Michelada

If you love a traditional Bloody Mary, try this Mexican-born Michelada – a refreshing beer cocktail that WOWS when the weather is hot!

The Perfect Balance of Flavors is Crucial

Many cocktail recipes offer leeway for “a little more of this or a little less of that”. The Michelada is NOT one of those drinks! Though it’s easy to make, there’s a delicate chemistry to creating the perfect combination of ingredients. This recipe achieves just the proper reaction! 

A VERY few drops of the sauces are all that’s needed for the rich, spicy, umami flavor. Two tablespoons of fresh lime juice add the ideal tanginess. Tomato juice provides warmth and flavor, with your favorite beer bringing it all together! And, of course, the seasoned salted rim gives it a fantastic finish! 

Other Beer Cocktails to Serve with a Michelada

• Ginger Beer Fizz – delicious, refreshing, and super simple – perfect for tailgating parties!
• Beergarita combines your favorite Mexican beer with tequila and lime flavors for a pitcher that will please everybody!

Michelada Ingredients

Beer: The Michelada needs a light Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, Sol – whichever you like best!

Juice: Like a Bloody Mary, you’ll need tomato or clamato juice. They work equally well, depending on your preferred flavor.

Fruit: Fresh lime is outstanding for making this drink. Bottled lime juice will work, but the flavor is so much brighter with fresh lime. Plus, you’ll want a lime for rimming the glass anyway!

Sauces: The Michelada derives its layered spicy, umami flavors from a few drops each of Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, and your favorite hot sauce – Tabasco, Louisiana-style, Franks, etc.

Rimmer: To rim the glasses, you’ll need a lime wedge, Tajin (a chile lime seasoning), and some coarse sea salt. You could also do a simple salted rim without the seasoning.

How to Make a Michelada

STEP ONE: Sprinkle a little Tajin into a small bowl or plate. Run a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass and dip it in the Tajin. Fill the glass about 1/2 to 2/3 full of ice. Drop in the exact number of drops for each of the sauces.

STEP TWO: Add in the lime juice and tomato juice and stir well.

STEP THREE: Top off the glass with beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

Tips for Success

• You have options for rimming the glass. Classic salt is excellent, as is Tajin (a chile lime seasoning), or you can use Caesar rimming. 
• The balance of flavors is essential to achieving a GREAT Michelada, but taste is subjective. If you prefer a less tangy drink, reduce the lime juice by half. 
• For a less spicy Michelada, reduce the amount of hot sauce. 
• Ice! Ice! Ice! The Michelada must be served over lots of ice – it should be cold and refreshing!

What is a Michelada?

Made in Mexico, the Michelada gets its name from the Spanish “mi chela helada” which means “My cold beer.” The Michelada is a low-alcoholic cocktail made with beer, lime juice, various sauces and tomato juice (or clamato), though some variations leave out the tomato juice altogether. The Michelada is served over ice in a rimmed glass with salt, Tajin, or chili powder.

Is a Michelada the Same Thing as a Bloody Mary?

The Michelada and the Bloody Mary are both umami-heavy, tomato-juice based cocktails, but they are not the same recipe. The Michelada originated in Mexico. It is slightly sweet, tangy, refreshing, and features fresh lime and light beer. The Bloody Mary was created in Paris. It is spicy and savory, featuring lemon and vodka. Both are super refreshing and full of flavor!

Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love!

• Mexican Brownies
• Mexican Street Corn
• Mexican Rice Recipe
• Mexican Mango Rice Salad
• Mexican Sunset – a Tequila Cocktail
• Mexican Chicken Empanadas