I’m sure this recipe for a Michelada will make some people go, “wait that’s not how it’s done!” Truth be told there are so many different ways to make a Michelada any fan will have their own favorite style. However if you are looking to make a Michelada for the first time, then I think my recipe is quite a good one.
The michelada is a drink in the family of ‘Beer Cocktails’. These are essentially mixed drinks that use beer as the main ingredient. Some other popular examples you may recognize are the black and tan (half ale and half stout, layered), sake bomb (a shot of sake dropped into a glass of beer), or the ever popular and extremely insulting Irish Car Bomb (a mixed shot of Irish cream and Irish whisky dropped into a pint of Irish stout).
Where Does The Michelada Come From?
The idea of a beer cocktail with chili, lime, and salt most likely originates in Mexico. There are a few different origin stories, but the most popular one is that it was created by Michel Ésper in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
These days the drink is popular all over North and South America, with many regional variations.
Does A Michelada Have Clamato Juice?
One point of contention that Michelada fans have is should the drink contain Clamato juice. After all, this tomato and clam juice blend isn’t a traditionally Mexican ingredient. I guess it depends on your preference; I’m a big fan of Michelada with Clamato.
Tasty Michelada Recipe
- 12 oz Beer, Mexican lager preferred
- 4 oz Clamato Juice
- 1-2 tsp Hot Sauce. I’ll leave the brand and spice level up to you. I make mine with some delicious hot sauce I get in takeout containers from my local taco shop. You can get creative and add unique hot sauces, or even homemade recipes!
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- Tajin, for the rim
In a large glass (20 oz ideally) run a lime wedge around the edge. Over a sink sprinkle Tajin all along the edge. Next pour in the beer, clamato juice, hot sauce, and lime juice. Give a quick stir with a straw and garnish with a lime wedge and pickled chili pepper (optionally).
Michelada
Equipment
- 1 glass around 20 oz volume
Ingredients
- 12 oz Beer Mexican Lager ideal
- 4 oz Clamato Juice
- 2 tsp Hot Sauce whatever brand or style you prefer. Can use more or less to suit your specific spice tolerance
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice can adjust more if you want to make it more sour
- Tajin for the rim
- Pickled Chili for the garnish, optional
Instructions
- Run a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass. Over a sink sprinkle with Tajin seasoning until coated
- In the glass pour the beer, Clamato juice, lime juice, and hot sauce. Top with ice and give a short stir with a straw.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and pickled pepper, serve and enjoy!
