What exactly is Clamato juice made of? The ingredients behind the savory blend

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Created in 1966 by the Duffy-Mott company, the modern version of the cocktail mixer was made to evoke the flavors of Manhattan clam chowder. For many, the name prompts the question, what exactly is Clamato juice made of, a mix of tomato, spices, and a surprising key component.

Quick Summary

Clamato juice is a unique beverage that combines tomato juice with clam broth, high-fructose corn syrup, salt, spices, and other natural flavorings. This savory and slightly tangy drink is a cornerstone ingredient in popular cocktails like the Caesar and Michelada.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Clamato is a blend of tomato juice concentrate, clam broth, high-fructose corn syrup, salt, and spices.
Distinct Flavor: The briny, savory taste comes specifically from the inclusion of dried clam broth, setting it apart from plain tomato juice.
High in Sodium and Sugar: Commercial versions are noted for their high sodium content and the presence of high-fructose corn syrup, so moderation is key.
Cocktail Staple: It is the defining ingredient in the Canadian Caesar and is frequently used in Mexican Michelada cocktails.
Not Vegan: Because it contains actual clam broth, the beverage is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Cooking Applications: Beyond cocktails, Clamato can be used in savory recipes for marinades, ceviche, and soups.

A Blend of Tomato and Briny Flavor

At its most fundamental, the name Clamato is a portmanteau of its two main liquid components: clam broth and tomato juice concentrate. While the exact proprietary recipe remains a trade secret, the key flavor profile is built upon a savory, briny base that differentiates it from standard tomato juice.

The Core Ingredients

For a popular brand like Mott's, the ingredient list typically includes:

Water: The primary liquid base for the drink.
Tomato concentrate: Reconstituted tomato paste provides the familiar, rich tomato flavor and vibrant red color.
High-fructose corn syrup: Added for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and acidic flavors.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A common flavor enhancer that contributes to the overall savory, or umami, taste.
Salt: A significant flavor component, contributing to the briny quality. The sodium content is notably high.
Citric acid: Provides a tangy, zesty flavor that brightens the taste.
Spices: A proprietary blend of spices varies by manufacturer, but often includes onion and garlic powder for depth of flavor.
Dried clam broth: The essential ingredient that gives Clamato its characteristic briny, oceanic note, distinguishing it from regular tomato juice.
Natural flavors: These are used to round out the taste profile.
Artificial colors: Certain varieties may contain artificial colors like Red 40.

The History of a Unique Beverage

While clam and tomato juice cocktails have been around since the 1930s, the specific Clamato brand was developed in 1966 by the Duffy-Mott company. The creation was reportedly an attempt to replicate the flavor of Manhattan clam chowder in a drinkable form. The trademark changed hands over the years and is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper.

A Tale of Two Cocktails: Caesar vs. Bloody Mary

One of the most common applications for Clamato is as the base for the Bloody Caesar, a Canadian cocktail that is a variation of the more widely known Bloody Mary. While both drinks are savory and tomato-based, the inclusion of clam broth is the key distinction. The Caesar's distinctively briny flavor profile requires less added spice than a Bloody Mary mix, which relies solely on the tomato base. Clamato is also a core component of the Mexican cocktail, the Michelada, a beer cocktail that often includes lime juice and various sauces.

Versatile Uses Beyond Cocktails

Clamato's unique flavor makes it a surprisingly versatile ingredient in the kitchen. In addition to its popular cocktail applications, it can be used to add a savory, spicy, and tangy kick to a variety of dishes. Here are a few examples:

Marinades: Adds a tenderizing and flavorful element to marinades for grilling seafood, chicken, or meat.
Ceviche: A fundamental ingredient in many versions of Mexican shrimp ceviche, providing a light yet flavorful base.
Soups and Sauces: Can be used to elevate soups, sauces, and stews with an extra layer of umami flavor.
Snacks: Some use it as a dipping sauce for chips or to add flavor to tacos.

Clamato vs. Regular Tomato Juice: A Comparison


Feature	Clamato Juice	Regular Tomato Juice
Flavor Profile	Savory, briny, tangy, and slightly spicy	Mild, sweet, and acidic tomato flavor
Key Ingredients	Tomato concentrate, clam broth, sweeteners, and spices	Crushed or pureed tomatoes, sometimes salt
Common Use	Cocktail mixer (Caesar, Michelada), seafood dishes, cooking	Standalone beverage, cooking, Bloody Mary
Vegan Status	No, contains clam broth	Yes, if no animal-derived additives are used
Sodium Content	High, typically over 800mg per serving	Varies, low-sodium versions are widely available
Added Sugar	Often contains high-fructose corn syrup	Generally does not contain added sugars

Nutritional Considerations

While Clamato contains some nutrients from its tomato base, such as Vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene, it is important to consume it in moderation. The commercial versions are high in sodium and often contain high-fructose corn syrup. For those monitoring their intake of sodium or added sugars, alternatives like low-sodium tomato juice are a better option. For information on the product, you can visit the official Clamato website.

Conclusion

So, what exactly is Clamato juice made of? It is a complex mixture of tomato juice concentrate, clam broth, sweeteners, and a variety of spices that together create its polarizing yet popular savory taste. This unique combination makes it a go-to mixer for beverages like the Caesar and Michelada, as well as a versatile cooking ingredient. Understanding its core components reveals the source of its distinct flavor and explains why it is more than just a typical vegetable juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Clamato is not vegan. Its recipe includes dried clam broth, which is a seafood product, making it unsuitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Yes, Clamato juice contains real clam in the form of dried clam broth. The clam broth provides the distinctively briny, savory flavor that gives the juice its name.

The main difference is the base ingredient. A Bloody Mary uses regular tomato juice, whereas a Caesar uses Clamato juice, which includes clam broth and other seasonings.

The modern commercial version of Clamato was developed in 1966 by the Duffy-Mott company. Its development was inspired by a desire to create a cocktail with the flavors of Manhattan clam chowder.

Clamato's high sodium content comes from the addition of salt and dried clam broth. It is important to be mindful of this if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Yes, you can make a homemade version by combining tomato juice, clam broth, and adding your own blend of seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and celery salt.

Clamato is the traditional base for the Canadian Caesar cocktail. It is also a key ingredient in the Mexican Michelada, which combines the juice with beer, lime, and spices.

No, it is not the same. While both are savory, tomato-based cocktail mixers, Clamato explicitly contains clam broth, which is not an ingredient in a standard Bloody Mary mix.