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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Everyday Life • Cocktails

Caesar (cocktail)

The Caesar is a Canadian cocktail typically made with vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a celery salt rim.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Caesar is a Canadian cocktail created in 1969 by Walter Chell in Calgary. It is known for its savoury, spicy flavour and Clamato base.

What it is

The Caesar is a vodka-based cocktail mixed with Clamato juice (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a celery salt-rimmed glass. It is served over ice in a tall glass, commonly garnished with a celery stalk and lime wedge.

Where it comes from

The Caesar was created in 1969 by Walter Chell at the Calgary Inn in Calgary, Alberta. It was developed as a signature drink for the hotel’s Italian restaurant, drawing inspiration from Italian flavours and the local clam-rich cuisine.

Why it matters

The Caesar is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best-known cocktails and a national drink. It is especially popular during brunch and is a staple on Canadian restaurant menus, often celebrated for its distinct savoury profile.

In short

  • Created in 1969 in Calgary by Walter Chell
  • Defining ingredient is Clamato (tomato juice and clam broth)
  • Widely regarded as a Canadian signature cocktail
  • Commonly served with celery salt rim and celery garnish
Canadian angle

The Caesar is one of Canada’s best-known cocktails and is especially associated with Canadian brunch culture, restaurant menus, and national drink identity.

Quick questions

Who invented the Caesar cocktail?
It is commonly credited to Walter Chell, who created it in 1969 at the Calgary Inn in Calgary, Alberta.
What is in a Caesar?
A typical Caesar contains vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a celery salt-rimmed glass, often with celery and lime as garnish.
How is a Caesar different from a Bloody Mary?
A Caesar uses Clamato, which includes clam broth, while a Bloody Mary is usually made with plain tomato juice.

Sources

  1. The Foodie Diary — https://thefoodiediary.com/caesar-cocktail-recipe/
    Supports: States the Caesar was invented in 1969 by Walter Chell at the Calgary Inn and describes its main ingredients and Canadian origin.
  2. Girl Heart Food — https://girlheartfood.com/caesar-cocktail/
    Supports: Describes the Caesar as a classic Canadian cocktail and lists common ingredients and garnishes.
  3. Cookin' Canuck — https://www.cookincanuck.com/the-caesar-cocktail-aka-the-canadian-bloody-mary-recipe/
    Supports: Calls the Caesar a Canadian drink similar to a Bloody Mary and attributes its invention to Walter Chell in 1969.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar_(cocktail)
    Supports: Summarizes the cocktail’s ingredients, origin, and distinction from the Bloody Mary; useful for cross-checking basic facts.