Easy Lime Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail)
24
on Mar 19, 2021
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
You know the old adage: when life gives you limes, make yourself a Chelada! Okay, that might not be *exactly* the saying we grew up with, but as adults, just trust me: it’s far better.
This refreshing Mexican beer cocktail is particularly welcome on a warm and sunny day. Just be warned: it’s impossible to drink just one!
The first time I had one of these tasty drinks I thought, “Wow, this is like a limonada and beer all in one! How come I didn’t think of this combination?” My next thought was, “I need to have another one.”
If you are yet unfamiliar with cheladas, I invite you to make one with me. I can almost guarantee you’ll love it.
What does “Chelada” mean?
There are competing claims to where the name chelada came from, and they both make a lot of sense to me!
The first etymological claim asks that we break the word down into component parts. In Mexican slang, chela is slang for “beer,” and helado is the Spanish word for “ice.” So chelada is a fun play on words that combines the two and refers to a beer cocktail. (Remember that in Spanish, the “h” in helado is silent.)
If we combine ice and beer, we are well on our way to making a chelada! I like to keep mine very simple — just light beer, fresh lime juice, and ice with a simple salted rim. Think of it like a lime margarita, except a bit lighter on calories and sugar!
What is the difference between Chelada and Michelada?
The other origin story for the name chelada has to do with a man in a bar (don’t so many fun stories start that way?). It is rumored that a member of Club Deportivo Potosino, named Michel Ésper, used to order his beer on the rocks with a splash of lime. The drink become known as “Michel’s limonda,” which was then shortened to michelada.
While the original michelada was simply made with lime, nowadays they refer to a more specific type of beer cocktail (cerveza preparada) that combines beer with bloody mary style ingredients like tomato juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce — try my Easy Spicy Michelada.
How to Make a Lime Chelada
If you’re looking for a simple cocktail, things don’t get much easier than making a chelada. Grab your favorite light Mexican beer, a fresh lime, and some ice.
Moisten the rim of a glass by running a wedge of lime around it. Dip in your favorite glass rimmer – coarse salt, Sal Limón, or Tajín.
Add ice and lime juice to the glass, then top with beer. Salud!
Frequently Asked Questions
Since this lime chelada is a light and refreshing cocktail, I like to choose a beer that will match. I generally reach for Dos XX, Tecate, or Modelo Especial, but any light, crisp, pilsner-style Mexican beer will do.
Feel free to play with your rim toppers! While I tend to go for simple flavors like plain salt, Sal Limón (salt with citric acid for a bit of pucker), or Tajín (spicy lime salt), you can get as elaborate as you like. Check out this fun article on how one Chicago restaurant likes to rim their glasses!
Want more beer cocktails?
Check out these other yummy recipes:
If you made my easy recipe for Lime Cheladas, let me know what you thought! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
If you’d like more tasty Mexican inspired recipes delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter! You can also follow me in the kitchen on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook.
Easy Chelada With Mexican Beer
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Fresh lime juice is going to produce a better tasting Chelada. Do not be tempted to use bottled lime juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally published: January 2011. This recipe is also published in the Muy Bueno cookbook.
Photography by Raemi Vermiglio
Hola Yvette,
My wife and I have been enjoying your recipes and posts for over a year now.
(And we bought the book)
I wanted to tell you of my variation on the Lime Chelada. I started making Margaritas with lime juice, water, (if I’m making a lot) and a splash of agave nectar instead of the triple sec/simple syrup thing. So that kind of became limonada and when I saw your post started pouring it in my beer. Then if I’m in the mood, I pour a shot of Tequila in there too. So Lime Chelada con Tequila?
(My Spanish isn’t so good, yet)
As I always say, Keep up the good work !
Steve and Sunshine Madison, WI
What happens if I use bottled lime juice? Lol. Reminds me of Ina. “Store bought is fine.”
LOL! So funny. Yes, if you can’t find limes from the tallest trees in the Himalayas, “Store bought is fine.”
These are the beer drinks I remember from over 40 years ago when traveling in Mexico! Now I will know what to call them when I just want the lime, ice cube and beer and not the bloody Mary mix! I also really enjoyed the article on how to rim your cocktail glasses, some really creative ideas!
THIS is a michelada!
Everything else is a bloody beer!
1st one in was in Del Rio ‘96
Thanks for sharing this nice recipe! I would recommend using Lava bloody mary and Tecate. No fuss, just pour and enjoy. The Lava has a nice little kick and is very yummy. http://www.lavabmm.com. Cheers!
When I was in Costa Rica a michelada is made exactly like your recipe. When in Mexico a michelada is of the tomato and spicy variety. The drink is different in every region and it always annoys me when someone tells me I am wrong when referencing the name to the lime juice version.