The three wives of Caesar

The US has the Bloody Mary and Canada has the Bloody Caesar. Well, step aside because Portland has The Three Wives of Caesar in this combination of the Mary and Caesar cocktails. It was by pure happenstance that 3 cocktails were made on this day (3 guests for dinner) and the fact that Caesar had three wives. It wasn't until several days later that I Googled it that I found out that he did have three wives.

The Bloody Mary and Bloody Caesar are two very popular cocktails in North America. The Mary is thicker and more tomato tasting, while the Caesar has a lighter, more fluid, clam flavor. Why not combine the two and come up with a happy middle solution? Well, that's what I did. Turns out this drink worked for my guests and will work for you as well. Here's what you'll need per drink:

2 oz. vodka
3 oz. clam juice
4 oz. tomato juice
1 teaspoon of Pernod
1 tablespoon of Limoncello
1 teaspoon of creamy horse radish
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
a few drops of Tabasco sauce
Cracked black pepper and salt to taste

In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients and just a few ice cubes. You don't want to dilute the drink but the ice cubes will chill the drink before you pour it in the glass. Shake well for a few seconds.

Fill a tall glass 3/4 with ice cubes and pour the liquid to the top. Add your favorite garnish which may include olives, pickled garlic, lemon, cherry tomatoes, or peppers. Enjoy!!