There’s a lot to be said about the Great Canadian Caesar – whether you’re praising it for it’s hangover-nixing capabilities, musing on what, exactly, clam nectar is, or debating about the ultimate Caesar liquor (gin, obviously). But I digress. The most important thing I have to say about Caesars is where to find one of good quality at the best price. Pick your poison and try one (or three) of these boozy drinks for yourself.
When it comes to crafting a hearty brunch Caesar at a price that is sensitive to the fact that you probably spent a little too much at the bar last night, Save on Meats is the East Side diner that wins, hands down. Served in mason jars with a pickle and bacon garnish (cut at the butcher shop next door), these guys are two-for-$10 every Sunday. So grab a buddy and head on down, and don’t forget to add an all-day breakfast to your order for just $4.99.
A Caesar at ye olde’ Brixton comes one of two ways: good, and goddamn great. The regular Caesar is served with your typical fixings such as lime and olives, but it’s the signature Brixton Brunch Caesar that you’ll be ordering. A dash of horseradish goes a long way to spicing this one up, and it’s served with lots of pickled goodies for you to nosh on. Bonus: the Brixton has food options for the vegans and the carnivores in your crew, so deciding on a spot that will accommodate your entire group is a breeze.
The Rogue Signature Cilantro Caesar is a thing of beauty – as long as cilantro is your thing. A typical order will see one delivered to you with house-made vodka infused with cilantro and cumin, spiced up with Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, and completed with a full pepperoni stick. If you’re one of those unlucky souls who can’t stomach cilantro, sub in your favourite booze instead.
You can tell your mom that you actually ate a full serving of veggies at brunch after you’ve ordered the Cactus Club Cafe Caesar. This beauty comes complete with a mild Borettane onion, a boozy olive, a Peruvian pepper and more. And at eight bucks for an ounce and a half of liquor, this is a treat that doesn’t break the bank. Visit on Sundays and the signature Caesar is just $6.
While as a rule, a Caesar must technically contain that illustrious substance known as clam nectar, every rule was made to be broken. The rule-breaker in this case is the Vegan Nuba Carrot Caesar, featuring a cumin-salted rim, fresh-pressed carrot and lemon juice, a special house-made hot sauce, and Braggs seasoning. Ask for a splash of beet juice if you want an extra earthy kick and bit of natural red colouring. Go on, give it a go and enjoy.
Much has been said and written already about the infamous $60 Caesar of Davie Street (give it a Google to see the garnish cornucopia for yourself). On a much more financially responsible side of the scale is the Otebb Caesar at 12 Kings Pub. At $12 bucks, this guy is a steal of a deal featuring all of your basic ingredients plus a rim of crushed Ranch Doritos, pepper and maple bacon seasoning. The colossal drink is then garnished with prosciutto, fresh seasoned crab meat, carrots, cucumber and radish. This isn’t a Caesar; it’s a complete meal in a cup!