Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Micheladas vary by restaurant, region, or individual taste, with the popular take adding Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, soy sauce, or fish sauce to a beer-lime base.
But what makes up the difference between Micheladas? Of course, beer.
Mexican beers are a staple in this drink, but with the wide range of options, what’s the best beer for Michelada?
So, we’ve tried different beers—from Mexican lagers to craft beer to Mexican-lager-inspired beers, and here are our top 12 picks for a perfect Michelada.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 12 Beers For Making Michelada
12. Bohemia Clásica
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Why We Like It: Bohemia Clasica is an ideal beer for a Michelada for its good mix of lime flavor spices, chili powder, salt, and clamato juice (or soy sauce) that makes for a savory Michelada cocktail.
The bitterness of this Michelada beer is complemented by the herbal aroma that lingers in its body.
This is one of the most complex and best beers comparable to fine wine.
Read: Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer Full Review
11. Sol Cerveza
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Sol Cerveza had a lighter texture but was more refreshing due to its citrus flavor and blood-orange color.
If you love Mexican tacos, this is a great beer painting.
This Mexican lager provides a smooth finish that’s malt-forward and delicate. It has light black pepper spices that make for a good Michelada.
Try the Sol Chelada–but don’t forget to add the tomato juice.
10. Corona Extra
Average Price: approx. $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.6% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want a mild Michelada, try Corona Extra, then add fresh lime juice, tomato juice, and salt rim for a crisp and light taste, perfect for the hot weather.
Corona is one of the best beers in the market [1]—a good Mexican lager beer for a Michelada. Besides, this beer pairs well with chicken and nuts.
Read: Recommended Beers For Black & Tan
9. Sam Adams Light
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Why We Like It: This Samuel Adams Light beer is the soft version of their Boston Lager [2]. We like the aromas and flavors, specifically the warm caramel note, giving the autumn vibes.
Overall, this light lager has well-balanced warmth, fruit, and crisp character.
Its light body, bursting with tropical fruit aromas, makes it an easy-drinkable beer—the best for Michelada.
8. Landshark Lager
Average Price: approx. $10/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.3% ABV
Why We Like It: If you want the kick of a spicy Michelada, then have your hot sauce ready to be mixed with Landshark Lager, a Margaritaville-made beer.
This island-style lager has a light and refreshing taste with the spice of malt sweetness–perfect for a Michelada.
Actually, this is one of the best beers to drink by the beach.
7. Modelo Especial
Average Price: approx. $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Why We Like It: Compared to the best beers on our list, Modelo Especial is full-bodied, allowing us to enjoy Michelada with a variety of flavors and spices.
The combo of this American-style Mexican lager, spices, sauces, and juices mixed well together.
Modelo is a staple in Mexican beer cocktail drinks and well-known Michelada beer.
6. Sesión Cerveza
Average Price: approx. $14/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Session beers are known for their drinkability and freshness. This beer, made by Full Sail Brewing, is flavored to be the best Mexican lager.
This Mexican beer [3] matches well with fruitier Habanero hot sauces and citrusy drinks, like lime and orange juices.
Its vibrant and crisp flavor complements the delicate spices and lime that contribute to its balance.
5. 21st Amendment El Sully
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.8% ABV
Why We Like It: El Sully is craft beer made as Mexican pilsner. It’s a good base for Michelada if you want a heavier beer. In fact, this beer offers more complexity than Pacifico.
We recommend serving this beer with jalapeno-based hot sauce, lime, pureed green tomato juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
It gives a crisp, smooth finish—enjoyable, light, and refreshing.
4. Sierra Nevada Sierraveza
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 5.6% ABV
Why We Like It: This Sierra Nevada Sierraveza is a blend of lime and spice aromas similar to “housemade hot sauce.” Its creamy texture and smooth wheat note add complexity to its taste.
Inspired by the traditional cervezas, this beer is a unique take on lager.
The light flavor yet crisp palate, with a hint of floral hops for an extremely drinkable beer, keeps you wanting more.
3. Firestone Lager
Average Price: approx. $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 5.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Accompanied by a sweet and fresh green pepper, Firestone Lager is a neutral base, making for a Michelada with a spicy finish.
It’s a less spicy Michelada, but it’s equally refreshing and even more delightful than Bud Light.
This American lager is a highly drinkable beer with a crisp and refreshing taste of tropical fruit aromas.
It’s a strong beer for a complex Michelada but really thirst-quenching.
2. Cerveza Tecate
Average Price: approx. $13/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Tecate is inspired by an American beer lager, which pairs well with lime juice and salt in Michelada.
This is an ideal base to build a cocktail: mild, not malty, and crisp.
If you’ve tried Tecate Michelada before, you’d agree with its well-balanced flavor that goes well with clamato juice, tomato juice, hot sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and even Worcestershire sauce.
1. Pacifico Clara
Average Price: approx. $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Pacifico Clara is our favorite beer and the second-best beer for a Michelada. This jalapeno-infused beer gives a refreshing kick and a good body.
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
— Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the US
It has more flavor than other beers—pairing well with salt and lime—making it great for any Mexican cocktail, like Michelada and Mexican Bloody Mary.
This Mexican is like a “premium” Corona, adding a bit of grassiness and bread to a Michelada, which complements the tomato juice’s acid.
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is Dos Equis good for micheladas?
Dos Equis can be a suitable choice for making micheladas, but it ultimately depends on personal preference. Micheladas, a popular Mexican cocktail, typically combine beer with lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, creating a refreshing and savory drink.
Dos Equis, with its crisp and mildly malty flavor profile, can provide a solid base for a michelada, especially when paired with the cocktail’s bold and zesty ingredients.
Some people enjoy the lightness and subtle notes of Dos Equis in their micheladas, finding it to complement the cocktail’s flavors well.
However, the choice of beer for a michelada ultimately comes down to individual taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with different beers to find the perfect match for your michelada enjoyment.
Is Modelo good for michelada?
Modelo, particularly Modelo Especial or Modelo Negra, is often favored for making micheladas due to its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Micheladas typically feature a combination of beer, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, creating a refreshing and spicy beverage. Modelo’s crisp and clean taste, with hints of maltiness and a touch of bitterness, can complement the savory and tangy flavors of a traditional michelada.
Many people appreciate the balance that Modelo brings to the cocktail, finding that it enhances the overall drinking experience.
Ultimately, whether Modelo is good for a michelada depends on personal preference, but its popularity among fans of the cocktail suggests that it’s a worthy choice to consider.
Is Bud Light good for micheladas?
Bud Light, known for its light and crisp flavor profile, can be used to make micheladas, but opinions on its suitability may vary. Micheladas, a popular Mexican cocktail, typically combine beer with lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and refreshing beverage.
Bud Light’s mild taste and low bitterness may appeal to those seeking a lighter and more subtle base for their micheladas.
However, some enthusiasts of the cocktail prefer beers with bolder flavors or a stronger malt presence to enhance the overall taste experience.
While Bud Light can certainly be used in micheladas, whether it’s considered “good” for the cocktail depends on individual taste preferences. Experimenting with different beers can help you find the perfect match for your michelada enjoyment.
What beer is good with Clamato?
When it comes to pairing beer with Clamato, a popular choice is a light lager or Mexican-style lager. The combination of Clamato (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth) with beer creates a savory and refreshing drink known as a “Clamato beer” or “Clamato michelada.” Light lagers, such as Corona, Pacifico, or Modelo Especial, are often recommended due to their crispness, mild maltiness, and ability to complement the flavors of Clamato without overpowering them. Additionally, Mexican-style lagers typically have a clean finish, making them suitable for mixing with Clamato and other ingredients. Ultimately, the best beer for pairing with Clamato depends on personal taste preferences, but opting for a light and refreshing beer is generally a good choice.
Can you use any beer for michelada?
While traditional micheladas are typically made with light lagers or Mexican-style lagers, you can technically use any beer to make a michelada. Micheladas are a versatile cocktail, and the choice of beer allows for experimentation with different flavor profiles and styles.
Whether you prefer a light and crisp lager, a malty amber ale, or even a bold and hoppy IPA, you can customize your michelada to suit your taste preferences.
Keep in mind that the flavor of the beer will influence the overall taste of the cocktail, so consider how different beer styles will complement the other ingredients in the michelada, such as lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Feel free to get creative and explore different beer options to create a michelada that suits your palate.
Is Dos Equis a lager or pilsner?
Dos Equis is a lager beer. Specifically, it is often classified as a Mexican-style lager. Lager beers are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast strains at cooler temperatures, resulting in a clean and crisp taste profile. Dos Equis is known for its smooth and refreshing flavor, with subtle notes of malt sweetness and a balanced bitterness.
While some beer enthusiasts may refer to Dos Equis as a pilsner due to its light color and moderate bitterness, it is technically categorized as a lager.
The brand offers both Dos Equis Lager Especial, which is a pale lager, and Dos Equis Ambar, which is an amber lager. Both varieties are popular choices for enjoying on their own or for mixing into cocktails like micheladas.
What is a Chelada vs Michelada?
A Chelada and a Michelada are both popular Mexican beer cocktails, but they have some key differences. A Chelada typically consists of beer, lime juice, and salt, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. It’s a simple and refreshing drink, perfect for hot days.
On the other hand, a Michelada is a bit more complex. It usually includes beer, lime juice, assorted sauces (such as hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce), and spices (like chili powder or black pepper). Some variations even include tomato juice or Clamato.
The Michelada tends to have a more savory and spicy flavor profile compared to the Chelada. Both drinks are beloved for their ability to complement the flavors of Mexican cuisine and provide a refreshing kick.
Why do people drink Michelada?
People drink Micheladas for a variety of reasons, but one of the main attractions is the flavor. The combination of beer, lime juice, spices, and sauces creates a unique and complex taste experience that appeals to many palates.
The savory, spicy, and tangy elements of a Michelada make it a refreshing and satisfying beverage, particularly on hot days. Additionally, Micheladas are often enjoyed as a way to enhance the flavors of Mexican cuisine, acting as a perfect accompaniment to dishes like tacos, ceviche, or tostadas.
Some people also appreciate the customizable nature of Micheladas, as there are countless variations and personalizations possible, allowing drinkers to tailor the drink to their preferences.
Overall, the Michelada offers a flavorful and refreshing alternative to plain beer, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more adventurous drinking experience.
Is Modelo high end?
Modelo is often considered a high-end beer, particularly within the realm of Mexican beers. It’s a brand that has gained recognition and popularity both domestically in Mexico and internationally.
Modelo offers a range of beers, including Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Modelo Chelada, among others. Modelo Especial, in particular, is well-regarded for its crisp and refreshing taste, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
While “high-end” can be subjective and dependent on individual tastes and preferences, Modelo’s reputation for quality and its widespread availability in various markets contribute to its perception as a higher-end beer option.
Additionally, the branding and marketing of Modelo often emphasize its premium qualities, further cementing its image as a high-end choice among beer drinkers.
Who drinks Micheladas?
Micheladas are enjoyed by a diverse range of people, both within Mexico and internationally. In Mexico, they are a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, often consumed at bars, restaurants, and street food stalls. Micheladas appeal to those who appreciate bold and flavorful beverages, as well as individuals who enjoy exploring different cultural culinary traditions. Beyond Mexico, Micheladas have gained popularity in countries with vibrant Mexican communities, such as the United States, where they are often served in Mexican restaurants and enjoyed at social gatherings. Additionally, Micheladas have garnered a following among beer enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados who appreciate the complexity and customizable nature of the drink. Overall, Micheladas attract a broad demographic of drinkers who seek a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional beers and cocktails.
Which Modelo flavor is the best?
Determining the “best” Modelo flavor is subjective and largely dependent on individual preferences. However, among the various offerings from Modelo, Modelo Especial is widely regarded as a favorite by many beer drinkers.
Modelo Especial is a crisp and refreshing lager with a balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness. Its smooth and clean finish makes it an easy-drinking beer that pairs well with a variety of foods and occasions.
Additionally, Modelo Negra, a Vienna-style dark lager, is favored by those who prefer richer and more complex beer flavors. Its caramel and toasted malt notes contribute to a smooth and satisfying drinking experience.
Ultimately, the best Modelo flavor is the one that resonates most with an individual’s taste preferences and complements their drinking occasion or culinary choices.
Final Verdict: Best Beer For Michelada
Mexican lagers are always the best option to make a savory Michelada cocktail or drink, as they pair well with lime, salt, tomato or clamato juice, and citrus-based juices.
There are good American lagers, like the Firestone Lager, but we hail Pacifico as the best drink for this cocktail. For other options, Tecate and Sierra Nevada are ideal, as well.
If you’re surprised not to see Bud Light on this list, no offense, but its flavor isn’t ideal for salt and lime mixing to make Micheladas.
References:
- No, Corona’s beer sales did not suffer from the coronavirus
- Samuel Adams Introduces New, Brighter Take on Flagship Boston Lager for First Time in Nearly 40 Years with Big Game Ad
- The Origins of Mexican Beer
- How to Talk About Beer Like a Pro