The Michelada, A Mexican Mixed Drink

Earlier this year I took a trip to Tulum, Mexico. It is a beautiful sandy escape perfect for lounging on the beach with drink in hand, until well bronzed and ready for a siesta.

On the first day of my trip, I found myself appropriately standing barefoot in the sand and belly up to a bar contemplating my drink order. It didn’t take more than a moment to come to my conclusion.

Una Michelada, por favor

This is one of my very favorite beverages ideal for vacation, daytime drinking. It is refreshing, and energizing with it’s satisfying punch of flavor in every sip.

And as I sat on the beach enjoying mine, I thought, I must share this with you.

A Michelada is a Mexican-born, mixed drink made with beer. Many call it the Mexican equivalent to a Bloody Mary. It includes beer, tomato juice, lemon or lime, salt and hot sauce.

Much of the time people use a mixer called Clamato made from concentrated tomato juice, spices and clam broth. And although any tomato juice will do, Clamato adds the perfect touch.

There are many variations on Micheladas. Some include Worcestershire sauce, bits of Serrano peppers or even soy sauce. In some regions you’ll find no tomato component at all in your Michelada just lime, salt and chile powder.

I would find it fascinating and fun to tour Mexico, trying different Micheladas as I go.

In the meantime, I would suggest asking for a Michelada the next time you eat at a Mexican restaurant. The drink may not be on the average menu, but the ingredients will most likely be in the kitchen.

And in case you want to try the recipe at home, here is mine. And I’ve been able to find Clamato at most supermarkets.

My recipe:

Beer (Negra Modelo or Pacifico)

Clamato

Cholula Hot Sauce Original

Worcestershire Sauce

Salt

Lemon or Lime

Ice

Add ice to your cup of choice. Fill the glass 1/3 full with Clamato. Add two dashes Cholula, one dash Worcestershire Sauce, two pinches of salt, a half a lime or ¼ lemon (throw rind in there too) stir to incorporate ingredients and make cold. Then fill the rest of the cup with beer. Stir again, gently. (Add extra hot sauce lemon or salt to taste.)

And voila! Or rather in Spanish you’d say, ahi esta!