A classic Mexican beer cocktail, this Spicy Michelada recipe is a lighter version of a bloody mary that’ll go down super easy any time of the day! Now that football season is upon us, you’ll want to save this easy Michelada recipe for all of your viewing parties.

Mexican beer cocktail in two michelada glasses with tabasco and beer on the side

Have you heard of a Michelada? You might have seen this chelada recipe, which includes fresh lime juice and a Mexican beer. But, a michelada is a tad more complex. Probably the easiest way to describe a traditional michelada is a cross between a Bloody Mary and a red beer (two of my favorite drinks).

This Spicy Michelada recipe is in my cocktail book, Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails, and now I’m sharing it with you on the blog. YAY!

What is a Michelada?

Micheladas are a popular beer cocktail served throughout Mexico. They are a great way to elevate a Mexican beer with flavorful combinations that include tomato juice, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce for some spice.

This beer cocktail is tangy, refreshing, and spicy with the bold flavor of Tabasco. It is served in a Tajin-rimmed glass and garnished with a celery stalk and a lime slice.

ingredients to make a spicy michelada: Mexican beer modelo, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco, V8 and lime

Recipe ingredients & variations

This super easy beer cocktail requires just a handful of ingredients — V8 (or Clamato), fresh lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the Mexican beer of your choice. It’s perfect for your Game Day gatherings.

Tomato Juice alternatives

If you can’t find or don’t like tomato juice, you can make a Michelada with Clamato juice, or your favorite store bought Michelada or spicy Bloody Mary mix. 

Lime Juice

In my opinion, the best michelada is made with fresh lime juice. Sure, you can use bottled if you like, but I promise fresh is best!

Worcestershire sauce alternative

Don’t like Worcestershire sauce? Another traditional option is Maggi sauce or soy sauce.

Spice level

If you prefer a spicy Michelada, feel free add extra hot sauce. I prefer Tabasco, but feel free to use a Mexican hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatio.

Mexican beer options

Micheladas are typically made using a light Mexican beer, often a lager. My hubby prefers a dark Mexican beer, but I on the other hand often prefer a light Mexican beer. Feel free to use your favorite beer in this recipe.

Garnishes

Step up your cocktail game by rimming your serving glasses with Tajin, a chili lime salt mixture that is integral to my kitchen, and garnish with a stalk of celery for crunch and lime slice. 

How to make

Moisten rim of a beer glass with a lime wedge. Pour some Tajin fruit seasoning out onto a plate and rub the rim of the glass in the seasoning to coat.
 
rimming a Mexican hand blown glass with Tajin on a plate for a beer cocktail
 
Put ice in glass. Pour fresh lime juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and cold beer into the prepared glass. 
 
lime squeezer with fresh lime juice in a tajin rimmed glass with ice for a beer cocktail
 
Garnish with a celery stalk and stir. Enjoy before the ice melts.

top down inside glasses of a michelada with celery stalks

If you would like more visual stimulation, check out this video of me making a batch of delicious Spicy Micheladas! I show you just how simple this beer cocktail recipe is to make. 

Remember to serve these refreshing beer cocktails with your favorite Mexican appetizers for a true Game Day treat!

Mexican dress Latina holding a Spicy Michelada in a Mexican hand blown glass with a celery stalk and lime slice as garnish

Need more game day inspiration?

Check out these recipes:

I’d love to hear from you! What is your favorite way to enjoy a Michelada? Let me know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for more cocktail and food inspiration! 

two michelada beer cocktails with hot sauce and Mexican beer

Spicy Michelada

5 (1 rating)
Micheladas are a popular beer cocktail served throughout Mexico and is a great way to elevate a Mexican beer with flavorful combinations that include vegetable juice, lime, and hot sauce for some spice. This beer cocktail is tangy, refreshing, and spicy with the bold flavor of Tabasco. It is served in a Tajin-rimmed glass and garnished with a celery stalk and a lime slice.
Print Pin Rate
Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Moisten rim of a beer glass with a lime wedge. Pour some Tajin fruit seasoning out onto a plate and rub the rim of the glass in the seasoning to coat.
  • Put ice in glass. Pour lime juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and beer into the prepared glass and stir. Garnish with a celery stalk. Enjoy before the ice melts.

Video

Notes

  • If you prefer a spicy Michelada, feel free add extra hot sauce.
  • Don't like V8? Try it with Clamato!
  • You can use Maggi Seasoning or soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.
Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 41mg, Potassium: 370mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 547IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 26mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Yvette Marquez
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexico

Photography by Jenna Sparks

Originally published: January 2015. This recipe is also published in Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails