Run the lime wedge around the rim of a tall pint or Collins glass to moisten it. Mix the coarse salt (or celery salt) and paprika on a small plate and dip the moistened rim into the mixture to coat evenly.

Fill the rimmed glass with ice to chill while you build the drink.

Mix the cocktail

In a cocktail shaker (or mixing glass), add 2 oz vodka or gin, 4 oz Clamato juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz pickle juice.

Add 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.25 tsp HP sauce, 3 dashes hot sauce (Tabasco), 1 tsp celery salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the shaker.

Add a generous handful of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. Cap and roll the shaker back and forth gently 6–8 times (or stir with a bar spoon for 10–15 seconds) to chill and lightly dilute the mixture. Do not over-shake—Clamato is foamy and you want a smooth texture.

Assemble and garnish

Dump the ice from the chilled, rimmed glass and refill with fresh ice if desired. Strain the mixed Caesar into the prepared glass over ice.

Garnish with a large dill pickle spear and a lime wedge on the rim. Optionally add a cooked bacon strip and/or a pickled bean, olive, or pepper on a cocktail pick and a celery stalk for additional presentation and flavor.

Serve with a straw and a small stirrer. Offer extra hot sauce, HP sauce, or pickle juice at the table for guests who want to adjust seasoning.