Growing in popularity in the U.S., the Michelada is a cerveza preparada -- a combination of beer and other flavorful ingredients.

Need the right beer? See our picks for the best beers for Micheladas!

Michelada Ingredients

  • 12 oz Beer
  • As needed Mexican hot sauce
  • Salt
  • Lime

Michelada Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a beer glass with ice and salt rim.
  2. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.

Rate This Recipe:

(30 votes)

Yield: 1 Cocktail
Calories: 215
Updated: 2023-02-01

Michelada

Michelada FAQ

What is the difference between a Chelada and a Michelada?

Cheladas and Micheladas are classic Mexican beer-based cocktails, and feature the same base ingredients. A Chelada consists of Mexican beer, lime juice, and a salt rim, while a Michelada pushes the ingredients list further by adding hot sauce or a variety of spices to the mix as well.

How does a Michelada compare to a Bloody Mary?

Similar in composition and flavor profile, the Michelada and the Bloody Mary are beloved brunch cocktails. The key difference between the two drinks is the base alcohol used — a Michelada is made with Mexican beer while a Bloody Mary is made with vodka. Furthermore, while a Bloody Mary is mixed with tomato juice before spice is added, a Michelada nixes the juice all together and heads straight for the heat.

The good news about both the Michelada and the Bloody Mary is that each cocktail leaves room for experimentation. Brunch enthusiasts are welcome to tinker with different heat sources to spice up either cocktail and add or remove tomato juice.

Best Practices: Micheladas Are All About Refreshment

“Good friends and good Micheladas are the keys to happiness,” says Fernando Lopez, co-owner of Guelaguetza Restaurant in Los Angeles and creator of the I Love Micheladas mix.

Finding either can be difficult, however, so VinePair asked bartenders to explain the best ways to make excellent Micheladas at home. (Developing healthy friendships is also important, though perhaps best suited to another column.)

All bar professionals agree that the caliber and temperature of the beer for your Michelada matter, as does how you envision the cocktail. Some Americans hear “Michelada” and picture a beer cocktail made with spiced tomato juice, whereas a classic version of the Mexican original consists of cold beer, ice, hot sauce, salt, and lime.

Whichever interpretation you prefer, remember that Micheladas are all about refreshment. A well-made version can’t guarantee eternal happiness, but it’s certainly not a bad place to start.

What to do when making Micheladas

Start with a light, easy-drinking beer.

“You want the beer to be light and ‘crushable,’” Claudette Zepeda, chef-owner, El Jardín, San Diego, says. “A Michelada is meant to be a daytime patio cocktail. IPAs are a big no-no — you want the spice, the ice, and everything nice.”

A Mexican lager like Corona, Pacifico, or Dos Equis is ideal, says Chris Mann, general manager, Distrito, Philadelphia. “Try to stay away from heavier and stronger-flavored beers,” he suggests.

Serve it as cold as possible.

Micheladas are meant to be refreshing, so you want your beer (and glass if you’re using one) to be well-chilled. “If your beer isn't ice-cold, it is fine to add ice to your drink,” Mann says.

Tailor your flavors.

Lopez suggests over-seasoning a mostly full glass of beer with your preferred mix of hot sauce, spices, and citrus juice. If it winds up tasting unbalanced or overwhelms your palate, you can simply add more beer to mellow things out. “Don't be scared to experiment! Sometimes you don't know what you like until you try it,” he says.

Season your salt.

The same thing goes for the salted rim, which can be as straightforward or spiced as you want. “If you’d like an added kick you can mix in some chile powder with the salt,” suggests Mann, while Zepeda prefers a different blend. “A rim of Chamoy, salt, and Tajin always does the trick,” she says.

The michelada is not a Bloody Mary and is distinct from a chelada

What not to do when making Micheladas

Don’t make a Bloody Mary.

“Many recipes call for Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or maggi sauce,” Mann says. Although untraditional, these three ingredients can certainly create a tasty cocktail. “However, be very careful with the amount you use," Mann says. "I've tasted numerous Micheladas that were just way overpowered by these ingredients.”

The same goes for tomato or Clamato juice, both of which pop up on restaurant Micheladas and in prepackaged mixes. “A lot of other companies will just rebrand their Bloody Mary mix and call it a Michelada mix,” Lopez warns. “That's the best way to get bland Micheladas.”