Mott's Clamato Preparado Tomato Cocktail, 32 oz

Clamato Preparado is Mott's pre-seasoned version of the tomato cocktail that has anchored Mexican beer drinks since the 1960s. It shares the same foundation as standard Clamato, a tomato juice base carrying dried clam broth, which is where the savory, faintly briny depth comes from. The difference is that this bottle arrives already seasoned, with chile warmth and a bright citrus edge worked in, so the mixing is finished before you open it.

That is the appeal. Salt the rim of a chilled glass, add ice and a wedge of lime, pour a few ounces over and top with a cold light lager, and you have a michelada without measuring a thing. The same pour makes a fast base for a Bloody Mary or a Caesar, and many people simply drink it cold on its own as a savory alternative to plain tomato juice.

A useful bottle for anyone who hosts, whether the crowd is drinking or not.