Clamato

• Clamato is a commercial drink made of reconstituted tomato juice concentrate and sugar, which is flavored with spices, dried clam broth, and MSG. It is produced by Mott's, a subsidiary of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. The name "Clamato" is a portmanteau of "clam" and "tomato".

History

Clamato was created in 1966 by the Duffy-Mott Company of California. The original idea was to create a cocktail mixer that combined the flavors of clam and tomato, which was inspired by the traditional Italian drink, Spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). The drink gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Canada and the United States.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of Clamato include:

• Reconstituted tomato juice concentrate
• Sugar
• Spices
• Dried clam broth
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Uses

Clamato is commonly used as a mixer in alcoholic beverages. One of the most popular drinks made with Clamato is the Caesar (cocktail), which is a Canadian cocktail similar to a Bloody Mary. It is also used in the Michelada, a Mexican beer cocktail. Additionally, Clamato can be consumed on its own as a savory beverage.

Cultural Impact

Clamato has a significant cultural presence in both Canada and the United States. In Canada, the Caesar cocktail is a staple in many bars and restaurants. In the United States, Clamato is often associated with Mexican cuisine and is a popular ingredient in various regional dishes and drinks.

Variants

Over the years, several variants of Clamato have been introduced, including:

• Clamato Picante: A spicier version of the original Clamato.
• Clamato Preparado: A pre-mixed version that includes additional spices and flavors.

See Also

• Tomato juice
• Caesar (cocktail)
• Michelada
• Bloody Mary (cocktail)
• Dr Pepper Snapple Group