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A Chelada is a classic and simple Mexican beverage made by combining beer with lime juice, and pairing it with a salted rimmed glass. The result is a refreshing drink that you’ll more and more of. Serve them with my Birria Tacos, Queso Fundido or Birria Ramen and Sopapillas for dessert.
I first was introduced to a Chelada when I visited Mexico City years ago. It was everything I’ve ever wanted in a cocktail: it’s bright, refreshing, super tart with punch of salt. YUM!. And the best part, is it couldn’t be more simple to make.
I love serving this with something rich like a big bowl of Beef Birria or Carne Asada Tacos. A heavenly combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Chelada
- Limes. Lots of them.
- Beer of choice. I like using a lager beer with this type of cocktail.
- Salt. I like using kosher salt because of the size of granules.
How to Make a Chelada
- Run a lime around each of the glasses. Dip them in salt so they have a salted rim.
- Squeeze lime juice into each glass.
- Pour in cold beer. If you like you can add ice. Totally optional. Garnish with a slice of lime and serve.
Tips and Tricks
Batch cocktail prep. This isn’t a batch cocktail BUT if you do want to save some time, feel free to squeeze your lime juice before. You can keep it in a pitcher so guests won’t have to mess with squeezing their own limes.
Tajรญn Rim. If you want, use Tajin to rim the glasses with instead of salt.
Recipe FAQs
I love serving them with tacos like my Cauliflower Tacos, Double Decker Tacos, or these Jackfruit Tinga Tacos. Or you could serve them alongside appetizers like my Hot Honey Lime Wings, Crispy Chicken Taquitos and Garlic Chicken Wings.
You want to use a Mexican lager. Brands like Modelo, Pacifico and Corona are perfect for Cheladas.
A Chelada just has lime juice, while a Michelada is a tomato-based cocktail. Both are amazing.
More Cocktails to Enjoy
Summer
Watermelon Margaritas
Quick and Easy
Frozen Daiquiris
Drinks
Cranberry Margarita
Quick and Easy
Summer Rosรฉ Sangria
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Chelada
Ingredients
- Kosher salt , for rim
- Ice cubes
- 3/4 cup lime juice, from about 8 limes
- Lager beer
Instructions
- Add a few tablespoons of salt to a shallow plate. Flip over the glasses and dip the rim in the simple syrup and then immediately transfer to the plate of salt. Repeat with the remaining glasses. Next, drop a few ice cubes into each glass; divide the simple syrup and lime juice amongst them. Lastly, top each drink with a healthy amount of beer. Stir and serve.
Notes
- Batch cocktail prep. This isn’t a batch cocktail BUT if you do want to save some time, feel free to squeeze your lime juice before. You can keep it in a pitcher so guests won’t have to mess with squeezing their own limes.
- Tajรญn Rim. If you want, use Tajin to rim the glasses with instead of salt.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My favorite from Mexico City. I loved it!