Mouthwatering Clam Diggers Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m about to share with you one of my favorite drink recipes: the Clam Digger. This classic cocktail, also known as an Acapulco Clam Digger, has been around for decades and is a staple in seafood restaurants from PEI to Bedford, VA. But don’t be fooled by its name – this drink is not just for clam diggers!

The Clam Digger is a refreshing and savory blend of tomato juice, clam juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or as a pre-dinner cocktail. And if you’re not a fan of alcoholic drinks, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with a non-alcoholic version that’s just as tasty.

In this recipe article, I’ll be sharing with you my secrets to making the perfect Clam Digger, along with some tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking. So, grab your celery rib and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a refreshing and zesty cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day? Look no further than the Clam Digger cocktail! This classic drink recipe has been a favorite of seafood lovers for generations, and it’s easy to see why.

First of all, the Clam Digger is a unique and delicious twist on the classic Bloody Mary. It’s made with clam juice and clamato juice instead of tomato juice, giving it a distinct briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and fresh lemon juice also adds a zingy kick that will wake up your taste buds.

But perhaps the best thing about the Clam Digger is its versatility. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just looking for a fun and festive drink to serve at a party, the Clam Digger is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it pairs perfectly with all kinds of seafood dishes, from clam chowder to oysters to seafood salads.

And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the Clam Digger by simply omitting the vodka. You’ll still get all the flavor and zest of the original recipe, without the added calories.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing drink that will transport you to a seaside seafood restaurant, be sure to give the Clam Digger a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare a delicious clam digger drink:

• 2 quarts of Clamato juice
• 2 cups of vodka
• 4 cups of Worcestershire sauce
• 3 ounces of clam juice
• 3 ounces of lemon juice
• 3 dashes of hot sauce
• 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Acapulco clam digger variation, you will need:

• 2 quarts of Clamato juice
• 1 1/2 cups of vodka
• 4 cups of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup of clam juice
• 3 ounces of lemon juice
• 3 ounces of Clamato juice
• 3 dashes of hot sauce
• 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the clam digger dip, you will need:

• 1 1/2 quarts of clam chowder
• 2 cups of Clamato juice
• 4 cups of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 3 ounces of minced clams

For the non-alcoholic clam digger drink, you will need:

• 2 quarts of tomato juice
• 3 ounces of clam juice
• 3 ounces of lemon juice
• 4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 5 dashes of hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Note: You can adjust the amount of Worcestershire and hot sauce according to your preference, but be cautious not to make it too spicy.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

To start making the Clam Diggers, we need to get all the ingredients ready. In a large pitcher, mix together 2 quarts of clamato juice and 2 cups of vodka. Add 4 cups of Worcestershire sauce and 3 ounces of clam juice. Then add 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce, 3 ounces of lemon juice, and a pinch of fresh ground pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Once the ingredients are well mixed, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until it is thoroughly chilled.

Step 3: Prepare the Glasses

Next, prepare your glasses. Take a highball or a Collins glass and run a lemon wedge around the rim. Then dip the glass into a plate of celery salt to coat the rim. This will give your drink a delicious and salty flavor.

Step 4: Serve the Clam Diggers

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to serve the Clam Diggers. Add ice cubes to each of the glasses, and pour the chilled mixture into the glasses, filling them about three-quarters full. Finally, garnish each glass with a celery rib and a lemon wedge.

Optional Step 5: Make It Spicier

If you like your drinks spicier, you can add more hot sauce or a few shakes of horseradish sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your own preference.

Optional Step 6: Make a Non-Alcoholic Version

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the Clam Digger, you can omit the vodka and add more clamato juice instead. You can also add some lime juice and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a refreshing and delicious Clam Digger at home. It’s a perfect drink for a hot summer day or to pair with your favorite seafood dish.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to mix up the classic clam digger recipe to suit your taste buds. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

– Non-Alcoholic Version: If you’re not a fan of vodka, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the clam digger by omitting the vodka and adding a little extra clam juice or clamato juice.

– Spicier Version: If you like your drinks with a little extra kick, try adding more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe. You can also swap out the Worcestershire sauce for a spicier version.

– Clam Chowder Dip: For a delicious snack, try making a clam chowder dip with the same ingredients as the clam digger recipe minus the vodka. Mix together minced clams, cream cheese, Cabot cheese, and seasonings, and serve with crackers or chips.

– Oyster Shooter: If you prefer oysters to clams, try swapping out the clam juice for oyster juice and adding a freshly shucked oyster to the drink.

– Caesar Clam Digger: This variation on the classic clam digger adds a little extra flavor with the addition of Caesar salad dressing. Mix together the dressing, clam juice, vodka, and hot sauce for a tangy twist.

– Acapulco Clam Digger: This variation adds a little Mexican flair to the drink by swapping out the Worcestershire sauce for hot sauce and adding a squeeze of lime juice.

– Healthier Snacks: Instead of drinking a clam digger, try making healthier snacks with clams, such as grilled clams or a clam salad.

– Regional Variations: Different regions have their own variations of the clam digger recipe. For example, in PEI, Canada, they add a little horseradish sauce to the drink, while in Bedford, VA, they make a clam digger with tomato juice, lemon juice, and black pepper.

No matter how you choose to make your clam digger, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect recipe for you.

Serving and Pairing

Clam diggers are a perfect summer drink, refreshing and delicious. They are best served chilled and in a tall glass, garnished with a celery rib, a wedge of lemon or lime, and a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper. The savory and tangy flavors of this drink complement well with seafood dishes such as oysters, clams, and shrimp.

For a fun twist, serve clam diggers with a clam chowder or a plate of steamed clams. The drink’s flavors blend well with the creamy and rich texture of clam chowder or the light and briny taste of steamed clams.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and add more clamato juice. Serve it in a glass with cracked ice, garnished with a celery stick, and a pinch of black pepper. This is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy the refreshing flavors of a clam digger without the alcohol content.

For a healthier snack pairing, serve clam diggers with a dip made with minced clams, cream cheese, Cabot cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. This dip pairs well with crackers or vegetable sticks and complements the flavors of the drink nicely.

Overall, clam diggers are a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of seafood dishes and healthier snacks. They are perfect for a summer BBQ, a seafood restaurant, or a relaxing day at the beach.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The Clam Diggers recipe is a great make-ahead option for your next party or gathering. You can prepare the drink mix in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve your guests. The mix can be stored for up to two days in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and have it ready to go when you need it.

When making the Clam Diggers recipe, it’s important to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. However, if you happen to have any leftover drink mix, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to give it a good shake before serving, to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

If you’re looking for a way to reheat your Clam Diggers, you can do so on the stove or in the microwave. To reheat on the stove, simply pour the Clam Diggers mix into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If you’re using a microwave, pour the mix into a microwave-safe container and heat it for 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through.

If you’re looking for a way to save time and effort, you can also make a larger batch of the Clam Diggers mix and freeze it for later. To freeze the mix, pour it into a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good shake before serving.

Overall, the Clam Diggers recipe is a versatile drink that can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated with ease. It’s a great option for parties, gatherings, or even just a night in with some friends. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic drink recipe.

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to make the perfect clam digger at home, here are some helpful tips to ensure your cocktail is delicious and refreshing.

Firstly, use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh celery rib and lemon juice can make a huge difference in the taste of your clam digger. Also, make sure to use fresh ground pepper and salt to season your cocktail.

When adding Worcestershire sauce to your clam digger, be careful not to add too much. Just a dash or two will do the trick. Worcestershire sauce can be overpowering, so start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

Vodka is an important ingredient in a clam digger. Use a high-quality vodka to ensure a smooth and clean taste. If you want to make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, you can substitute the vodka with clam juice or tomato juice.

If you like your clam digger spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce or Tabasco sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail.

Finally, serve your clam digger over cracked ice for a refreshing and satisfying drink. Garnish with a celery rib or a lime wedge for added flavor and presentation.

With these tips, you can make the perfect clam digger at home and impress your friends and family with your bartending skills.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Clam Diggers recipe is a must-try for all seafood lovers and cocktail enthusiasts out there. It’s a perfect combination of bold and refreshing flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds. This recipe offers a lot of room for experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your liking. You can adjust the spice level, add more lemon juice, or even use different types of seafood.

Moreover, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a drink or as a dip for your favorite crackers or chips. It’s also a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet while indulging in a guilty pleasure.

Lastly, this recipe is a testament to the rich history and culture of clam digging. From the shores of PEI to the seafood restaurants in Bedford, VA, the Clam Diggers recipe has become a beloved classic among seafood enthusiasts. So, whether you’re looking for a healthier snack or a new cocktail recipe, the Clam Diggers recipe is definitely worth a try.

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]