Both the chelada and the michelada are super-refreshing citrus beer cocktails served in a chile and salt rimmed glass over ice. A chelada is made with Mexican lager or amber beer, fresh lime juice, and a chile-salt rim on the glass.
The michelada is more complex. A tomato-based hot sauce, Worcestershire, and sometimes Clamato are added to the beer base. Both drinks start with Mexican beer, lime, chile-salt rim. The chelada is lighter and more refreshing. The michelada is bolder and more savory.
For this chelada recipe use a Mexican lager or amber beer such as Dos Equis. If you want to make this drink spicier you can garnish the drink with a jalapeno slice or two. Serve in a traditional chelada glass if possible.
What Is Rose’s Lime Juice and Why Use It?
Rose’s lime juice is a sweetened, preserved lime cordial invented in the 1860s developed to preserve lime juice on long sea voyages. Using Rose’s alongside fresh lime juice adds a touch of sweetness and density.
Try my Michelada Recipe too!
Ingredients
- 1 12- ounce bottle of Mexican amber or lager beer such as Dos Equis
- One lime preferably Mexican
- 1 tablespoon Rose's lime juice
- Sea Salt or chile/salt blend such as Tajin for the glass rim
- Slice of jalapeño for garnish optional
Instructions
- Wash the lime, cut it in half, squeeze the juice onto a plate, then dunk the rim of the glass into the lime juice and swirl to coat. Then swirl the rim in Tajin or salt to coat.
- Fill the glass with ice. Squeeze in the remaining lime, then plop it into the glass and pour in the Rosa's lime juice.
- Pour in the beer.
- Garnish with Jalapeno slice if using.
