Michelada
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Michelada
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.3 / 5
The Michelada is a classic Mexican beer cocktail with roots tracing back to the mid-20th century, born from Mexico’s love for flavorful, refreshing drinks with a hint of spice. Widely embraced as a cure-all for hot days and a popular choice for social gatherings, it’s said that the Michelada originated when inventive locals began mixing beer with lime juice and spices to create a refreshing yet savory cocktail. This initial blend evolved over time, adding ingredients like tomato or clamato juice, hot sauces, and Worcestershire sauce, resulting in the Michelada we know today. With regional variations found throughout Mexico, each reflecting the local palate, this cocktail has cemented its place as a timeless favourite that celebrates Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Lager
Calories
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90 calories
Alcohol content
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4% | 0.07 units *
Details
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Classic

Highball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

A Michelada is like the life of the party in a glass: robust, unpredictable, and teetering on the edge of refreshing and audacious. The play of lively lime juxtaposed against the hearty Worcestershire and fiery Tabasco, all mellowed by the lager, crafts a cocktail that's multidimensional and dramatically shifts with each sip; a drink not just served, but experienced.

Method
How to make a Michelada

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Start by filling your glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled throughout the process
Then, gently pour each of your cocktail ingredients over the ice, ensuring they mix well
Give the contents a gentle stir for about 10-15 seconds, blending them together smoothly
Finally, take a moment to taste and adjust any flavors if needed, adding a little more of any ingredient to perfect your drink
Cheers to crafting a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail!

Power tips
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Rim the glass with a mix of coarse sea salt and chili powder for an extra kick and a flavorful contrast to the drink.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice to ensure the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Michelada cocktail?

The Michelada is a beloved cocktail that originates from Mexico, a country with a rich tradition of crafting flavorful and refreshing drinks. This popular beverage has its roots traced back to the mid-20th century, evolving from the Mexican culture's fondness for savory and spicy flavors. Initially, it was a simple combination of beer with lime juice and a touch of spice, which inventive locals mixed together as a refreshing beverage for hot days and social gatherings. Over time, the Michelada has embraced additional ingredients like tomato or clamato juice, hot sauces, and Worcestershire sauce, adapting to regional preferences across Mexico. This cocktail is not just a drink but a part of cultural celebrations and is cherished as a culinary icon that exemplifies Mexico's vibrant and diverse food and beverage landscape.

Ingredient specifics icon

Why is Tabasco sauce used in a Michelada?

Tabasco Sauce plays a crucial role in providing the signature spicy kick that distinguishes the Michelada from other beer-based cocktails. The spiciness from the Tabasco complements the freshness of the lime juice and the savory notes from Worcestershire sauce, creating a balanced and multi-dimensional flavor profile. While only added in dashes, the Tabasco Sauce brings about an intensity that awakens the palate without overpowering the other ingredients. Originating from Mexican culinary traditions where spice is highly valued in dishes, the incorporation of hot sauce like Tabasco in a Michelada highlights the drink's Mexican roots and its contribution to making the cocktail a refreshing yet savory experience.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best way to serve a Michelada?

A Michelada is best served cold in a highball glass, which allows enough room for mixing and the addition of all its flavorful ingredients. Before serving, make sure the glass is chilled, as this enhances the overall refreshing quality of the cocktail. Some enthusiasts recommend rimming the glass with salt or a spice mix such as Tajín, which complements the beverage's flavors beautifully. Adding ice cubes can keep the drink chilled longer without diluting it too much, especially if you're enjoying it on a hot day. Since Micheladas are often consumed during social events or as a thirst-quencher on warm afternoons, serving them as cold as possible will ensure a delightful and invigorating drinking experience.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Michelada compare to other cocktails?

The Michelada is relatively mild in terms of alcohol content, clocking in at around 4%, which is much lower than many other cocktails. For comparison, typical cocktails such as a Margarita or a Martini often have alcohol contents ranging between 15% to 30%. The Michelada's lower ABV (alcohol by volume) comes from primarily using a lager beer as its base, rather than hard spirits like vodka or tequila. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter alcoholic beverage or who desire a drink that can be sipped over an extended period, enjoying its complex taste without the punch of a high-proof cocktail. This mild alcohol level also contributes to its wide popularity and appeal as a refreshing drink suitable for day drinking and social occasions.

Food pairings icon

What foods pair well with a Michelada?

Micheladas, with their invigorating blend of lime, smoke, spice, and beer, pair wonderfully with various types of cuisine, especially dishes that share its vibrant and bold flavors. Mexican food is a natural choice, and the cocktail complements the rich, yet fresh elements found in tacos, enchiladas, or ceviche perfectly. Grilled or spicy foods also harmonize well, as the Michelada's cooling yet zesty profile can temper dishes that are heavily seasoned. Seafood, given its subtle and versatile nature, makes an excellent pairing too, particularly shrimp cocktails or fish tacos. The versatility of the Michelada means it can elevate a simple meal or stand alongside complex dishes, offering a refreshing and balanced accompanying beverage for any occasion.

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