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.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: American/Mexican fusion
- Servings: 6 cups
- Calories: 35 calories per serving
Equipment Needed
- Blender or large bowl with a whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large pitcher
Ingredients List
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 1 cup clam juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (adjust as you like)
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Mix the liquids:
Blend the tomato juice and clam juice. No blender? Use a whisk and a bowl. It’s not complicated. - Add seasonings:
Toss in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, lime juice, hot sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend or whisk it all together until smooth. - Pepper it up:
Taste it, then crack some black pepper over it. Blend or whisk one more time. - Strain:
Pour it through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to make sure it’s smooth. - Chill:
Refrigerate it for about an hour so the flavors settle together. Serve cold and enjoy.
Cooking Tips
- If you like more heat, add extra hot sauce.
- Let it sit overnight for a stronger flavor.
- Increase the clam juice if you want a more seafood-forward taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
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.