Michelada - Mexican Beer Cocktail Recipe

A Michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail with many different variations. This easy version combines cold Mexican beer with Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix, lime, salt and New Mexico red chile hot sauce.

The savory mixer, cold beer and salted rim come together in approximately five minutes. Use one dash of hot sauce for gentler heat or two dashes for a spicier Michelada.

Michelada Recipe Details

Preparation time: Approximately 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail
Preparation method: Mixing
Glassware: Chilled beer mug or large glass

Ingredients

• 1 ice-cold Mexican beer, preferably dark

• Coarse salt, for the rim

• 1/2 cup Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix

• 1 to 2 dashes Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Hot Sauce

• Ice

• 1 lime wedge, for preparing the rim and garnishing the glass

How to Make a Michelada

1. Chill a beer mug or large glass if possible.

2. Run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass.

3. Place coarse salt on a small plate. Dip the moistened rim into the salt until evenly coated.

4. Fill the prepared glass approximately halfway with ice.

5. Pour in the Bloody Mary Mix.

6. Add one to two dashes of Red Chile Hot Sauce.

7. Stir the mixture with a spoon.

8. Slowly pour the cold Mexican beer into the glass until it reaches the top.

9. Place the lime wedge on the rim and serve immediately.

10. After taking a few drinks, pour the remaining beer into the cocktail.

How to Adjust the Heat

Use one dash of Red Chile Hot Sauce for a milder Michelada or two dashes for more noticeable chile heat.

The Bloody Mary Mix already contains a hint of Hatch red chile along with tomato juice, horseradish, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and spices. Taste the cocktail before adding more hot sauce.

Tips for Preparing the Glass

Chill the beer and glass before assembling the cocktail. Keeping everything cold helps prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

Use the lime wedge to moisten only the outside edge of the glass. This helps the coarse salt adhere to the rim without falling into the cocktail.

Pour the beer slowly because it may foam when it reaches the Bloody Mary Mix. Add only enough beer to fill the glass, then keep the remaining beer cold until there is room to pour it in.

What Is a Michelada?

A Michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail commonly prepared with lime, salt and savory or spicy seasonings. Recipes vary widely, with different combinations of sauces, spices, tomato-based mixers and beer.

This version uses Bloody Mary Mix to supply the savory tomato and spice flavors, while red chile hot sauce adds New Mexico-inspired heat.

What to Serve With a Michelada

Serve this savory beer cocktail with Yucatan Pork Tacos or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.

For additional cocktail ideas, try the Port Mojito or Merlot Margarita.

Browse the complete Taste New Mexico recipe collection for more Southwestern drinks, appetizers and main dishes.

Make a Savory Mexican Beer Cocktail

The savory base for this Michelada comes from Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix. Finish the cocktail with Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Hot Sauce to control the final heat level.

This recipe contains alcohol. Serve it only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.