Think it’s just vodka and Clamato? Think again. There are tricks to mixing a great Caesar and, given that today is National Caesar Day, we’re getting the inside stir from the top-notch bartenders who recently competed in a "best new recipe" contest held by luxury tourist train Rocky Mountaineer and hotelier Fairmont (to make things extra challenging, they put their skills to the test in a compact, moving kitchen, on board the Rocky Mountaineer):
tip #1: put the ice in last. At home, Caesar-makers like to fill their glasses up with ice then add in the ingredients, but the trick is to add ice last so you can ensure all the ingredients blend well together for the best flavour.
tip #2: always measure. Free-handing the ingredients can impact taste more than you think, especially with more complex recipes. This was especially true on board the Rocky Mountaineer train as it was difficult to get a perfect pour while the train was moving.
tip #3: think local. This is a Canadian drink, and Canada is bounding with fresh produce that can lend itself to a Caesar. Try local distilleries, like Jeff Savage from Botanist did for his drink, or make your own Worcestershire sauce, like JF Gagnon from Hotel Vancouver. If you have a herb garden, pluck some fresh basil or cilantro for twist.
tip #4: be creative. Caesars are incredibly versatile in that you can mix them with different alcohols, spices, rims, etc. The competition recipes experimented with everything from curry seasoning to mango to cucumber foam to vegan “clamato.” Play with it a little!
tip #5: lose the straw. Some big cities like Vancouver are making a move to be strawless, and these competing bartenders were all for it. Part of the delicious experience of a Caesar is to taste the rim with the drink.
The best news: you can taste contest winner Oisin Collins’ recipe on board the train all summer long! —Vita Daily
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