Uncle Bill’s Caesar: A Canadian Classic with a Kick

There are some drinks that transport you instantly, that conjure a specific time and place with the first sip. For me, that drink is a Caesar, and more specifically, Uncle Bill’s rendition. I remember it vividly, a few years back, visiting friends in Kelowna, British Columbia. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the vineyards, and we were gathered on a patio, the air alive with laughter. My friend’s uncle, a man with a twinkle in his eye and a knack for hospitality, presented us all with these vibrant, ruby-red concoctions. That first taste was a revelation – the familiar comfort of Clamato juice, the subtle warmth of vodka, but then, a bright, peppery zing that cut through the richness. It was the horseradish, I later learned, that gave it that unforgettable “pezzaz,” as Uncle Bill himself would say. It’s a flavour memory I’ve savored ever since, and one I’m thrilled to share with you today.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 Caesar
• Dietary Type: N/A (Contains alcohol and animal products)

Ingredients

This Caesar is all about balance and quality, starting with a few key components that create its signature flavour profile.

• 1/2 fresh lemon, for rubbing the rim of the glass
• 1 teaspoon celery salt, for the glass rim
• 2 fluid ounces good quality vodka, more if desired
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh horseradish or 1 teaspoon pure prepared horseradish
• 6 fluid ounces Mott’s Clamato juice (No substitutes unless you cannot have Clam juice)
• 2 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional) or 2 dashes red hot pepper sauce (optional)
• 1 piece of young celery rib, including the leaves (from the middle of the stock)

Equipment Needed

While a Caesar is wonderfully straightforward, having the right tools makes all the difference for a perfect presentation and experience.

• A sturdy, pint-sized glass or highball glass
• A small saucer for the celery salt
• A citrus juicer (optional, for the fresh lemon juice)
• A bar spoon or regular spoon for stirring

Instructions

Crafting Uncle Bill’s Caesar is more about assembly and proper technique than active cooking. Follow these steps for a truly authentic experience.

1. Begin by preparing your serving glass. Take the fresh lemon half and rub its cut side around the rim of the glass. This not only adds a subtle citrus aroma but also creates the perfect surface for the rimming salt to adhere to.
2. On a flat saucer, measure out the celery salt. This ensures an even coating for your rim.
3. Invert the prepared glass and gently dip and twist its rim into the celery salt on the saucer. Aim for an even, consistent coating all the way around.
4. Now, it’s time to build the drink. To the rimmed glass, add the vodka. Feel free to add a little more if you prefer a stronger spirit presence.
5. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce.
6. Follow with the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
7. Add the star of the show for that extra “pezzaz” – the finely grated fresh horseradish or prepared horseradish.
8. Carefully pour in the Mott’s Clamato juice. Remember, the recipe emphasizes using Mott’s for its specific flavour profile.
9. If you enjoy a little heat, add the Tabasco sauce or red hot pepper sauce at this stage. Two dashes usually provide a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other flavours.
10. Using a bar spoon or a regular spoon, stir all the ingredients well to blend them thoroughly. You want to ensure the flavours are evenly distributed throughout the drink.
11. For the garnish, place a young celery rib, complete with its leafy top, into the glass. This not only looks appealing but offers a refreshing, crisp element to chew on.
12. The final instruction from Uncle Bill is simple and profound: Eat and drink slowly. Savour the complex layers of flavour and the refreshing zest.

Note: Uncle Bill also mentioned that a pickled spicy bean or an pickled asparagus spear are equally excellent and delightful garnishes for this drink, adding another dimension of flavour and texture. Mott’s Clamato juice is available in both a regular and a spicy mix, so feel free to choose the one that best suits your preference.

Expert Tips & Tricks

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few professional touches can elevate your Caesar game.

• Chilling is Key: Always start with a well-chilled glass and chilled Clamato juice. This ensures your Caesar is refreshing from the first sip.
• Fresh Horseradish Power: For the most vibrant and pungent kick, opt for freshly grated horseradish. It has a different, brighter heat than prepared horseradish, though prepared is a perfectly acceptable and readily available substitute.
• The Perfect Rim: When rimming your glass, avoid getting too much liquid from the lemon inside the glass. The goal is a clean, crisp rim. Also, don’t over-salt; you want a delicate edge, not an overwhelming salty crust.
• Garnish Play: Don’t be afraid to experiment with garnishes! Beyond celery, pickled beans, and asparagus, consider olives, a shrimp, or even a small piece of jerky for a truly over-the-top Canadian Caesar experience.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The beauty of Uncle Bill’s Caesar lies in its immediacy – it’s best enjoyed fresh.

• Serving: This Caesar is designed to be a stand-alone beverage. Serve it immediately after preparation, ensuring the garnish is artfully placed. It’s a perfect welcome drink for guests, a brunch accompaniment, or a relaxing evening indulgence.
• Storage: While a prepared Caesar is best consumed right away, any leftover Clamato juice mixture can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s highly recommended to prepare each Caesar individually to maintain the optimal balance of flavours and carbonation (from the Clamato). Do not store a prepared Caesar with the ice and garnish.

Nutritional Information

This information is an approximation and will vary based on exact ingredient brands and quantities, particularly the vodka.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	230.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	4 g	N/A
Total Fat	0.5 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	686.8 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	26.8 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	13%
Sugars	6.4 g	25%
Protein	1.8 g	3%

(Note: Nutritional values for alcoholic beverages can vary significantly. This data is a general estimate.)

Variations & Substitutions

While Uncle Bill’s recipe is classic, here are a few ways to personalize it:

• Spicy Kick: For an extra layer of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or a splash of your favorite hot sauce beyond the optional Tabasco.
• Herbaceous Notes: A sprig of fresh dill or a few blades of chives can add a lovely aromatic dimension.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a virgin Caesar, simply omit the vodka. You might want to add a splash of pickle brine or a bit more horseradish to compensate for the lost flavour complexity.
• Vodka Alternatives: While vodka is traditional, some people enjoy a gin or even a white rum Caesar. Experiment to see what you prefer!

FAQs

Q: What makes a Caesar different from a Bloody Mary?
A: The primary difference lies in the base. A Bloody Mary uses tomato juice, while a Caesar uses Clamato juice, a blend of tomato and clam broth, which gives it a unique umami and slightly briny flavour.

Q: Can I make the rimming salt mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can pre-mix your celery salt and store it in an airtight container. However, it’s best to apply the rim just before serving to ensure it stays crisp.

Q: Is it essential to use Mott’s Clamato juice?
A: While other brands exist, Mott’s Clamato juice is the traditional and widely accepted base for a Canadian Caesar due to its specific flavour profile.

Q: How much horseradish should I use?
A: Start with the recommended amount. You can always add a little more if you prefer a stronger horseradish kick, but remember it’s potent, so add it gradually.

Q: What’s the best way to chill the ingredients?
A: Keep your vodka in the freezer and your Clamato juice in the refrigerator. This ensures your drink is perfectly chilled without needing to overdo the ice, which can dilute the flavour.

Final Thoughts

Uncle Bill’s Caesar is more than just a drink; it’s a testament to the beauty of simple, quality ingredients combined with a touch of personal flair. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable flavours come from those unexpected additions, like that subtle but brilliant hint of horseradish. I encourage you to make this for yourself, for friends, and to share the story behind it. Pour yourself a glass, garnish it with pride, and let the unique blend of savoury, tangy, and spicy notes transport you. It’s a taste of Canada, with a little something extra. Cheers!