Easy homemade Clamato juice recipe

Homemade Clamato Juice Recipe With Simple Instructions

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Store-bought Clamato’s fine, but making it yourself is even better. It’s quick, easy, and you control everything that goes into it. Perfect for a Michelada, Caesar, or even by itself over ice. Once you’ve made your own, there’s no going back.

So let’s cut to it, you’ll be done before you know it.

Clamato Juice

Homemade Clamato Juice Recipe

Store-bought Clamato is convenient, but homemade Clamato is a game-changer! It's incredibly quick to prepare, and you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful drink every time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6 Cups
Calories 35 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender or large bowl with a whisk
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Large pitcher

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cups Tomato Juice
  • 1 Cup Clam Juice
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • ½ Tsp Hot Sauce
  • ½ Tsp Celery Salt
  • ¼ Tsp Garlic Powder
  • ¼ Tsp Onion Powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Liquids:
    In a blender (or a large bowl with a whisk), combine the tomato juice and clam juice. Blend or whisk until well-mixed.
  • Add the Seasonings:
    Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend or whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth.
    Add Seasonings
  • Pepper It Up:
    Taste the mixture, and season it with freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Blend or whisk once more to incorporate the pepper.
    Pepper It Up
  • Strain:
    Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the mixture into a large pitcher. This will remove any small particles and ensure a smoother texture.
    Strain Juice
  • Chill:
    Refrigerate the Clamato juice for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it cold over ice, or use it as a base for cocktails like Micheladas or Caesars.
    Chill in Clamato Juice

Video

Notes

  • Spice It Up: If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.
  • Stronger Flavor: Let the Clamato sit overnight in the fridge for a more intense flavor profile.
  • Seafood Boost: Add more clam juice if you prefer a bolder, more seafood-forward taste.
Keyword Beverages, Caesar Cocktail, Clamato Juice, Homemade Drinks, Michelada

Additional Insights

1. Use it in Cocktails

Homemade Clamato makes a perfect base for drinks, especially if you enjoy savory, tomato-based beverages.

  • Michelada: Mix Clamato with beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve over ice with a salted rim.
  • Bloody Caesar: Swap the vodka in a Bloody Mary for gin and use Clamato instead of tomato juice for a Canadian twist.

Also, if you are into some old fashion cocktails, check out Gold Rush Cocktail.

2. Make It a Virgin Drink

Not into alcohol? Homemade Clamato works just as well as a non-alcoholic drink too.

  • Non-Alcoholic Michelada: Skip the beer and mix Clamato with club soda or lemon-lime soda. Add your favorite seasonings, and it’s a refreshing drink on a hot day.
  • Clamato Spritz: Add sparkling water or tonic water to chilled Clamato for a bubbly, refreshing take.

3. Storing and Shelf Life

Since your homemade Clamato doesn’t have preservatives, here’s how to store it properly.

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or pitcher for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Use these cubes to chill your drinks without diluting them, or toss a few into a soup for extra flavor!

4. Adjust the Flavor

Here’s how to tweak your Clamato to suit your taste:

  • More tart: Add extra lemon or lime juice.
  • Spicier: Increase the hot sauce or toss in a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Saltier: Sprinkle a little extra celery salt or regular salt.

5. Pairing with Food

Clamato juice goes great with certain dishes.

  • Grilled seafood: The clam base complements fish, shrimp, or shellfish.
  • Tacos or enchiladas: The tangy flavors of Clamato match perfectly with spicy Mexican dishes.
  • Cheese boards: Serve a cold glass alongside savory snacks like olives, cheeses, and smoked meats.

FAQs

Can I use fresh clams instead of clam juice?

Yes, but it requires extra work. Steam fresh clams, save the broth, and strain it well. Use about 1 cup of the clam broth in place of the bottled clam juice.

Can I make Clamato juice without a blender?

Yes, you can just use a whisk and a large bowl to mix the ingredients together. A blender is quicker, but whisking works fine.

Can I make Clamato juice without clam juice?

If you want to skip clam juice, it won’t technically be Clamato anymore, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth or fish sauce for a different taste.

Why is my Clamato juice separating in the fridge?

Separation is normal. Just give it a good stir or shake before serving, and it will come back together.

Last Words

Making your own Clamato juice at home is quick, easy, and gives you full control over the flavors. You get to tweak it how you like, and it’s always fresh.

Give it a try next time you want to mix up a drink, or just have a cold glass on its own. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

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