Not all cocktails need to be fancy, which is where the Michelada comes in. This beer cocktail comes from south of the border and has been renowned for everything from a hangover cure to the cocktail equivalent of a fine Sativa.
So, if you want to advance your cocktail-making skills or just miss this Mexican flavor sensation, you need to know how to make one.
This guide will cover how to make the perfect cocktail, cannabis pairings, and a little about this cocktail’s history.
What is a Michelada?
This highly quaffable cocktail has long been a North American favorite, designed to be drunk with food or without food as a hangover cure. Countless variations exist for this flavor as more and more ingredients have been added over time.
But however you like to take your drink, this cocktail will always contain beer, lime juice, various hot sauces, spices, and a salt-rimmed glass. Within Mexico, every region has its own version of this classic.
For example, in Mexico City, the most common version of this drink contains beer, lime, salt, and scorching sauces or chili slices.
However, you can make this drink with a range of optional extras, such as serrano peppers, clamato, Worcestershire sauce, or even soy sauce. In other words, it really depends on your tolerance for heat.
And with 37% of people globally now choosing to make more of their cocktails at home, you have the control to make your cocktail however you like.
Is a Michelada Like a Bloody Mary?
Often known as the Mexican Bloody Mary, these drinks are similar in terms of looks. However, the primary difference is a Bloody Mary will use tomato juice instead of beer.
Plus, there aren’t as many bells and whistles as in a Bloody Mary. Finally, adding chilis and various peppers makes this a spicier alternative to the fruity cocktails associated with summer.
Why are Micheladas Called Micheladas?
Micheladas utilize the Spanish language and Mexican slang. Firstly, this is a Spanish combination of the word “chela,” a Mexican slang term for beer.
Secondly, the “ada” comes from the Spanish word “helada,” which means “cold,” with “mi” meaning “mine.”
So, if we translate this cocktail name to English, it would be directly translated as “My Cold Beer.”
What is a Chelada vs. Michelada?
Cheladas and micheladas have given us some of the best cocktail recipes around, but there’s a surprising amount of confusion between the two.
While similar, micheladas have far more ingredients and a more complex flavor profile than cheladas.
Cheladas are lime and salt – no more, no less.
The History of the Michelada
Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics surrounding these cocktails is who invented it and when. Several stories exist.
Let’s discuss the three possible stories for this Mexican hit.
· 1900s – Some believe that it dates back to the early 1900s. It’s said that a man named Michel Miramar created it at his restaurant in Tijuana. Today, he commonly receives the credit.
· 1940s – Still, others believe it didn’t emerge until decades later. Those in this camp attribute the drink’s creation to Miguel Martinez, but little is known about his process.
· 1960s – The final story has a man named Michel Esper from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, creating it sometime in the Sixties. Legend has it that he would always take his usual beer with lime, salt, and ice, which would be served in a cup known as a chabela. Essentially beer lemonade, the rest of the bar started asking for Michel’s Lemonade, which would be shortened into the name we know today.
Despite the mystery surrounding this cocktail, the various sauces added later emerged from unknown sources as bar owners and alcohol enthusiasts began to mess with the recipe.
The Best Weed Pairings for Micheladas
Deciphering cannabis pairings for any drink begins with asking, “What does a michelada contain?”
By uncovering the ingredients, you can match your drink’s flavor profile to whatever weed strain you have available.
So, here are some epic weed pairings for your beer cocktail:
· OG Kush
· Blue Dream
· Chemdawg
· LA Confidential
Whenever combining weed with popular cocktails, ensure you stay within your limits. The rule of thumb most tokers follow is one standard cocktail per hour. Moreover, you should take only a few tokes when picking up your joint or blunt.
It’s always best to stay cautious, as getting cross-faded is a real risk when smoking and toking.
Michelada Cocktail Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Michelada
As you can see, you can create any number of variations with this easiest of cocktails to make at home. There’s no single “best” version, as it all depends on your palate.
This guide will focus on making a simple cocktail the old-fashioned way. Here’s how to do it:
· Prep Time – Five minutes
· Cook Time – 0 minutes
· Total Time – Five minutes
· Serves – One
· Calories – 190 kcal
Ingredients
· One bottle of cold beer (alcohol delivery services can source authentic Mexican beer).
· ¼ cup of chili-lime mix (Tajin) or coarse salt.
· A dash of bottled hot source.
· A dash of soy sauce.
· A dash of Worcestershire sauce.
· One lime wedge.
· Ice.
Instructions
1. Spread a layer of salt/chili-lime mix onto a saucer.
2. Wet the rim of a beer mug with a lime wedge and then dip the rim into your seasoning.
3. Fill the glass halfway with ice.
4. Add your lime juice and various sauces and stir.
5. Pour the beer slowly into the glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Notes
· The ABV level is the same as your beer since it’s the only alcohol. Feel free to switch up beers to hit your desired tolerance level.
· Variations include adding Maggi sauce, including black pepper, or adding salt to the cocktail instead of the rim.
· Micheladas taste much better when using authentic Mexican ingredients. Try a beer like Pacifico, Tecate, or Victoria.
· You can also try non-alcoholic beers, if you don’t drink, without adversely altering the taste.
