Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to deny the popularity of Canada’s national cocktail.
It was invented in Calgary in the summer of 69 – or at some point in 69 – and Canadians now consume over 300 million clam concoctions annually.
What accounts for that? Clint Pattemore, brand ambassador for Mott’s, pinpoints customization as a selling point.
“People have their own ratio of spirits to mix, their favourite hot sauce, their own rim, pickle juice or horseradish. There’s a lot of room to play with,” he says.
“Everyone’s very passionate about Caesars and think they make the best one.”
So who does make the best Caesar, Toronto? Our money’s on Robin “Von Bacon” Wynne’s meaty version at Rock Lobster.
Von Bacon’s Red Maple Caesar ($11) is every omnivorous Canadian’s dream: bacon-infused Crown Royal Maple and Worcestershire, hickory smoke, chipotle Tabasco, salt and pepper with a house-made bacon salt rim and garnished with a generous heap of grilled candied bacon.
Just in case you’re left lusting for more protein, Rock Lobster adds meat straws to the equation in the next few weeks.
If you haven’t tried the famous Rock Lobster Caesar ($12) garnished with a lobster tail, do yourself a solid and stay for one more.
Rock Lobster Food Co. (538 Queen West, 416-203-6623)
Also check out:
Ursa’s (924 Queen West, 416-536-8963) Robin Goodfellow combines house-made Caesar mix with gin, spices and a wild leek salt rim ($9).
The Drake’s (1150 Queen West, 416-531-5042) classic combination can be supplemented by tequila and cilantro or gin and cucumber for an extra buck ($11).
Over at Salt Wine Bar (225 Ossington, 416-533-7258), Nick Kennedy makes a variety of unique Caesars, from his molecular version to the Iberian, with brandy, ruby port, cedar-smoked Clamato and chorizo oil ($12).
The County General’s (936 Queen West, 416-531-4447) Jeff Carroll uses his own mysterious and delicious spice mix for the house Caesar, which also features dill-infused Clamato ($11).
Signature drink: Red Maple Caesar
1 oz each of maple-bacon-infused Maple and regular Crown Royal
4 drops mesquite
½ oz bacon-infused Worcestershire (made in house)
3 oz Clamato
4 drops Chipotle Tabasco
House-made bacon salt rimmer
2 strips of candied bacon for garnish
