Make a Michelada

A Michelada is a popular Mexican cocktail or cerveza preparada (prepared beer) that became popular in Mexico in the 40s when people started mixing beer with hot sauce or salsa. It's now starting to catch on in other parts of the world and can be compared to a Bloody Mary. In order to be considered a true Michelada, it must include lime, salt, and Worcestershire, Maggi or soy sauce. A classic Michelada's flavor reflects the true origins of its name, mi chela helada, or "my cold, light beer."

Ingredients

 * Salt (any coarse salt will do)
 * Cubed ice
 * 1 lime, juiced
 * 1 12 oz. can or bottle Mexican beer
 * 1/2 tsp. hot sauce of choice, e.g. Tabasco (optional)
 * 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire, Maggi or soy sauce
 * 3 oz of Clamato

Steps

 * 1) [[Image:M2_826.jpg|thumb|]]Cut one lime in half.
 * 2) [[Image:M3_511.jpg|thumb|]]Use one half of the lime to juice the rim. Make sure the glass is cold beforehand, so the salt sticks to it.
 * 3) [[Image:M4_14.jpg|thumb|]] Place the rim of the glass in your salt tray. Gently, but firmly, press the rim into the salt, turning the glass so the salt builds up on the rim.
 * 4) [[Image:M5_591.jpg|thumb|]] Fill the empty salted glass with ice.
 * 5) [[Image:M6_727.jpg|thumb|]]Put each half of the lime into the hand-juicer and squeeze so that the juice is over ice.
 * 6) [[Image:M7_521.jpg|thumb|]] Add Clamato and sauces to taste -- a couple of drops will usually do the trick.
 * 7) [[Image:M9_487.jpg|thumb|]]Pour the beer (any of the better Mexican varieties are the best) into the glass, over the ice, lime juice, and sauces.
 * 8) [[Image:M10_293.jpg|140px|right|]]Stir well with a long spoon.

Tips

 * You can add the salt in the glass before pouring in the beer, but be careful because the salt will encourage extra foam to form.
 * A shot of fine tequilla can also be a great addition to this drink.
 * You can mix chile powder with the salt before dipping the rim for an extra kick.
 * Dried chile flakes can be used in place of (or in addition to) hot sauce.
 * Two key limes can be substituted in place of a regular lime.
 * Some variations call for black pepper.
 * Mixing tomato juice and beer creates a type of cerveza preparada, but is not a Michelada if it doesn't contain Worcestershire, Maggi or soy sauce.
 * When the Michelada has hot sauce in it, it's sometimes called a "Michelada Cubana" (but the link to Cuba is unknown).
 * In Puerto Vallarta, a Michelada does not traditionally have any hot sauces. It is made up of plenty of ice, plenty of lime and a Mexican beer.

Warnings

 * Drink responsibly.
 * Regular Worcestershire sauce is not suitable for vegetarians, as it contains anchovies. Natural foods stores carry vegetarian Worcestershire, or just substitute soy sauce.


 * Clamato is not suitable for vegetarians either. It's made from clam juice.

Things You'll Need

 * [[Image:Things_needed_183.jpg|125px|left]]
 * Cutting board
 * Knife
 * Juice press strainer
 * Tall spoon
 * Large Glass (for more ice)
 * Bottle Opener

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make a Piscola
 * How to Make Martinis
 * How to Make a Vodka and Tonic
 * How to Make a Fruity Vodka Tonic
 * How to Infuse Vodka With Flavor
 * How to Brew Cheap Wine
 * How to Brew Your Own Beer
 * How to Throw a Cocktail Party

Sources and Citations

 * Flickr Source of information. Used with permission of ultramega.