Budweiser & Clamato: Chelada

I came across this weird drink in Park City Utah, while on a snowboarding trip. Among all the other regular beer choices, there was this bizarre combination of clamato and Bud (plus a Bud Light version). For anyone who doesn't know, clamato=clam+tomato, clamato is a pretty weird drink in and of itself: tomato juice mixed with clam broth and spices.

See what it looks like after the jump!

I expected this clamato beer to be red, like a bloody mary, but it's actually pink and fizzy. It smells like a strange combination of beer, pizza, and fruit punch - not exaclty the most appetizing scent. How can I describe the flavor? The first thing it made me think of was Doritos, or some kind of chips & salsa. It doesn't seem like it should be a drink. It's thick and a little salty. This is definitely one of the weirdest beer mixes I have ever tried, I was really surprised to see it in the store in the first place, and the taste lived up to my every expectation. I honestly can't say I enjoy it, but I've heard from other people that it is good in the morning, and great for hangovers. I'm not sure how much of it I can actually drink, let alone finish off a 24 oz. can of the stuff.

I didn't know it at the time, but Chelada turns out to be a modern rendition of Michelada, a popular Mexican drink made with beer, tomato juice, lime juice, and spices. I recommend trying it in a nice Mexican restaurant rather than going with Chelada.