The Ultimate Michelada Recipe

This recipe delivers a refreshing and savory beer cocktail that's perfect for any occasion.

Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (12 oz) Mexican lager (like Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona)
• 4 oz Clamato juice
• 1 lime, halved
• 1-2 dashes Maggi seasoning
• 1-2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Cholula), to taste
• Tajín or coarse salt, for rimming the glass
• Ice cubes

Step 1: Rim the Glass

Moisten the rim of a tall glass (like a pint glass) with a lime wedge.

On a small plate, spread a thin layer of Tajín or coarse salt. Gently press the moistened rim of the glass into the Tajín or salt, rotating until the rim is evenly coated.

Step 2: Add Lime Juice and Spices

Squeeze the juice of the remaining lime half into the rimmed glass of Maggi seasoning. Add 1-2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Add hot sauce to your liking (start with a few shakes).

Step 3: Add Clamato Juice and Ice

Pour in the Clamato juice.

Add ice cubes to fill the glass.

Step 4: Top with Beer

Slowly pour the Mexican lager into the glass. The goal is to have a good mix of beer and the spiced Clamato mixture.

Step 5: Gentle Stir and Enjoy!

Give the Michelada a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired. Now you have the best michelada recipe ready to enjoy! Especially delicious as a Modelo Michelada recipe when using Modelo Especial.

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What is the formula for a michelada?

While there isn't one strict formula, a general guideline for a michelada is:

• Mexican Lager Beer
• Lime Juice
• Clamato Juice (or sometimes tomato juice)
• Spices and Sauces (like Maggi, Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt)
• Salted Rim

The proportions can be adjusted to personal preference.

What is michelada mix made of?

A basic Michelada mix (if you were to buy a pre-made one or make a large batch of the non-beer components) typically includes:

• Clamato juice or tomato juice
• Lime juice concentrate or fresh lime juice
• Salt
• Spices (often including chili powder, black pepper)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Sometimes soy sauce or Maggi seasoning
• Sometimes hot sauce

However, the beauty of making it fresh is you control all the ingredients!

What is the difference between a chelada and a michelada?

The main difference between a chelada and a michelada is the ingredients beyond beer and lime.

• Chelada: Typically consists of just beer, lime juice, and a salted rim. It's a simpler, more refreshing drink.
• Michelada: Includes beer, lime juice, a salted rim, and additional savory ingredients like Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Maggi seasoning, and hot sauce. Micheladas have a much more complex and savory flavor profile.

Think of a chelada as a lighter, lime-infused beer, while a michelada is a more robust and spiced beer cocktail.

Is michelada a Bloody Mary?

While both micheladas and Bloody Marys are savory cocktails, they are distinct:

• Michelada: Primarily beer-based with lime, Clamato (or sometimes tomato juice), and spices. The beer remains a prominent flavor.
• Bloody Mary: Primarily vodka-based with tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, and often other seasonings. The base spirit is clearly present.

Both offer savory and spicy notes, but the base alcohol and core flavor profiles are different. A michelada is essentially a spiced-up beer, while a Bloody Mary is a spiced-up tomato and vodka concoction.