Beer and Clams?

As I was driving to Las Vegas recently, I saw a billboard in Spanish that advertised a new product that's a combination of beer and Clamato® juice. I only caught a glimpse of it, but decided to investigate further upon my return. Apparently, Latinos have been doing this combination on their own for years (So have rednecks according to my friend Denise, who worked in a bar many years ago. She said the call it "breakfast."). With an eye on a marketing oportunity, Budweiser has brought Chelada® to the market for your convenience, so you don't have to buy your own Clamato®. The results for me are a bit mixed: although effervescent, tangy and somewhat refreshing, there was something wrong—I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. Hot sauce and more lime would have improved the product, but overall, I thought it was vile—and yet I couldn't stop drinking it! I'm going to play with it and try additions like the forementioned hot sauce, as well as a shot of vodka. Another idea is to use it as a base for the Mexican style shrimp cocktels I love. These are not your American shrimp cocktails, but are presented in a thin tomato juice base, with lots of cilantro, chopped tomatoes, avocado and cucumbers. I think Chelada® may be the perfect base for this dish. I'll report the results.