If you’re a fan of the Caesar drink, you know it’s a staple of the Canadian cocktail scene. With its unique blend of savoury, spicy, and acidic flavours, the Caesar is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed anytime. But when it comes to food pairing, what dishes are the best match for this iconic drink?
Some suggested foods to pair with Caesar drinks include spicy or salty foods such as wings, nachos, or Mexican dishes; brunch foods such as eggs, bacon, or breakfast sandwiches; hearty sandwiches or burgers; and pasta or seafood dishes such as oysters or shrimp.
Basics of Food Pairing
To start, it’s important to understand the basics of food pairing. When matching flavours and textures, it’s important to consider how the food and drink will work together. For example, you might pair a sweet cocktail with a savoury dish or a light and refreshing drink with a hearty and rich meal. Balancing sweet and savoury flavours can help create a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.
It’s also important to consider the intensity of the dish and drink. If you’re sipping on a bold and complex cocktail, you’ll want to choose a food that can stand up to its flavours. On the other hand, if you’re enjoying a light and refreshing drink, you might want to choose a more delicate food that won’t overpower the cocktail’s flavours.
Caesar Drink Characteristics
The Caesar is known for its savoury, spicy flavours, which come from ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. The drink also has umami (or “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese) flavours from Clamato juice and acidic notes from lemon juice. Depending on the recipe, the Caesar may also be garnished with celery, pickles, or bacon, which can add additional flavours and textures to the drink.
The Caesar drink is a popular cocktail that is widely associated with Canada. One story is that the Caesar was invented in 1969 by Walter Chell, a bartender at the Calgary Inn (now the Westin Hotel) in Alberta. Chell was tasked with creating a signature drink for the hotel’s Italian restaurant, and after experimenting with various ingredients, he came up with the Caesar as we know it today.
It’s become so popular that National Ceasar Day is held on the Thursday before Victoria Day in May.
Caesar Recipe
There are a few variations of the Caesar. Here is a classic recipe for a Caesar drink:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz Clamato juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1 pinch of celery salt
- 1 squeeze of lemon juice
- Celery stick, pickle, or bacon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and lemon juice to the glass.
- Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with a celery stick, pickle, or bacon, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: This recipe makes one serving but can easily be scaled up to make a larger batch. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste or add more garnishes, such as olives or a slice of lime.
Serving the Caesar
A Caesar is traditionally served in a tall, narrow glass called a highball glass or in a mason jar. A highball glass is typically around 6-12 ounces in size and is used for serving cocktails made with a larger proportion of ice or mixer to alcohol. The highball glass allows room for the ice and mixer and also helps to keep the drink chilled. Some variations of the Caesar may also be served in a mason jar or other casual glassware.
Suggested Food Pairings for Caesars
With these characteristics in mind, let’s explore some suggested food pairings for the Caesar drink. Some foods that pair well with a Caesar drink include:
- Spicy or salty foods such as wings, nachos, or Mexican dishes
- Brunch foods such as eggs, bacon, or breakfast sandwiches
- Hearty sandwiches or burgers
- Seafood dishes such as oysters or shrimp
- Tomato or olive oil-based pasta dishes
- Charcuterie boards or antipasto platters with salty, savoury meats and cheeses
- Spicy soups or stews
- Grilled or smoked meats
- Pickled vegetables or other acidic accompaniments
- Grilled cheese, especially with tomatoes
- Tomato, Scallion, and Cheddar Frittata
The key is to consider the flavours and textures of the food and the drink and chooses pairings that complement and enhance each other.
What Foods Don’t Pair Well With Caesars?
On the other hand, avoid dishes with delicate flavours that may be overpowered by the bold, savoury flavours of the cocktail, and avoid overly sweet dishes that may clash with the spicy and acidic notes of your Ceasar.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find what works best for you. The Caesar is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed with a wide range of dishes, so have fun trying out different combinations and discovering what you like best.
Tips for Successful Food Pairing
Regarding food pairing with the Caesar drink, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the intensity of the garnishes when choosing your dish. For example, if your Caesar is garnished with bacon, you might choose a dish with bold flavours that can stand up to the smokiness of the bacon. On the other hand, if your Caesar is garnished with pickles or celery, you might want to choose a dish with a lighter flavour profile.
It’s also important to balance the flavours and textures of the food and drink. If your Caesar is particularly spicy, you might choose a food with a cooling or refreshing element, such as a salad or slaw. On the other hand, if your Caesar is on the milder side, you might want to choose a dish with bold flavours that can add some depth to the drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Caesar drink is a delicious and popular choice for any occasion. By considering the drink’s characteristics and carefully selecting the right food pairing, you can enhance your enjoyment of this classic cocktail and create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, savoury, or a little bit of both, the Caesar drink is a great choice for any foodie.
