Bloody Caesar Cocktail Drink

Bloody Caesar

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re craving a zesty cocktail, this Bloody Caesar recipe has all the ingredients to make a savory and refreshing drink! It’s straightforward, flavorful, and a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect concoction for any gathering.

Bloody Caesar Recipe

Unwind with this straightforward Bloody Caesar recipe! Crafted with vodka, Clamato juice, a dash of hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, this refreshing cocktail is a delightful sip for any occasion.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

147 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Vodka
  • 3 oz Clamato Juice
  • 2 dashes of Hot Sauce
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
  • Ice Cubes
  • Celery Salt, for rimming the glass
  • 1 Celery Stalk, for garnish, optional
  • 1 Lime Wedge, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Rim your highball glass with celery salt.
  • Add Vodka: Pour 1½ oz Vodka into a shaker.
  • Add Clamato Juice: Measure and add 3 oz Clamato Juice.
  • Add Sauces: Add 2 dashes of Hot Sauce and 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce.
  • Roll: Ice up your shaker and strain your mixture back and forth into another glass, repeat five times.
  • Strain: Pour your mixture into your prepared highball glass over ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Place a celery stalk and a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: When I don't have vodka, I use gin; it adds a botanical flavor that complements the drink well. Tequila can also work, giving a more robust and earthy profile.
  • Clamato Juice: Tomato juice is a decent substitute if Clamato isn't available; you could add a splash of clam juice to maintain the original flavor.
  • Hot Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: I've used soy sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper when I ran out of these; it changes the flavor but still brings a nice kick.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka and 24 oz of Clamato juice plus seasoning.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well with ice cubes.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled, celery salt-rimmed highball glasses, garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; several are available that mimic the taste of vodka well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Clamato Juice Substitute: Use tomato juice mixed with a splash of olive brine to replace Clamato juice for a vegan version.
  • Worcestershire Sauce Substitute: Opt for a vegan Worcestershire sauce, usually available at health food stores or online.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
147
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.2
g
0
%
Sodium
 
399
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Potassium
 
118
mg
3
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
15
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
 
16
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%

 

Bloody Caesar Cocktail Drink

Bloody Caesar Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Unwind with this straightforward Bloody Caesar recipe! Crafted with vodka, Clamato juice, a dash of hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, this refreshing cocktail is a delightful sip for any occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 147

Ingredients
 

  • oz Vodka
  • 3 oz Clamato Juice
  • 2 dashes of Hot Sauce
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
  • Ice Cubes
  • Celery Salt - for rimming the glass
  • 1 Celery Stalk - for garnish, optional
  • 1 Lime Wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Rim your highball glass with celery salt.
  • Add Vodka: Pour 1½ oz Vodka into a shaker.
  • Add Clamato Juice: Measure and add 3 oz Clamato Juice.
  • Add Sauces: Add 2 dashes of Hot Sauce and 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce.
  • Roll: Ice up your shaker and strain your mixture back and forth into another glass, repeat five times.
  • Strain: Pour your mixture into your prepared highball glass over ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Place a celery stalk and a lime wedge into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Vodka: When I don't have vodka, I use gin; it adds a botanical flavor that complements the drink well. Tequila can also work, giving a more robust and earthy profile.
  • Clamato Juice: Tomato juice is a decent substitute if Clamato isn't available; you could add a splash of clam juice to maintain the original flavor.
  • Hot Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: I've used soy sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper when I ran out of these; it changes the flavor but still brings a nice kick.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka and 24 oz of Clamato juice plus seasoning.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well with ice cubes.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled, celery salt-rimmed highball glasses, garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; several are available that mimic the taste of vodka well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular vodka, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Clamato Juice Substitute: Use tomato juice mixed with a splash of olive brine to replace Clamato juice for a vegan version.
  • Worcestershire Sauce Substitute: Opt for a vegan Worcestershire sauce, usually available at health food stores or online.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these vegan substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

What is a Bloody Caesar?

A Bloody Caesar cocktail contains vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, garnished typically with a celery stalk and a lime wedge. Many regard the Bloody Caesar as a flavorful and zesty concoction, ideal for those who enjoy a drink with a savory kick. The name “Bloody Caesar” reflects its bold and robust character, making it a standout choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

A side shot of a Bloody Caesar cocktail, in a highball glass on a wooden board placed on a dark grey table surrounded by two celery stalks, half a lime, a green cloth and a bowl with a lime and a lime wedge.

What is a Bloody Caesar made of – The ingredients

A Bloody Caesar consists of the following ingredients:

  • Vodka: Provides an alcoholic base, adding a clean and neutral spirit.
  • Clamato Juice: Infuses the drink with a unique blend of tomato juice and clam broth, offering a savory and slightly seafood-like flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: Injects a spicy kick, elevating the zestiness of the cocktail.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami flavor with hints of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness.
  • Celery Salt: Rims the glass, adding a salty and aromatic accent to each sip.
  • Celery Stalk: Serves as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a crunchy, fresh element.
  • Lime Wedge: Acts as a garnish and allows for a splash of citrus, brightening the overall flavor profile.

Vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Bloody Caesar?

Discover how to make a Bloody Caesar with our instructions:

1
<p>First, rim your highball glass with celery salt to add a flavorful accent to your sips.</p>

First, rim your highball glass with celery salt to add a flavorful accent to your sips.

2
<p>Measure and pour 1.5 oz of vodka into the shaker, providing the alcoholic base for the cocktail.</p>

Measure and pour 1.5 oz of vodka into the shaker, providing the alcoholic base for the cocktail.

3
<p>Add 3 oz of Clamato juice to infuse the drink with its distinctive savory flavor.</p>

Add 3 oz of Clamato juice to infuse the drink with its distinctive savory flavor.

4
<p>Add 2 dashes each of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to introduce a spicy kick and complex umami flavor to the mix.</p>

Add 2 dashes each of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to introduce a spicy kick and complex umami flavor to the mix.

5
<p>Ice up your big tin and strain your mixture back and forth into the small tin, repeat five times.</p>

Ice up your big tin and strain your mixture back and forth into the small tin, repeat five times.

6
<p>Then strain the mixture into your highball glass over fresh ice cubes.</p>

Then strain the mixture into your highball glass over fresh ice cubes.

7
<p>Place a celery stalk and a lime wedge into the glass to enhance the visual appeal and offer additional flavor nuances.</p>

Place a celery stalk and a lime wedge into the glass to enhance the visual appeal and offer additional flavor nuances.

What is the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Bloody Caesar?

A Bloody Mary and a Bloody Caesar share similarities but have distinct differences primarily due to their base ingredients. The Bloody Mary uses plain tomato juice as its base, offering a rich and robust tomato flavor. In contrast, Bloody Caesar employs Clamato juice, a blend of clam broth and tomato juice, which imparts a unique savory and slightly briny taste to the drink. This difference in base creates a distinct flavor profile for each, with the Bloody Caesar having a more umami and maritime essence compared to the more straightforward, vegetable-forward taste of the Bloody Mary. Additionally, garnishes may vary, with the Bloody Caesar often featuring more extravagant and varied options, reflecting its bold and multifaceted flavor character. While both drinks can be spicy, the heat level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, allowing for a customizable drinking experience.

A side shot of a Bloody Caesar cocktail, in a highball glass on a wooden board placed on a dark grey table surrounded by two celery stalks, half a lime, a green cloth and a bowl with a lime and a lime wedge.

Bloody Caesar with pickle juice – The Dill Pickle Ceasar

A Dill Pickle Caesar is a unique take on the classic Bloody Caesar, incorporating the tangy and briny flavors of dill pickle juice. This addition enhances the savory profile of the drink, offering a refreshing and piquant twist. Typically, it may also feature a dill pickle spear as a garnish, reinforcing the pickle theme and adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the experience. The Dill Pickle Caesar stands out for its bold and zesty character, making it a flavorful option for those seeking a different and exciting taste.

A Bloody Caesar, shot from above, on a white marmol table with Vodka, clamato juice, celery salt, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce around

Bloody Caesar Variations

Interested in other alternatives? These are some favorites we suggest:

  • Spicy Caesar: This kicks up the heat with added hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño, catering to those who crave a fiery punch. I appreciate the spicy jolt; it energizes the senses and adds an exciting twist to the traditional flavors.
  • Shrimp Caesar: This enhances the seafood essence with cooked shrimp, complementing the Clamato juice perfectly. The addition of shrimp not only boosts the maritime flair but also introduces a delightful textural contrast.
  • Gin Caesar: This introduces botanical notes by replacing vodka with gin, creating a more aromatic and herbal profile. The gin’s botanicals weave a complex tapestry of flavors that delightfully play off the mix’s savory depth.
  • Bacon Caesar: This includes a strip of crispy bacon, adding a smoky flavor and a crunchy texture. Furthermore, the bacon elevates the savory nature of the base, making each sip a rich and indulgent experience. I love how the smokiness of the bacon melds with the other ingredients, creating a comforting, savory experience that is hard to resist.
  • Tequila Caesar: This substitutes vodka with tequila, bringing an earthy and robust undertone to the foreground. Additionally, tequila adds a unique character that distinctly alters the overall taste profile, providing a bold and earthy foundation that is intriguing and satisfying.

A Bloody Caesar cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a wooden board placed on a dark grey table surrounded by two celery stalks, half a lime, a green cloth and a bowl with a lime.

History and Origins of the Bloody Caesar

The Bloody Caesar originates in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has a history dating back to 1969. Walter Chell, a restaurant manager, is credited with its creation. Tasked with concocting a signature beverage to celebrate the opening of a new Italian restaurant, Chell drew inspiration from his favorite Italian dish, Spaghetti alle Vongole, which features clams and tomato sauce.

To replicate the flavors of this dish, Chell mixed clam nectar, tomato juice, vodka, and various spices, and after experimenting with the proportions, he perfected the recipe. He named his creation the “Caesar” in honor of the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, adding a touch of historical significance to the beverage.

The Bloody Caesar quickly gained popularity across Canada and became a beloved national drink. It stands out due to its unique and savory flavor profile, attributed to the combination of Clamato juice and spices.

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories are in a Bloody Caesar?
A standard Bloody Caesar has approximately 120-130 calories, depending on the specific ingredients.
How strong is a Bloody Caesar?
A Bloody Caesar typically has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of around 13%, making it 26 proof, depending on the amount of vodka used and its strength.
What alcohol is used in a Bloody Caesar?
Vodka is the primary alcohol used in Bloody Caesar, providing a clean and neutral spirit base.
In which glass is a Bloody Caesar served?
A Bloody Caesar is traditionally served in a highball glass.
What does a Bloody Caesar taste like?
A Bloody Caesar offers a savory and slightly spicy taste, with umami flavors from the Clamato juice and a zesty kick from the hot Worcestershire sauce.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Bloody Caesar?
The typical ratio is 1.5 oz of vodka to 3 oz of Clamato juice, with dashes of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce added to taste.
How is a Bloody Caesar served regarding ice and presentation?
The drink is served over ice, ensuring the cocktail remains chilled throughout the drinking experience.

Categories

Flavours

Spirits

Share
Pin
Post
Share
Send
Email

Rate this recipe

I don’t like it

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

You could also try...

Select language

The page you are looking at is also available in the following languages:

Recipe Overview

Explore our recipes by the categories below.

By spirit

By type

By flavour

Spirits Overview

Explore our spirits by the categories below.

Types