Don’s Famous Caesars

If you know my Dad, you know he’s famous for a few things. He’s the life of the party. He’ll happily take you fishing for the elusive lunker and he makes the best caesar around. If you show up at my parent’s home, at some point my Dad will inevitably offer you a drink, go ahead and accept. Trust me you don’t want to pass up one of Don’s Famous Caesars.

I grew up on this drink, the virgin one as a kid, obviously. While my parents were enjoying the adult version, alongside a serious game of cards, I would be sipping away on this mildly spicy drink, usually cheering on the winners. If any drink could sum up my childhood it’s probably this one. Sun tanning on the dock, playing cards, with any meal and sometimes breakfast, there was always a caesar nearby. It is literally a staple at the lake.

As an adult, I still prefer the non-alcoholic version, but I think that’s just from years of drinking the virgin version. It takes me right back to my childhood. Anytime my Dad is making drinks, my first choice is always this cocktail. It’s a filling drink. It can almost replace parts of your meal, but I find that with any tomato drink.

Now, while we’re on the topic of tomato drinks. A proper caesar isn’t made with traditional tomato juice, it’s made with Clamato, which is Mott’s mixture of tomato juice and dried clam broth. It’s a much lighter texture, with none of the thickness of regular tomato juice. Don’t let the clam part of Clamato scare you off, because it’s actually quite subtle. If you appreciate tomato juice, this will not be that big of a departure for you.

How to recreate Don’s Famous Caesars

Ok, let’s dive in! Here’s how you too can enjoy Don’s Famous Caesars. Rub the rim of a tall glass with a wedge of lime and then dip the rim onto a small plate filled with celery salt and twist it around to coat the rim. You could also use Mott’s Clamato rimmer if it’s available in your area or Lawry’s seasoned salt.

Then fill the same glass with Clamato juice, a few ice cubes and a shot of vodka. Next squeeze in a wedge of lime, about a quarter of the lime. Add in 3-4 good shakes of Frank’s red hot sauce and 5-8 good shakes of Worcestershire sauce and then a shake of celery salt. Literally, this is how my Dad described it to me. He’s a dash of this, a healthy sprinkle of that type of guy, no real true measurements.

But don’t worry, I’ve taken the guesswork out of this cocktail recipe. I’ve measured it out, which was no small feat. Next time you’re bored, try measuring out hot sauce shakes. Oh geez, I just realized I have a funnel I could’ve used, that would’ve been much easier than trying to aim into a teaspoon. {face palm} haha. Anyways, you have actual measurements to use so you get the best version possible.

The next big decision you’ll have to make is how to garnish. My favourite is a dill pickle spear. Traditionally these bad boys are garnished with a celery stick, but you can go all out here. My Dad suggests pickled beans, olives, or even pepperoni. Now the list doesn’t stop there. I’ve seen shrimp, bacon even burgers and onion rings. What will you use?

According to the expert (my Dad), two things will ruin a caesar. Either too much hot sauce or not enough Worcestershire sauce are the main culprits in a poor tasting caesar. Once you have the basics you’ll be able to tweak the recipe to your liking. I prefer a caesar that’s heavy on the lime.

So now, armed with the recipe, go, my caesar-loving friends, and enjoy my Dad’s most requested cocktail. Sit with your feet up, relax and sip away on this refreshing beverage.

Thirsty for more after Don’s Famous Caesars, check out these other delicious recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:

• Homemade Greek Seasoning and Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
• The Best Chunky Guacamole
• Slow Cooker Brined Pulled Pork

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If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!

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