A cool caesar rimmed with spice and garnished with lime wedge and celery stick.shutterbugger/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Since Walter Chell concocted the satisfyingly savoury Caesar – a mix of vodka, tomato and clam juice – in 1969, the drink has evolved to become a Canadian classic.
Chell’s original recipe, according to varying accounts, involved mashing baby clams and combining that liquid with tomato juice to be served over ice with vodka, celery salt, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. But the drink’s fame has spread from Calgary across Canada thanks in large part to the more efficient (and less icky) prepackaged Mott’s Clamato juice imported from the United States.
In 2019, Motts estimated that Canadians consumed more than 400 million Caesars a year, the majority made with their Clamato juice, but in the face of a growing “Buy Canada” sentiment, bartenders and Caesar lovers are seeking homegrown substitutes.
Switching to Canadian-made tomato juice and drinking a Bloody Mary is one option, although purists might miss the briny taste of the sea flavour that gives Clamato and the celebrated cocktail its distinctive identity.
Not surprisingly, seafood juice blends are a niche product. Outside of cocktails and the rare seafood recipe, there isn’t much call for mollusk-infused tomato juice.
It’s hard to say if the Caesar would have reached such levels of popularity if it weren’t for Mott’s significant marketing efforts. The company stages cocktail competitions across the country, promotes national Caesar Day (May 15, 2025) and successfully petitioned Parliament to make crown the popular mixed drink as our official cocktail in 2010.
That said, Clamato’s point of origin is a sticking point, and Canadian-made mixes are benefiting from newfound consumer interest.
Walter Craft Caesar Mix was introduced in 2013. Named in honour of founder Walter Chell, the Vancouver-based company advertises a small batch approach, with all-natural ingredients and an Ocean Wise certification to draw attention to a range that includes classic, extra spicy, mild and dill pickle flavoured mixes and single serve, ready to drink cocktails.
A more recent addition comes from Matt & Steve’s, the Mississauga-based company with an expanding portfolio of Caesar-related products. Established in 2000, with the launch of its Extreme Bean, a pickled green bean marketed as a Caesar garnish, the business has evolved to include other pickled garnishes, Caesar rim and ready to drink Caesar cocktails.
Co-founder Steve McVicker says introducing Matt & Steve’s Original Lightly Spiced Caesar Mix 18 months ago means they can offer consumers an “all in Canadian Caesar solution.” The mixer includes brine from the Extreme Bean, which adds spicy intensity and a unique selling opportunity to attract attention.
