Spicy beer cocktail with lime, sauces and chile in a salt-rimmed glass.
About this recipe
The michelada is Mexico's iconic beer cocktail: cold lager poured over lime juice, sauces, salt and ice in a glass rimmed with salt and chile. Endless variations exist - with clamato, Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning or chamoy - but the result is always the same: a bold, tangy, spicy drink that is the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon.
History & Origin
The michelada has an uncertain origin with multiple legends disputing its creation, but the most widely accepted version places it in San Luis Potosí in the 1960s, where a sportsman named Michel Esper supposedly invented the mix of beer with lime, salt, ice and hot sauce at his social club. Its name may derive from 'mi chela helada' (my cold beer) or from the name of its creator. The michelada has become one of the most popular drinks in contemporary Mexican culture, with regional variations ranging from the simple beer with lime and salt to elaborate versions with Clamato, chamoy, Maggi sauce, Worcestershire sauce and shrimp. It is served in glasses rimmed with salt and Tajín chile seasoning, and is the drink of choice for curing a hangover, watching football matches and spending hot days by the sea.
Estimated cost
$10.58
Total cost
$10.58
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on US supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
167
Calories
1g
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
3.5g
Fat
1g
Fiber
35mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Prepare the glass: rub the rim of a tall glass (chelero style) with a lime wedge to moisten it.
- 2
On a small plate, mix the salt with the chili powder. Invert the glass and twist it on the mixture to rim the edge evenly.
💡 You can use Tajin, powdered chamoy, or a blend of salt, chile piquin and lime for the rim.
- 3
Fill the rimmed glass with ice. Pour in the lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning and hot sauce directly over the ice.
- 4
Add the clamato and stir gently with a long spoon to combine the sauces.
- 5
Tilt the glass and slowly pour the ice-cold beer down the side so it does not foam up too much. Give it one gentle stir.
💡 The beer should be as cold as possible. Light Mexican lagers such as Victoria, Modelo Especial or Pacifico are ideal.
- 6
Serve immediately. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
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Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for European kitchens. Based in Madrid since 2018.
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