May 17th is National Caesar Day, and as we Canadians know, a Caesar is more than just a cocktail: it’s a meal in a glass, it’s a hangover cure, and it’s Canada’s favourite way to enjoy celery sticks. If you want to celebrate the glory of the Vodka + Clamato concoction, there are more than a couple spots around town where you can enjoy Canada’s most distinctive cocktail. Whether you like a simple, classic Caesar, or one with mini-burgers and all the pickled accoutrement, there’s a bartender in Kelowna making it just how you like it. Here are a few epic caesars to check out!

Sammy J’s

Probably the most dressed-up Caesar in all of Kelowna, the Sammy J’s Instagram-worthy Ultimate Cheeseburger Caesar comes with a mini burger, a prawn, pickle, cheese, and even more garnishes! A single goes for $15.50, which is a great price for what is essentially a full meal and a drink. If you’re someone who loves a Caesar with all the extras, then this is the place for you: all of their Caesar varieties are made with house-infused spicy vodka and garnished with olives, pepperoni, pickled onion, and beans.

Canadian Brewhouse

The Canadian Brewhouse loves caesars so much that they have 7 varieties, all named after places in Canada from Osoyoos to the Bay of Fundy! If you’re into pickles, try the CN Caesar, made with dill pickle vodka and pickle juice, a dill-seasoned rim, and a cucumber & celery garnish. It’s kind of a big dill. (Sorry).

Central

The Central Caesar is made with Central’s own blend of spices and Worcestershire, which makes it a unique take on the flavours you already love! Last year for #NationalCaesarDay they made an epic Caesar fit for the celebrations: the Vietnam-aesar,(inspired by the flavours of the East) made with hoisin sauce and sriracha, and garnished with pickled carrot, fresh basil, daikon, crispy noodles and a prawn. Who knows what they will come up with this year to celebrate?!

Doc Willoughby’s

Doc’s makes a GLC: a Good Lookin’ Caesar! Their famous GLC not only looks good, but it tastes great with its classic flavours and charcuterie-board-worthy garnishes (jalapeno Havarti, pepperoncini, and pepperoni). It’s all dressed up and ready for a night on the town!

BNA

BNA’s house-specialty Lemon Pepper Caesar embraces the classic flavours of citrus + seafood: it’s made with a double shot of vodka, clamato, house-made prawn cocktail sauce, and a lemon-pepper rim. (That’s right, lemon pepper isn’t just for chicken wings). Also, if you’re a vegan, or if you’re not into the “clam” side of the clamato, BNA also offers Simp’s Vegan Caesar Mix so you can “caes the day” in a plant-based way!

Cactus Club

The Cactus Club Signature Caesar is made with smirnoff vodka, the Cactus Club signature spice blend, clamato, borettane onion, bocconcini, vermouth olives, and peruvian peppers. The spice blend makes this Caesar extra delicious to sip on, but you’ll love snacking on those delectable one-bite garnishes.

Earls

The Earls Classic Caesar, made with traditional Worcestershire and tabasco sauces, takes standard garnishes up a notch: in lieu of pepperoni or celery, they serve a delicious Canadian “jerky stick,” with a hearty pickle and a lime wedge. The overall effect: “absolutely delicious. “
 – Caesar lovers everywhere.

#TreatYoSelf to one of these many epic caesars in Kelowna, and cheers to National Caesar Day in the true Canadian Way! 

Kelowna born and raised, Keddy Pavlik of TheTreatLife has been passionate about the local food scene basically since birth. If she's not in the kitchen, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or taking pictures of food. Photo Credit: Jordana Dickson.