While In Ontario, drink like an Ontarian!

When I first moved to Canada almost 13 years ago, I was surprised at the rows and rows of Motts Clamato juice lining the grocery store shelves, when all I was looking for was a measly can of V8 Vegetable Cocktail. I soon learned what this obsession was all about, the beloved Canadian Drink, the Caesar!

I just can't fathom drinking clam juice. I have enough trouble downing tomato juice as I'm not a big fan of anything tomato. Back in Pennsylvania we loved our Bloody Marys hot and spicy, and would drink them down with a beer chaser to cool off the flames!

Back in 2002 while comparing the two drinks with some Canadian friends for a Sunday breakfast accompaniment at the cottage,  I couldn't convince them that my Bloody Marys were far superior. I guess its just a U.S. vs Canadian preference. I haven't had a bloody mary since that day, after a little run-in with a dock under construction at the 1000 Islands and a titanium plate in my arm as the ending result.

The evil dock after construction and all the boards were nailed down.

For a good explanation of why Canadians love this drink, check out Dara's Cooking Canuck and her recipe for Caesars. Her site is enjoyable, shes kind of the reverse of me, she grew up in Eastern Ontario and has been living in the U.S. for the past 15 years. Although I always considered the US and Canada almost identical, there are still the little differences in food preferences that you pick up, but you will find that anywhere in different regions of the U.S. or Canada.

Here is another explanation at The History of Drinking blog, stating both the US and Canadian versions, with the Tony Bennett twist, but being its so popular in Canada, I believe the Canadian version.

Check out Ivy Knight's (Toronto s most acclaimed food writer) showdown of the battle of the Caesar vs. Bloody Mary at Drake Hotels  86'd Mondays on Canada Day.

My Bloody Mary Recipe:

Fill glass or pitcher with ice

Fill 1/4 of it with vodka 

Top off with  V8 Vegetable Cocktail

Tabasco sauce per your liking of hotness (Daves Insanity Sauce if your really daring)

Few drops of Worcestershire sauce

Salt and Pepper

Big dollop of ketchup (secret ingredient)

Shake well

Garnish with lemon, lime and big stalk of celery.

I like letting the pitcher sit with the lemon, lime and celery in it to absorb the flavor.

So when visiting Ontario, make sure to try a Caesars, they even come pre-mixed in bottles in your local LCBO stores. ENJOY!

.