Chelada: the simple recipe for a tasty beer cocktail

There's nothing more satisfying than an ice-cold drink when it's hot outside. For an incredibly refreshing, light beverage to help keep you cool, try a chelada. This Mexican beer cocktail is made with beer and lime juice and is crisp and citrusy. A salted rim ties the drink together, adding a little bite to each sip. The chelada is exceptionally easy to make, and it's a great drink to enjoy with Mexican food, grilled meats, or any dish with a bit of spiciness to it.

What is Chelada Beer?

Chelada beer is a simple, refreshing beer cocktail that only requires 3 ingredients plus ice to make. Chela is slang for “beer” in Mexico, while helado means ice. Combine the two words and you get chelada! Because it's made using lager, it's light, crisp, and a perfect cocktail to sip on when the weather is warm.

What is the Difference Between a Chelada and a Michelada?

A michelada is essentially a Bloody Mary but made with beer instead of vodka. It's spicy and has ingredients like tomato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. A chelada is simply beer and lime juice with a salted rim.

Tips for Making Easy Chelada

To salt the rim of the glass, pour the salt or Tajin onto a small saucer, run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass, and dip it in the salt.

You can try out different seasonings to salt the rim. Grate some fresh citrus peel in the salt, and mix it up, use a spicy salt, or use Old Bay.

What is the Best Beer for Making Chelada?

Light, crisp Mexican lagers are the best type of beer for making a chelada. Modelo, Tecate, and Pacifico are all brands to look for. If you can't find Mexican lager, look for other pilsner-style beers.

How to Make Chelada Beer

Run a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass. Dip the glass in coarse salt or Tajin.

Pour the ice into the glass. Pour the lime juice over the ice.

Top the glass up with beer until it's full, and serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lime juice to make cheladas for the best flavor.