Hello friends of the beautiful Paulina Cocina community! Today we bring you the recipe for a typical Mexican drink , but one that's known and consumed internationally: the michelada .
In this article, we'll tell you everything you want—and need—to know about the michelada. What it tastes like, what ingredients it contains, how it's similar to chelada, and, as if that weren't enough, an easy recipe for micheladas at home. Hey, dude!
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About the michelada
What is a michelada?
The Michelada is a very popular Mexican drink that combines beer, lemon, salt, and various spices to give it a unique and refreshing flavor, especially spicy and intense, that will surprise any palate. It's a very refreshing drink, and it's perfect to pair with delicious tacos al pastor or enchiladas .
It's very common to eat it on hot summer days in Mexico, and is often served in bars, restaurants, and street vendors. The recipe is very versatile, and each region has its own version with different ingredients and spices.
Where the name comes from
There are different theories about the reason for the name of this traditional Mexican drink, but the most accepted is that it is simply a reduction of the phrase "mi chela helado" (my frozen chela) , in reference to the way beer is called in Mexico, "chela" .
However, there is another version that relates it to the English term “chilled” , which means “cooled” or “frozen” , since the tradition of drinking iced beer arose in the United States, while in Europe it was customary to drink it at room temperature.
In this sense, a "chelada" or "chela" is a chilled beer. The most Mexicanized version of this iced beer was made with the addition of salt, lemon, and spices.
What does a michelada contain?
The basic ingredients of a michelada are beer, lemon, salt, and hot peppers, either powdered or flaked. However, the recipe can vary depending on the region and personal taste. Some of the most common ingredients added are Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce, but there are other variations:
- Cuban Michelada : Prepared with beer, lemon, salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, tomato juice, and ice.
- Mango : prepared with beer, lemon, salt, mango juice and ice.
- Tamarind : prepared with beer, lemon, salt, tamarind pulp and ice.
- Clamato : Prepared with beer, lemon, salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, clamato (tomato and clam juice) and ice.
- With shrimp : prepared with beer, lemon, salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, clamato and shrimp.
- With tequila : it is prepared with beer, lemon, salt, hot sauce, tequila and ice.
- With mezcal : it is prepared with beer, lemon, salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mezcal and ice.
Caution: It is said that because it is diluted with lemon juice and other ingredients, the alcohol level is lower compared to a regular beer. However, the michelada is still an alcoholic beverage, so it should always be consumed in moderation.
What is the difference between a chelada and a michelada?
The main difference is that chelada is simply beer with lemon juice and salt, while michelada has a variety of spices and other additional ingredients.
The recipe we bring today is much more flavorful and complex than chelada, which is milder and less spicy, making it ideal for those who prefer a less spicy flavor.
The particular flavor of the michelada
The taste of a michelada is difficult to describe, as it depends on the combination of ingredients used..
But overall, it's a blend of spicy, salty, and sour flavors, thanks to the citrus touch provided by the lemon. The sauces and other ingredients give the drink a complex and unique flavor that varies depending on the region and recipe.
What is the best beer for this cocktail?
The choice of beer is a personal one, as everyone's tastes and preferences vary. However, generally, light and refreshing beers with little bitterness and mild flavors are used so they don't overpower the flavor of the other ingredients.
Some of the most commonly used beers are lagers or pilsners, as they have a smooth and refreshing flavor. Mexican-style beers, which usually come in clear bottles, can also be used.
Michelada recipe
- Yields: 1 serving
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 small bottle of cold beer
- 2 lemons
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of English sauce
- 1 tablespoon of spicy sauce
- Tajín or chili powder (optional)
- Ice
How to make a michelada in 5 steps
- In a small dish, mix the salt, a little lemon juice, and, optionally, the tagine or chili powder, until it forms a paste.
- Rub the rim of a glass with the mixture.
- Add ice to the glass and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
- Add the remaining lemon juice to the glass and pour in the beer.
- Mix gently with a spoon and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy!
Hello! What Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce do you recommend?