Make everyday a vacay with a delicious Michelada made with your favorite Mexican beer varieties: Modelo Negra and Corona Light.
I’m going to be honest here: I may be feeling a little jealous of everyone on vacations right now. And it sure does feel like EVERYONE is somewhere sunny with their toes dipped in the sand. A little FOMO as the cool kids call it…fear of missing out. We won’t be traveling anywhere far this year, but you better believe we can still mix up some delicious cocktails (and mocktails!) at home.
Ricky and I had our first date on 05/05/05…. Cinco de Mayo! We always love to celebrate as if it’s our holiday. Last year on the blog, I created Mexican dishes for the whole month of May–don’t worry, I’m bringing the tradition back.
I remember our first trip to Mexico, we had a bit too much sun the day before. We bellied up to the poolside bar and the bartender slid over a delicious, frosty tomato drink without a single word said. I assumed it was a Bloody Mary and he explained what a Michelada was. It was glorious and now it’s one of my favorite cocktails. Beer + Spice and fun garnishes? YES PLEASE!
There various stories about where the Michelada came from, but essentially it’s a common beer cocktail in Mexico. Lime juice, salt/chile rim and various flavors are combined for a refreshing treat. Most commonly, it’s paired with Clamato (tomato & clam) juice, hot sauce and a dash of Worcestershire and either light or amber beer. If you have a sweet tooth, you can try mango or grapefruit juice added. Experimenting is the BEST way to find out what you like!
The most common Mexican varieties of beer here in the US are Corona and Modelo. We are year-round fans, that’s for sure! Corona Light comes in a new convenient 12 ounce slim can and I love it’s light and refreshing taste…plus it’s only 99 calories. Although it’s synonymous with summer and vacation, it’s truly a staple in our fridge all year long. It is mighty tasty in the sun, though! I love to serve it with a lime and with dishes that have a bit of kick to them. It’s the perfect pair with spice!
Modelo comes in Especial and Negra varieties–light and medium bodied beer. We like the caramel, amber colored Modelo Negra. It also comes in 12 ounce cans or bottle and pairs well with meat dishes. I love to pour it over a pork butt with spices for slow-cooker carnitas. For a traditional Michelada, I prefer the taste of Modelo Negra to pair with the tomato juice.
If you’re a Michelada newbie, I have two delish varieties for you to try: original and cucumber jalapeño. I considered doing a fruity one, but lately cucumber has been popping up in cocktails everywhere. It’s refreshing and cooling, just like Corona Light. Who’s thirsty?!
- 1 english cucumber , peeled and sliced into ½ slices
- ½ jalapeno , seeded and thinly sliced
- Corona Light slim can (12 oz)
- 2 limes , 1 wedged and 1 juiced
- Mexican Spice for glass rim
- Extra cucumbers for garnish
-
In the bottom of a mason jar, muddle 4 slices of cucumber, 2 slices jalapeno and 4 wedges of lime for 30 seconds. Discard lime wedges.
-
Coat the rim of a tall glass with lime juice. Sprinkle Mexican spice on a small plate. Run the glass over the spices.
-
Pour mixture into the bottom of the tall glass and fill with ice. Squeeze ½ lime juice. Slowly pour Corona Light over the ice.
-
Garnish with lime wedge and extra cucumber.
Are you jumping on board the fiesta train yet? Let’s celebrate! Celebrate making it through the worst work week of your life. Celebrate finally putting away your laundry. Whatever! Cheers, darling!
Have you tried a Michelada yet? Which is your favorite: Modelo or Corona?
[…] Cucumber Jalapeño Michelada […]