Beer Mexican-Style

Michelada

Serves 1 Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Picture this: a frosty, ice-cold mug rimmed with tangy citrus and crunchy salt, filled with a mixture of beer and freshly squeezed lime juice. This is the Michelada.

There are many versions: some, like the Michelada especial, are over-the-top combos of salty, spicy, and sour flavors. In any case, Mexico’s dressed-up version of a beer will have you licking the last drops of salty lime juice off the rim of the frozen mug. You may never think of beer in the same way again.

• Kosher or coarse sea salt
• 1 lime wedge
• Ice cubes (optional)
• 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cold 12-ounce beer, preferably Mexican
•  
• For a Michelada Especial
• Dash of hot sauce, like Tabasco, Cholula, or Valentina or a combination
• Dash of a salty sauce, like soy sauce, Worcestershire, or Maggi
• Pinch of kosher or coarse sea salt
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

1. Place a beer mug in the freezer for a couple of hours or until chilled.
2. Spread the salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of the mug with the lime wedge and dip the rim gently into the salt to coat. Place a couple of ice cubes, if using, in the mug.
3. Add the lime juice, then pour in the beer. Or, if making a Michelada especial, add the optional ingredients to taste, along with the lime juice, to the chilled mug. Stir lightly, then pour in the beer.