Whatever Happened to Mott's Beefamato?

The Rise, Fall, and Nostalgic Aftertaste of a Savory Sip

Mott’s Beefamato was never your average beverage. A blend of tomato juice and beef broth, this hearty drink had a small but passionate following. For those who grew up with its bold, savory taste—or who discovered it through vintage ads and retro recipes—Beefamato remains a drink with cult status. So what happened to it, and why are people still talking about it decades later? This deep dive into the history and legacy of Beefamato explores the beverage's origins, discontinuation, and how to recreate it today.

🥤 What Was Beefamato?

Launched in the 1970s by Mott’s, Beefamato was a distinctive beverage that fused the rich, umami flavor of beef broth with the tangy zest of tomato juice. Enhanced with a hint of Worcestershire sauce, it was marketed as a savory drink that could be enjoyed hot or cold. It catered to a unique demographic: those who wanted more substance in their sips and weren’t afraid of bold, beefy flavors.

One vintage Beefamato ad captures the quirky appeal:

The tomato never had it so good

Beefamato wasn't just a novelty beverage. It was used in a variety of savory cocktail recipes, such as the Bull Shot, and became a staple in hangover remedies and brunch menus. Its distinct profile also appealed to fans of hearty, tomato-forward drinks who craved something saltier and more robust.

🏢 The Company Behind Beefamato: Mott’s

Founded in 1842 by Samuel R. Mott, Mott’s is a heritage beverage brand known for apple juice, applesauce, and innovative fruit and vegetable blends. Initially focused on cider and vinegar, the brand grew into a pantry staple across America. Mott’s entered the tomato juice market with several product lines, eventually introducing more adventurous creations like Clamato and Beefamato.

Now part of the Keurig Dr Pepper family, Mott’s remains a key player in the juice industry. Though some legacy drinks like Beefamato have been retired, the brand’s history of pushing boundaries continues to resonate with beverage enthusiasts.

📉 Why Was Beefamato Discontinued?

By the mid-2010s, Beefamato had largely vanished from supermarket shelves. When fans reached out, Mott’s offered a concise explanation:

We do not currently make Beefamato, but we will let our team know that it is still in demand! — Mott’s customer service via RyanWelton.com

Key reasons Beefamato was discontinued:

• Limited commercial appeal: A beefy tomato juice was never going to be a mainstream bestseller. Similar to Coca-Cola's short-lived Beverly soda, its flavor was too niche for mass appeal.
• Shifting beverage trends: Consumers moved toward sweeter, plant-based, or health-conscious drinks.
• Retail competition: Shelf space in grocery stores is limited, and more traditional juices won out over savory innovations.

Despite its decline, Beefamato remains iconic among fans of retro drinks and vintage American beverages.

💬 A Cult Classic with Lasting Fans

Though discontinued, Beefamato lives on in online communities and cocktail circles. Its rich, savory profile makes it a frequent subject of nostalgic conversations:

I’d buy and drink that if they still sold it. — Redditor on r/vintageads

Please bring back Beefamato… Best savory juice ever! — Commenter on RyanWelton.com

The demand for discontinued products like Beefamato highlights a broader trend: a growing interest in reviving retro flavors. DIY recreations, copycat recipes, and specialty brunch drinks all keep the memory alive.

🔄 How to Make DIY Beefamato at Home

Can’t find Beefamato in stores? No problem. You can easily make your own version with pantry staples. Whether you want to sip it warm, serve it chilled, or use it in a cocktail, homemade Beefamato is a flavorful tribute to the original.

Check out this DIY Beefamato recipe from Boozeopedia for a spot-on replication. The instructions are beginner-friendly, and the ingredients are easy to customize for your taste.

🍸 Best Cocktails Featuring Beefamato

Beefamato isn’t just for sipping—it's also a versatile mixer. Here are two must-try cocktails that highlight its bold, umami-packed flavor:

• Grandmother's Bloody Mary: A bold twist on the brunch classic that pairs perfectly with Beefamato’s rich profile.
• Bull Shot: A warm, savory shooter made with vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire, lemon, and Beefamato.

Perfect for cold mornings, hangover cures, or impressing guests at a retro-themed brunch.

⌚ Why Beefamato Still Matters

Beefamato may be gone from the shelves, but it hasn’t faded from memory. Its meaty, savory, tomato-forward flavor made it one of the most unique beverages ever mass-produced. And its story—one of bold experimentation and lasting nostalgia—is a reminder that not all drinks need to fit the mold.

Whether you’re rediscovering this curious classic or trying it for the first time, DIY Beefamato and its cocktail companions prove that some flavors never go out of style.