Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase.
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.
TajÃn 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
Game Day
Frozen Daiquiris
Drinks
Cranberry Margarita
Quick and Easy
Summer Rosé Sangria
If you tried this Chelada Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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.
Hi Adrianna
Would it be safe to say El Caminco and add a shot of Grand Marnier (do not stir just settle on top)….
I son want to make these this weekend, they look amazing! Can you clarify what do you mean by “divide the simple syrup and lime juice against them”?
Thanks!
Oh I mean the glasses. So divide the simpe syrup and lime juice amongst the glasses. Sorry if that’s confusing!
You can complain all you want, as long as you bring me some of these drinks! Yum. I just love using beer for cocktails. These look great. Cheers to Friday!
Margaritas remind me of buying margarita mix in college. A beergarita is more up my alley!
I also do not like margaritas. It makes me feel like I hate fun because apparently women are supposed to love to get together and drink margaritas. Beergaritas for the win every time!!
Women are definitely supposed to like margaritas AND cosmopolitans. I don’t like either but beer is my jam so here we go! Haha.
This looks so easy and refreshing! Can’t wait to try!
xoxo Mollie
www.molliebellezza.com
wow i see a lot of limess. i love lime. the drink sounds good!
not everyone wakes up all cheery so it’s fine, we all have those days. Atleast it’s a Friday, weekend is here! hope you’re feeling better 🙂
http://trulyaddia.wordpress.com
xoxo
I love margaritas but every time I see or hear the word “Marg” I want to punch something. It’s like the word “guac.” Just… just say the extra two syllables, you can do it!
GUAC. Can we just say the whole word plz?!?!
These look like the perfect way to start the weekend! I am wondering what brand of beer you used to make these? The various lagers differ so greatly, I’d like to know which kind would be best. Oh, and apparently you being grumpy is basically like me on my best day, so no worries, haha. Thanks!
I used the Mexican brand, Pacifico. Mexicans will tell you this is junk probably but I kinda like it. It’s light and mild and perfect for a drink like this.
You be grumpy girl! I know I don’t wake up all cheery everyday either, I’m happy to share my morning grumps with you.
Haha. Thanks for your support! x