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    Home » Recipe » Drinks » Easy Chelada Recipe ... A Mexican Beer Cocktail

    Easy Chelada Recipe ... A Mexican Beer Cocktail

    Published Jun 12, 2018 · Updated Jan 6, 2022 by Ginnie · Leave a Comment

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    This post is sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and Constellation Brands. All opinions are mine alone. Recipe is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

    Learn how to make an easy Chelada recipe! This simple, refreshing beer cocktail is the ultimate summer drink, and it's ready in minutes!

    Three Cheldas and a couple Modelos on a marble counter.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    With temps hitting the nineties here in Texas, I'm in full summer mode. I'm not ready for this heat!

    Of course, this hot weather gives me a good excuse to enjoy all my favorite summer beer cocktails, from shandies to beergaritas. Maybe there is a bright side to this sweltering heat after all.

    Luckily, my favorite beer drink takes almost no effort at all. Meet the Chelada!

    This refreshing, citrusy cocktail is as perfect for cooling off after work as it is for serving guests. And the best part is that you can make it in five minutes ... maybe less if you're fast.

    The finished drink served in a tall glass with some beer bottles in the background.

    What is a Chelada?

    Generally speaking, a Chelada is a Mexican beer cocktail made with beer and lime juice. Super simple. The word is said to be a shortened form of chela helada (or cold beer in Spanish).

    Sometimes, the name is used interchangeably with Michelada ... so it can get confusing. When we were in Mexico City for example, at one of the restaurants we went to, everyone around us was drinking these refreshing cocktails. So of course, I wanted one!

    The waiter didn't quite understand what I meant though until I asked for a cerveza con lima (my crappy Spanish probably didn't help). "Ah, Michelada," he exclaimed, and we were in business!

    What's the difference between a Chelada and a Michelada?

    While a Chelada is simply beer and lime juice, a Michelada is a beer drink made with tomato juice or clamato, as well as other spices and seasonings. It's usually spicy.

    A overhead photos of the finished beer cocktails served in salted rim glasses with lime slices.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for this Mexican beer cocktail couldn't get much simpler:

    • Coarse Salt (or Tajín)
    • Fresh Lime Juice
    • Beer (Mexican lager)

    Of course, since you're using such basic ingredients, they all need to be top notch. Which is why I prefer to use an authentic Mexican beer, like Modelo Especial!

    Modelo Especial is a rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager that's characterized by a crisp, clean finish and an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. It's the quintessential summer beer!

    This refreshing beer has been brewed with the Fighting Spirit since 1925! It's been an integral part of Mexican culture ever since, and today it’s the fastest-growing import beer in America over the past three years.

    Get your Modelo delivered right to your doorstep with Drizly in under 60 minutes! Drizly partners with your local liquor stores to deliver everything you need to make the perfect cocktail. Get $5 off your first Drizly order with code DRIZLYDEAL (minimum order $20; only valid in select states).

    Recipe Ingredients (Modelo Especial beer, fresh limes, and salt) arranged on a marble counter.

    How to Make a Chelada

    Now that you have the ingredients, it's time to make this Mexican beer drink.

    The first step is to salt the rim of a tall glass (I like using a Collins glass or a classic Beer Mug). Not only is a salted rim a nice garnish for your beer cocktail, it also enhances the flavor of the drink.

    Simply moisten the rim of your glass with a small lime wedge. Then, dip the glass into a small, shallow dish filled with kosher salt.

    If you'd like to add a mild kick to your drink, you can use Tajín (a combination of chili powder, lime, and salt) instead of plain salt.

    A photo collage showing how to rim a Chelada glass with salt.

    Fill your glass half full of ice, then add the lime juice.

    The amount of lime juice is up to you. Start with one lime, and if you want the drink tarter, add another. I prefer to use about one and a half small limes.

    Limes vary a lot in quality and size, so always buy more than you think you'll need. And make sure to use a juicer. That way, you can get every last drop of juice out of those limes.

    A hand squeezing fresh lime juice into a glass with a salted rim.

    The last step is adding the beer.

    Fill the glass with Modelo Especial, then garnish with a slice of lime. Perfection!

    You'll probably have a little beer left in the bottle, which means more cocktails later. Or you could share ... it's up to you.

    The finished drink with a Modelo Especial bottle behind it.

    Of course, you'll want to take a sip ... is that not the most refreshing drink?

    I love how simple this easy Chelada recipe is. In under five minutes, you have a refreshing drink that's as perfect for relaxing on the porch as it is for entertaining guests.

    Sounds like the ideal summer drink to me!

    A Chelada beer drink garnished with a salted rim and slice of lime.

    Related Recipes

    If you enjoyed this easy beer drink, here are some other summery cocktails you'll love!

    • Easy Beergaritas
    • Lemonade Shandy
    • Cuba Libre
    • Mojito
    • Spicy Paloma Cocktail
    • Strawberry Mint Gin and Tonic
    • Spiked Raspberry Lemonade
    • Classic Daiquiri

    By the way, you can find all my cocktail recipes here!

    Three Cheladas and a few bottles of Modelo on a marble counter.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Easy Chelada

    Learn how to make a Chelada ... this light, citrusy Mexican beer cocktail is the ultimate summer drink!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 126kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • kosher salt
    • 1 to 2 small limes (plus more for garnish)
    • 1 (12-ounce) bottle Modelo Especial (or other Mexican Lager)

    Instructions

    • Fill a small, shallow dish with kosher salt.
    • Cut a small wedge from a lime and use it to wet the rim of a tall glass.
    • Dip the rim into salt. Then, fill the glass half full with ice.
    • Add juice from 1 to 2 limes (to taste) to the glass. (If you prefer, use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the pulp first.)
    • Fill glass with beer, then garnish with a slice of lime, if desired.
    • Serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Spice things up by rimming your glasses with Tajín instead of salt.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 126kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love seeing what you're cooking! Leave a comment below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    Learn how to make a Chelada! This easy Chelada recipe is a quick beer cocktail (beertail) that’s ready in minutes. Make this easy Mexican Beer Cocktail recipe with simple ingredients: beer, lime, and salt! This Chelada recipe is a light, citrusy, refreshing beer drink that’s perfect for summer parties or anytime you want an easy drink! | Hello Little Home #chelada #beer #beercocktail #mexicanfood #mexicandrink #mexicanbeercocktail #beerdrink #beertail #summercocktail #partyideas #partyfood

    What is your favorite summer drink?

    Easy Chelada Recipe ... A Mexican Beer CocktailEasy Chelada Recipe ... A Mexican Beer Cocktail
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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