clam juice, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 teaspoon EACH: prepared horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, Juice from ¼ lime, ⅔ cup tomato juice
- Top with a little black pepper and your choice of garnishes.
Video
Notes
- 1-2 cups spirits (depending on whether you want 1 or 2 ounces of alcohol per serving)
- ½ cup each: clam juice and pickle juice
- 3 tablespoons each: horseradish, Tabasco, and Worchestershire sauce
- Juice from 2 limes
- 44 ounces (5 ½ cups) tomato juice
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Best Caesar cocktail garnishes
The one thing you need to know about Caesar garnishes is that there are no rights or wrongs here. Anything goes.
Traditionally, Caesars were garnished with a celery stick, but that’s largely gone now. In restaurants, most Caesars come garnished with pickled beans or pickled asparagus, a pepperoni stick or bacon, olives, and usually a lime wedge. It’s like a mini meal with your drink.
But Caesar garnishes can get wild and crazy. Some of the best I’ve seen are:
- Bacon wrapped shrimp
- Mini burgers
- Chicken wings
- Onion rings
- Nachos in a tacos bowl
- Corn dogs
- Grilled cheese sandwich
More brunch cocktails
Irish Cream Latte
Mimosa Recipe (Champagne Orange Cocktail)
Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe (perfect ratio!)
Moscow Mule
Bloody Caesar Drink Recipe (Best Bloody Mary Variation)
Ingredients
- Salt for the rim , I use this one
- 1-2 ounces of your favorite spirit , vodka, gin, tequila, mezcal, and bourbon work best
- 1 tablespoon clam juice , available in most grocery stores
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice , from a jar of pickles - optional but highly recommended
- 1 teaspoon EACH: prepared horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce
- Juice from ¼ lime
- ⅔ cup tomato juice
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Wet the rim of a 12-ounce glass with a lime wedge then dip it in rim salt. Fill the glass half full of ice.
- Add your choice of spirit, the clam juice, pickle juice, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lime juice. Fill the glass with tomato juice. 1-2 ounces of your favorite spirit, 1 tablespoon clam juice, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, 1 teaspoon EACH: prepared horseradish, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, Juice from ¼ lime, ⅔ cup tomato juice
- Top with a little black pepper and your choice of garnishes.
Notes
- 1-2 cups spirits (depending on whether you want 1 or 2 ounces of alcohol per serving)
- ½ cup each: clam juice and pickle juice
- 3 tablespoons each: horseradish, Tabasco, and Worchestershire sauce
- Juice from 2 limes
- 44 ounces (5 ½ cups) tomato juice
