O'Canada

This is the first in a series of posts re similarities and differences in drinking (alcohol) that the authors have observed between Ireland and Canada.

So we begin with the question: Is there a national drink of Ireland or a national drink of Canada, i.e., some alcoholic beverage you’d think of and say yes that’s quintessentially Irish or Canadian?!

Well in the Irish case, this seemed pretty easy. Let’s face it, most people probably in and outside of Ireland would think of Guinness. Not only does it seem to be available in practically every pub in Ireland but there is signage everywhere, whole stores that sell Guinness paraphernalia, and the list goes on.

As to Canada, well yes, of course, there is Molson’s and Labbatt’s, which are Canadian beer brands and have been around for years. Should they be beer of which Canada can be especially proud, well, that’s open to debate. Certainly they get consumed a whole lot.

But the authors thought that if you were to pick a drink that not too many outside of Canada have heard of, and to which Canadians tend to be rather partial (while non-Canadians tend to be rather appalled, at least initially, of the news on what this cocktail contains!), you might mention the Ceasar. Take a look below to learn more…

Guinness, Ireland's national pint? And not just stout.	The Caesar, arguably Canada's national alcoholic cocktail. It typically contains vodka, clamato juice (mixture of tomato juice and clam broth), Worcestershire sauce, tabasco sauce. It is typically served on ice in a celery-salt rimmed glass, and often garnished with a wedge of lemon or lime, and a celery stick. YUMMY!
Guinness signage and other promotional gizmos abound in Ireland.	Clamato juice, a mixture of clam broth and tomato juice, which comes in spicy and not so spicy varieties, is added to vodka to make the Caesar.