Chelada (Beer Cocktail). Esta receta también está disponible en Español.
Although this is a Colombian foodblog, today I will feature the chelada, a beer cocktail that is originally from Mexico. But 100 % worth to be featured here, because the chelada is very popular in Colombia (and yes, I might be number 1 one fan of this refreshing drink).
Chelada or Michelada
There are in fact two Mexican beer cocktails and that often leads to confusion. One is called chelada and the other one michelada. I will explain the theoretical and the practical difference to you. Originally, the michelada is a more elaborate beer cocktail. Its ingredients are beer, clamato or tomato juice, and tabasco and/or Worcestershire sauce. It is served in an ice-cold glass, with a salt-and-spice rim. It has a strong and bold flavor, is spicy, salty and generally intense. The chelada on the other hand only consists of beer, lime juice, and a salt rim. Also served in an ice-cold glass (not with ice cubes though, that only makes your drink watery…). The chelada is fresh, light, tangy and salty.
Chelada (Beer Cocktail)
So now you know, right? When you are in Colombia or Mexico, you order a chelada when you want the fresh thing and a michelada when you want the intense thing. Unfortunately it is not that easy, here the practical difference comes in. Both in Mexico and in Colombia the two terms are used losely. I’ve ordered micheladas that came as cheladas and cheladas that came as micheladas, in both countries.
More Colombian drinks you find here!
Chelada time
In Colombia a chelada is popular to drink either when having a hang-over, during the day around lunch-time, and all day every day where there is a tropical weather. You even can drink one behind the computer writing a blog post…
Cerveza for a Chelada (Beer Cocktail)
You can make a chelada with a Mexican brand of beer, generally the lighter type of beer. But most types of pilsner or light beer from other countries will do as well. In Colombia I make cheladas with whatever type of beer there is available.
Cheers/ Salud!
Do you love Colombian food? Here you find more vegetarian recipes!
Chelada (Beer Cocktail)
Equipment
- Glass that has been cooled in the freezer
Ingredients
- 1 can/bottle of beer Mexican beer like Modelo or Sol, or just local pilsner or lighter beer
- juice of 2 limes
- salt
Instructions
- Cut limes in half. Rub half of the lime around the edge of the glass to make the salt for the salt rim stick
- Put salt on a little plate and make a salt rim by pressing the glass in the salt
- Squeeze the limes and pour juice in the glass. Add beer of your choice
- Drink when cold and enjoy
Notes
