Our nation’s most beloved cocktail- the famous classic Ceasar! Curated with homemade jalapeno & dill infused vodka, old bay salted rim, Worchestershire, hot sauce, a splash of dill pickle juice and of course finished with Clamato juice. No Ceasar is ever complete without an array of toppings. Pilled high is a sweet and savory grilled cheese with a side of shrimp and skewered with a traditional pickle and olive to tie it all together.
This year’s Canada Day will look a little different. Living in the nation’s capital, typically locals and tourists usually head to Parliament hill to set up camp on the hill to enjoy the live music and performance going on throughout the day and watch the firework show late into the night. However with the restrictions and current circumstances we’re facing surrounding the virus all of this has been cancelled this year. That doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of Canada Day 2020. Like most, we’ll be celebrating together in small groups at a cottage or in our backyards enjoying some BBQ and delicious cocktails!
This recipes is inspired by our family’s love for Ceasars and of course being Canadian and our natural love for this cocktail. If we go out for brunch or get together, a Caesar is almost always our first drink of choice to start things off. There’s always a bottle of Clamato juice in the fridge with some reserved olive juice and pickle juice- Who else is like this?!?
It just doesn’t feel like a Canadian summer until you have your first Caesar! Sometimes rough mornings call for a pick me up because coffee just won’t cut it. Who hasn’t made themselves a Caesar first thing? I don’t know if we can be friends if you havent…
Let’s talk about that Jalapeño & dill infused vodka. A note to adjust the heat from the jalapeño according to your taste. We like heat and decided to leave the seeds on the jalapeño but this is totally up to you. Try to make this a day in advance, the longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will be. We let ours sit for 5 days. Add some mustard seed and peppercorns to really intensify the flavours of the dill almost like if you were pickling some dill cucumbers. Again, it’s really to your taste and how you would enjoy it. If it gets a little too spicy for you, just add a splash more of dill pickle juice or even olive juice to tame it down.
On to the garnishes! Its not a true Canadian Caesar without some garnishes. We’ve seen some crazy toppings out there! Its no longer a snack but a meal that comes loaded on top of your drink. Have you ever ordered a $30 Ceasar with crazy seafood garnishes or even a burger? WOW! Its probably a once in a while thing to splurge on one of those. These Ceasars are made with an old bay rim, a sweet and savory grilled cheese that has melted white cheddar, smoked Gouda, lemon zest and thyme and finished with a drizzle of honey. The richness of the grilled cheese and touch of sweetness perfectly balance out the heat from the jalapeno and added spiciness. Top with a crisp dill pickle, garlic shrimp and of course an olive because we love olives! Feel free to make a classic grilled cheese or opt for garnishes you have on hand if you prefer.
Load up your Caesars this CANADA DAY with your favorite toppings, so good and so fun to make!
Happy Canada Day everyone!
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Cheers!
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