The michelada is a very popular drink in Mexico, especially during hot days or as an accompaniment to enjoy a good Mexican dish. 

It is a refreshing and tasty combination that combines beer with different ingredients, creating a unique experience for the palate, so you may have wondered how to make a traditional Mexican michelada.

The basic michelada recipe includes beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (such as Tabasco sauce) and salt on the rim of the glass.

However, there are many variations and each region or even each person may have their own way of preparing it.

Some popular variations of michelada have tomato juice or clamato (clam juice) to give it a more flavorful and spicy taste. 

Orange juice, soy sauce, maggi juice, chamoy (sweet and spicy sauce), tamarind, cucumber, chili powder or even flavored beers such as beer prepared with clamato can also be added.

Origin

The exact origin of michelada in Mexico is not completely clear, as there are several theories about its creation. However, there are some popular stories and legends that are attributed to the origin of this refreshing drink.

One of the best known theories says that the michelada was created in the restaurant “La Playita” located in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in the mid-20th century. 

According to the story, a customer named Michel Ésper, who was a beer lover, asked the waiter to mix some ingredients in his beer to give it a different flavor. 

The mixture was so popular that other customers began to ask for it as “Michel’s beer”, and eventually it was shortened to “michelada”.

Another theory suggests that michelada originated in the state of Sinaloa, on the west coast of Mexico. According to this version, fishermen used to prepare a mixture of beer, lime, salt and hot sauce to enjoy while working under the sun.

Regardless of its exact origin, michelada has become an emblematic and traditional drink in Mexico. Over the years, it has evolved and numerous variations and custom recipes have been created throughout the country.

How to prepare a traditional Mexican michelada? Ingredients and recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 light beer (lager or pilsner)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2-3 drops of Worcestershire sauce (Worcestershire sauce)
• 2-3 drops of hot sauce (such as Tabasco sauce)
• Salt for the rim of the glass
• Ice
• Slices of lemon for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and then rub it with salt so that it adheres to the rim of the glass.
2. Add ice to the glass.
3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the glass. You can adjust the amount according to your preference of acidity.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to taste. Start with 2-3 drops of each and adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness and flavor.
5. Fill the glass with the cold beer. Pour gently to prevent too much foam from forming.
6. Gently stir the michelada to mix all the ingredients.
7. Optionally, garnish the glass with a slice of lime on the rim or inside the drink.

And there you have your michelada ready to enjoy in good company! 

Remember that this is a basic recipe, and you can experiment and add other ingredients such as tomato juice, clamato (clam juice), orange juice, chili powder, cucumber, chamoy, among others, to create your own personalized version of the michelada.

If you don’t have time or want to enjoy a different dinner, remember! In La Taqueria de Birra we are experts in tacos and Mexican food since 1989, so if you want to taste a good Michelada, we invite you to order to take away or come to try them in C/ Don Pedro, 11 or Plaza de las Comendadoras, 2.