Take Your Your Caesar To The Next Level With These 10 Garnishes

Celery is a classic addition to any Caesar cocktail. It makes a great stir stick, gives you a refreshing crunch, and clears your palate between sips. 

But sometimes it’s fun to experiment with your Caesar garnishes. If you’re looking for something new, here are 10 delicious additions for you to try. 

How To Make A Caesar Cocktail

Before you dive into all those delicious garnishes, you’ll want a solid Caesar base to build on. Here’s a classic recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

• 1 lime wedge
• Celery salt (for rimming)
• Ice cubes
• 1.5 oz vodka
• 4 oz Clamato juice
• 2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Garnish of your choice

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass: Run the lime wedge around the rim of a tall glass, then dip it into celery salt to coat.
2. Fill with ice: Add a good handful of ice cubes to your glass.
3. Build the drink: Pour in the vodka, then add Clamato juice. Splash in the hot sauce and Worcestershire, and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Stir it up: Give everything a good stir (bonus points if you use your garnish as a stir stick!).
5. Garnish: Top it off with one—or a few—of the tasty garnishes from the list above.

That’s it! Simple, refreshing, and totally customizable to your taste. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can start experimenting with different ingredients and spice levels to create your signature Caesar.

10 Garnishes to Try With Your Next Caesar

One of the best things about a Caesar is how creative you can get with the garnish. Whether you keep it simple or go all-out with bold flavours and textures, your garnish can turn a great cocktail into an unforgettable one.

Here are 10 tasty ideas to mix things up and impress your guests.

1. Shrimp 

Amp up this classic Canadian cocktail with shrimp as a garnish. Experiment with different preparations to see what you like best. You can steam your shrimp, grill it on the BBQ with garlic butter, or even try breaded (and deep-fried) shrimp. 

To complete this delicious combo, add some horseradish to your Caesar for extra flavour and heat. 

Other great seafood Caesar garnishes include scallops, oysters, lobster, or crab. You can even skewer them all together for an over-the-top luxury cocktail. 

2. Caprese Skewers 

Caprese skewers layer bright juicy tomatoes with fresh basil and thick slices of mozzarella. The flavors of the garnish will complement your drink and the cheese will help cool down the heat of the Tabasco.

3. Green bean

String green beans are another delicious garnish you can use for your Caesar. For an extra burst of flavour, try some pickled beans. If you want even more flavour consider adding pickled asparagus or pickled beets. 

All these garnishes also pair well with cured meat, like Pepperettes, and olives. 

4. Devilled Eggs 

Devilled eggs are a classic summer snack so why not pair them with a delicious summer cocktail like a Caesar? Skewer a couple of classic devilled eggs or dress them up by adding pickles or cured meat to the filling. 

RELATED: Learn the history behind Canada's classic cocktail ...

5. Bacon 

A nice strip of extra crispy bacon is the perfect salty addition to your Caesar. While it isn’t the most surprising garnish, it is delicious. And it makes a great stir stick when prepared properly.

For the perfect slice, use a thick cut of bacon and cook it slow and low. Just before it’s finished add a splash of maple syrup and let it caramelize. The sweet and salty combination will really make this Caesar garnish pop. 

6. Pickles 

Dill pickle spears make a great garnish and stir stick for your Caesar cocktail. They can also be cut into chunks and layered on a skewer with other tasty garnishes like olives, cheese, and Pepperettes. 

If you like to experiment with flavours, try out different kinds of pickles. Gherkins, bread and butter, cornichons, or kosher pickles are all great picks! 

7. A Sandwich 

If you’re the type of person who loves a Caesar that’s dressed with a full meal, add on a toasted sandwich.

A grilled cheese is the perfect choice for a Caesar. Just cut it in quarters and skewer. You can also try a club sandwich or some delicious cheesy sliders. 

For even more flavour, add some onion rings or fries - you won’t regret it. Okay … maybe you will but it’ll be worth it!  

8. Pepperettes 

Pepperettes have come up a couple times as a great option to combine with other tasty garnishes. But Pepperettes are also a great garnish on their own. The savory flavour can help amplify the taste of your Caesar and they're the perfect stir stick for making sure your cocktail is perfectly blended. 

9. Hot Peppers 

If you’re a fan of spice, then you should give pickled hot peppers a try. The refreshing Clamato juice will pair well with the heat of the pepper. 

Stuff the pepper with cream cheese or layer chunks of pepper with feta for even more flavour. As an added bonus, the cheese will help mellow the heat between bites. 

10. Chicken Fingers or Wings

A crispy chicken finger is perfect for dipping into a Caesar cocktail. To add even more flavour (or heat), toss the fingers in your favourite dipping sauce. BBQ or buffalo are always good options. 

Don’t have any chicken fingers in the freezer? Try chicken wings or whip up some fresh chicken fingers. All you have to do is slice up a chicken breast, coat each strip in egg then bread crumbs and fry. For a healthier alternative, bake them at 425 for 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature is 165°F and the juices run clear. 

Not sure which Caesar garnishes to try? Mix it up until you find a combination you like. Or take a page from this restaurant's book and throw in everything but the kitchen sink. 

Any of these garnishes will make your Caesar the talk of the town, But if you're still a little nervous about making the perfect drink for your friends check out this guide!

Other Ways to Enhance Your Caesar Cocktail

A great Caesar isn’t just about the garnish – there are plenty of other ways to customize and elevate your drink. Whether you want to experiment with new flavours or add some extra flair to your presentation, here are a few ideas to help you take your Caesar game to the next level.

1. Creative Caesar Variations

While the classic Caesar is always a crowd-pleaser, trying out a twist on the original can keep things interesting. Here are a few fun variations to consider:

• Spicy Caesar: Add extra hot sauce, a splash of pickle juice, and top with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Smoky Caesar: Swap out regular vodka for mezcal or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix for a rich, smoky undertone.
• Vegan Caesar: Use a tomato juice blend mixed with a splash of olive brine and seaweed flakes to recreate that briny flavour—no Clamato needed!
• Bloody Maria: Switch vodka for tequila to give your Caesar a south-of-the-border vibe.
• Surf & Turf Caesar: Combine both seafood (like shrimp) and bacon garnishes for a decadent twist.

2. Caesar Rim Ideas

The rim of your Caesar glass is like the first handshake—it sets the tone for what’s inside. Here are some tasty options to try:

• Classic Celery Salt: The gold standard for a reason—simple, salty, and reliable.
• Dill Pickle Seasoning: Perfect for pickle lovers who want that tangy zing in every sip.
• BBQ Spice Rub: Adds a smoky, savoury layer that pairs well with bacon or meat-heavy garnishes.
• Tajín or Chili-Lime Salt: Great for adding heat and citrusy brightness.
• Lemon Pepper: For a milder, zesty alternative that works especially well with seafood Caesars.

3. DIY Caesar Bars

Hosting a party? Set up a DIY Caesar bar so your guests can mix and match their own perfect drink. Include a variety of:

• Vodkas (classic, spicy, flavoured)
• Mix-ins (different hot sauces, horseradish, Worcestershire)
• Garnishes and rims (from the sections above)

It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a fun way to get creative.

4. Caesar Ice Cubes

For an extra pro move, make Caesar-specific ice cubes. Fill an ice tray with Clamato juice, pickle brine, or even hot sauce-infused water. As the cubes melt, your drink gets even more flavourful (and never watered down).

5. Pair It Right

Enhance your Caesar experience by pairing your cocktail with food that complements its bold, savoury notes. Think:

• Fresh oysters
• Poutine
• Sliders
• Grilled veggies

Not only does this make for a tasty combo, but it also turns your cocktail hour into a full-on feast.