Michelada Recipe - Spicy Mexican Beer and Tomato Juice Cocktail

Try this refreshing Michelada recipe, a classic Mexican cocktail made with beer, Clamato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce and more. I like mine spicy!

Spice up your drinks Mexican style with this traditional Mexican drink. It's called a Michelada. I compare it to the popular Bloody Mary, but made with more traditional Mexican ingredients.

There are numerous variations and can be made with or without tomato juice, depending on your preferences. 

It is super refreshing anytime of the year, whether you're in the sun on a hot day along the water, or chilling in the cool mountains. If you love a good bloody mary, you'll love this michelada drink.

I love that is is nice and spicy! Homemade is always best, so I'm going to show how you can make your own micheladas at home, my way.

Let's talk about how to make classic Micheladas, shall we?

Michelada Ingredients

Michelada Beer. What's the best beer for a Michelada? Use your favorite light Mexican beer to make the best michelada. I have enjoyed micheladas with different beers, including Corona, Sol, Tecate and Modelo.

Any lighter Mexican beer will do. I love a good Corona or Sol Michelada.

You CAN make it with an American or other light beer, but it just won't be the same.

Clamato Juice or Tomato Juice? I'm using Clamato juice for additional flavor, and it is pretty commonly used in making Mexican micheladas.

However, tomato juice works great and it just as often used. If you do so, add in a bit of clam juice if you enjoy the flavor. You can add in extra seasonings if you'd like, as you would with a classic bloody mary cocktail.

Lime Juice. Fresh lime juice is best for a great tasting michelada. You can use lime juice out of a can or bottle, and it will work just fine, but fresh is ideal.

Worcestershire Sauce. Worcestershire sauce has an inherent sweetness and adds depth of flavor to cocktails and uncooked sauces. It is so good! You can also use teriyaki sauce.

Soy Sauce. Soy sauce adds that umami flavor as well as a touch of saltiness. You can also use maggi sauce.

Hot Sauce. Hot sauce is a must! Most recipes will call for Tabasco sauce, which is more traditional.

However, you can use any of your favorite hot sauce brands. A Louisiana style hot sauce is perfect here. I am using my own homemade tabasco hot sauce.

So good!

Add in as much or as little as you like to your own preferred spice level. I love it spicy!

For the Rim. Use lime wedges or the reserved rinds from squeeze the lime juice to moisten the rims of your beer glasses. It will help the salt stick to the rims.

You can simply dip the wet rims into salt, or use a mixture of either salt and spicy chili powder or salt and Tajin seasoning for an extra blast of lime flavor.

The Garnish. I like to keep it simple and serve my micheladas with lime wedges. However, feel free to garnish up your cocktails like you would a bloody mary, with foods like shrimp or spicy chili peppers.

How to Make a Michelada - the Recipe Method

FOR THE RIM

Place enough salt and Tajin seasoning or chili powder in a wide, small plate to cover the bottom. Salt and chili powder is a nice combination.

Rub the rims of two glasses with the lime wedges (or use the reserved lime rinds) to moisten them up. This will help the salt mixture stick to the rims of the beer glasses.

Next, dip them into the spicy sea salt mixture. Make sure the spicy salt mixture generously coats the rims.

FOR THE MICHELADAS

Fill the glasses with ice and set aside.

Divide evenly between two beer glasses...

Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. You can add in extra or dial it back. Patty likes hers with extra Worcestershire sauce.

Hot sauce. Add in as much as you'd like! I like mine extra spicy to I give it a few extra shakes.

Lime Juice. I use freshly squeezed limes, but bottled is good if that is all you have. Better than having no michelada!

Mexican beer. Use your favorite light Mexican beer.

Clamato juice or tomato juice. I'm using Clamato juice, but either is good!

Give it all a stir if you wish, or serve it with beer on top. I like mine mixed.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Boom! That is how you make a classic Clamato michelada. It's hard to go wrong with a good beer and tomato juice cocktail. Beer with tomato juice? Yes! It's one of my favorite combinations. The ultimate spicy Mexican beer cocktail.

That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your micheladas. Such a great cocktail. Spicy cocktails rule!

Try Some of My Other Popular Spicy Cocktail Recipes

• Mangonada
• Mango-Habanero Cocktail
• Blackberry-Habanero Margarita
• Jalapeno Margarita
• Paloma Cocktail
• Mexican Hot Chocolate
• See more Spicy Cocktails and Drink Recipes

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 12/30/19 to include new photos and information. It was originally published on 4/27/14.