Michelada

Whether I’m craving the most refreshing summer cocktail for happy hour or a pairing to my fish taco bowl, this michelada is an enduring favorite. If you've never had a michelada, you're in for a treat. Originating in Mexico, the michelada has flavor in every sip: spice, tangy citrus, umami, and of course—refreshing light beer. If you’re put off by the inclusion of beer, just give it a shot—once you try it, you’ll understand the hype. Ready to upgrade your summer? Keep reading on for everything you need to know.

How To Make A Michelada

INGREDIENTS

• Tajín: To me, no michelada is complete without a Tajín rim. You can use chili powder if that’s all you have, but I strongly recommend grabbing some Tajín for that spicy chili-lime flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Cholula is my hot sauce of choice, but you can use another brand. I recommend using another Mexican-style brand of hot sauce, like Tapatío.
• Worcestershire: A michelada needs a savory, slightly smoky umami element, and Worcestershire sauce does just that. We aren’t using too much here, just enough to elevate all of our other flavors.
• Lime Juice: I know the bottled stuff is convenient, but use fresh lime juice. You’ll need fresh limes for the rim anyways, so you might as well buy enough for some juice as well!
• Tomato Juice: Just like in our best Bloody Mary, I prefer to use a pure tomato juice so I can control the salt and flavor in my michelada. That being said, you can use a pre-spiced tomato juice or even Clamato juice.
• Beer: Modelo is my go-to choice, but you can use any cold lager beer. Tecate would also be a great choice.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, we’ll create the rim of our drink. On a small plate, mix Tajín and salt together. Then, rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge. Once it’s coated, dip your glass into the salt-Tajín mixture until the rim is fully and well coated.

Now we can assemble the drink. Fill your prepared glass with ice, then add in the hot sauce, Worcestershire, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Add in the tomato juice and top with your beer of choice.

Garnish with more lime wedges and serve!

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Make Ahead

You can make the michelada mix without the beer up to 1 week ahead. Simply combine all of your ingredients, stir, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to use.