Savor the authentic flavors Mexico with the Michelada,a tangy, savory cocktail.
My daughter’s boyfriend invited us over for dinner (brownie points!) and served a drink that I had never tasted. It’s a family favorite, he explained. From the first sip, I could see why. The Michelada is a traditional Mexican drink made with beer, lime juice, and assorted spices and sauces. It’s not for the faint of heart. The effervescence of the beer mixes with the sauces to create a tart, fizzy, spicy concoction that you can enjoy any time of the day.
The history of the drink isn’t exactly clear, although one tale involves a barfly named Michel Ésper. He would order a specialty drink, asking for his beer with lime, salt, ice, and a straw. The story goes that other regulars started asking for Michel’s lemonade, which in time, became Michelada. Eventually, other sauces were added. The popularity of this type of mixture is evident in some of the new flavored beers produced by U.S. and Mexican brewers.
For folks who like spice in their drinks, the Michelada is a terrific choice. If you want to serve other options, make sure to try this Spicy Margarita. While it has a touch of spice, it’s still sweet and tangy, and has a strong citrusy flavor.
Why You Will Love This Cocktail Recipe
The Michelada is not just another beer with a twist: it’s a cocktail with a story, giving you a taste of Mexican culture with every sip. I also love the drink’s flexibility: I can turn up the heat or dial it down.
Ingredients
- 1 lime sliced into wedges
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp hot sauce or to taste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 12 ounces chilled Mexican lager e.g. Modelo
- ice cubes
- 4 ounces chilled clamato or tomato juice optional
Instructions
- Roll the wet rim of a glass in a plate of salt to get it coated.
- Press the lime wedges to release their juice into the glass, then let the wedges drop into it.
- Add the hot sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the chilled Mexican beer slowly. If desired, add the optional Clamato or tomato juice.
- Gently stir the ingredients to blend and fill the glass with ice cubes before serving.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Michelada
- The colder the beer, the more refreshing and enjoyable the drink, so make sure to chill the beer.
- Some like it hot. Some don’t. Feel free to add more or less hot sauce, depending on your preference.
- A coarse kosher salt works best for salting the rim.
FAQs
A pint glass with a salt rim is the most popular.
While this is a traditional Mexican drink, you can use any type of beer.
You decide. Most Michelada fans choose Cholula or Valentina but you can use your favorite (or whatever’s available!).
Sure! Prepare for the party by mixing the ingredients of the Michelada beforehand. Just leave out the beer and ice until you’re ready to serve.
Michelada Variations Worth Trying
- Mangonada Michelada: Add mangoes and garnish with a tamarind straw.
- Low-Carb Michelada: Use a low-carb beer and sugar-free tomato juice
- Michelada Clamato: Uses Clamato (a mix of clam and tomato juice).
- Michelada Mocktail: Replace the lager with a non-alcoholic beer or a fizzy beverage like ginger ale or club soda.
How to Store
Plan ahead by mixing all the ingredients except the beer and ice. Pop the mixture into an airtight jar or container and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, add the beer and ice.
If you have any pre-made mix (without the beer) left over, just stick it back in the fridge for a few days. If you’ve already mixed in the beer, it’s best to consume that day to enjoy the fizziness of the beverage.
Leave a Comment