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Home Blog Course Cocktails

Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail with Lime)

Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik Posted: 05/03/21 Updated: 01/27/22
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/5
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This chelada recipe is super refreshing and delicious: fresh lime juice with Mexican beer over ice, all in a salt-rimmed glass. Easy to make and incredibly tasty, this is my go-to when in Mexico!

Two tall salt-rimmed glasses of chelada in front of green beer bottles

What Makes This Drink So Good

  • It’s unbelievably delicious. Seriously. My husband & I go to Mexico a lot, and “vaso de chelada” is high on my list of phrases-I-use-most because I just can’t get enough of them. It’s the only thing I’ll drink on the beach when the sun is out, and I dreamed of them during my pregnancies. I mean, salt cravings + unquenchable thirst + “off limits”? Talk about wanting what you can’t have.
  • It’s so easy to make. Even though it’s a cocktail, there’s no infused syrups, no muddling a bunch of different herbs and fruits, not even a need for a cocktail shaker.
  • It’s super budget-friendly, and the ingredients are easy to find. All you really need are fresh limes, ice, a little salt, and a few beers.
  • Cheladas are a great option if you want something to go with Mexican food but you’re not big on drinks like margaritas. They’re perfect alongside so many different recipes! Serve them next to carne asada fries, shredded chicken tacos, carnitas nachos, or Mexican stuffed peppers.

Key Ingredients

Beer – The key to a good chelada is using the right beer. You want something that’s light and crisp, with a refreshing flavor – not anything heavy or overpowering. Dos Equis is my go-to for stateside cheladas, but you could use Modelo or Tecate or anything along those lines. Also, your beer needs to be as cold as possible!

Lime Juice – I really can’t recommend enough that you use fresh lime juice, not bottled. What’s really great is you can adjust the amount of lime juice in your chelada to preference. I can’t get enough of that lime flavor, but my husband prefers his chelada a little lighter – so I use the juice from two limes, and he sticks to just one.

Chef’s Tips

  • For a spicy take on a chelada, try a michelada. It’s similar, but most variations take the beer + lime juice combination a little further, adding ingredients like Clamato juice, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and hot sauce.
  • You can skip the ice cubes if you want by putting your empty glass in the freezer at least 30 minutes before making your drink. The frosted glass will keep your chelada nice and cool without watering down your cocktail.
  • To salt or not to salt? The salted rim is totally optional, so you can skip it if you prefer, but I think it adds a lot to the drink. Tajin is a great alternative if you want to add a little heat and lime flavor with your salt.
Tall salt-rimmed glass of chelada with lime wedge garnish on a table with a wooden board

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Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook, too!

Close up of two tall salt-rimmed glasses of chelada in front of green beer bottles
5 from 1 vote

Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail with Lime)

Prep:5 minutes
Cook:0 minutes
Total:5 minutes
This chelada recipe is super refreshing and delicious: fresh lime juice with Mexican beer over ice, all in a salt-rimmed glass. Easy to make and incredibly tasty, this is my go-to when in Mexico!
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1 chelada

Ingredients

  • juice of 1 large lime see Notes
  • salt or Tajin for rim of glass
  • 1 12-ounce bottle Mexican beer Dos Equis lager, etc.
  • 1-2 handfuls ice
  • lime wedges optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Flat bowl or small plate (2)
  • Drinking glass

Instructions 

  • Pour lime juice in flat, flat bowl or plate that's slightly wider than rim of glass. Pour salt or Tajin in another flat bowl or plate of same size.
    Lime juice and Tajin in bowls
  • Dip rim of glass into lime juice, then immediately dip into salt or Tajin. Gently tap sides of glass to shake off any excess.
  • Fill glass halfway with ice. Pour lime juice from bowl over ice, then pour beer to top of glass. Tilt glass as you pour to control foam.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • I like my cheladas heavy on the lime juice, but O prefers them lighter. I use 2 limes; he uses 1. Use as much or as little as you like!
  • You won’t use the entire bottle of beer for your first chelada, so hang on to it and top off your glass as needed.
 
 
Recipe yields one chelada. Nutritional values shown reflect information for one chelada using Dos Equis lager. Macros may vary slightly based on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1chelada, Calories: 139kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 35mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 15IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg, Net Carbs: 13g

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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Cheryl Malik

Meet Cheryl Malik

Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She's been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.

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  1. Bree says

    Posted on 1/20/20 at 11:54 pm

    This is gonna make ne sound like a dummy but I’ll share anyway cause it’s funny. I found you via your whole 30 starter kit (love btw and started week 3 today!) Anyway… I got super excited when i saw your Chelada recipe because I assumed it was whole 30 approved. #facepalm If only, huh?5 stars

    Reply

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