Clamato
Also called Clamato tomato cocktail, tomato clam juice
A savory tomato juice cocktail seasoned with dried clam broth, spices and a little sugar, made by Mott's since 1966. In Mexico it is the body of a Michelada; in Canada it defines the Caesar. Because it contains clam, it is a shellfish allergen and must be declared.
- tomato
- clam brine
- celery salt
- umami
- light sweetness
- black pepper
Origin
Clamato is reconstituted tomato concentrate with sugar, spices, MSG and dried clam broth, produced from 1966 by Duffy-Mott in Hamlin, New York; Mott's passed to Cadbury Schweppes in 1982 and the brand now belongs to Keurig Dr Pepper. Its home in drinks is the Canadian Caesar, created in 1969, and the Mexican michelada family, where it is poured into lager with lime and chili salt.
Production and safety
Contains clam broth: a shellfish (mollusc) allergen. State it on menus and ask guests before pouring a Michelada. Refrigerate after opening and use within 7 to 10 days. A clam free substitute is spiced tomato juice with a pinch of celery salt and a dash of soy or Worcestershire (check that sauce for anchovy).
Allergens: Shellfish
Common uses
- michelada
- Caesar with vodka and celery salt
- Red Eye (Clamato and lager)
- a Bloody Mary with more savor
Pours that use it
Sources
- Clamato (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · tertiary source, retrieved 2026-10-11
- Clamato brand story, Keurig Dr Pepper · primary source, retrieved 2026-10-11
- Caesar (cocktail), The Canadian Encyclopedia · secondary source, retrieved 2026-10-11