If you've never tried a Chelada recipe, you're going to love it! This simple beer-based cocktail is refreshing and bright and full of flavor. It's easy to make and is a perfect pairing for tacos and nachos.
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What is a Chelada?
Have you heard of Micheladas? They are basically a beer-based version of a bloody mary and they look delicious. But I can't really wrap my head around a tomato-based cocktail. I want to like it. I just don't think I can.
The term "chelada" is basically slang or a shortened version of Michelada. BUT there are tons of variations. I'm not an expert but I think a basic chelada is without the savory, tomato components. I might be wrong, but this is how I make mine.
Related post: Easy Michelada with Pumpkin
I saw the Chelada recipe in Rachael Ray, and got so excited! It called for just two ingredients and sounded super easy to make. And I'm always looking for other Mexican inspired things to drink for parties or Cinco de Mayo.
The pairing of Mexican beer and lime is classic. And this is just turning that combo into more of a cocktail. It's kind of like a Mexican Arnold Palmer. And it's super tasty.
Chelada Ingredients
- 1 bottle Corona
- Batch of limeade (prepared)
- lime to garnish
Personally, I LOVE Corona but you can use another type of light Mexican beer. But Corona is so good on a hot, hot day.
I made a batch of limeade from frozen concentrate but you could also buy ready-made.
And then sliced lime for a garnish.
Some recipes call for just unsweetened lime juice instead of the limeade. And that wouldn't be bad either. It's really up to you! To me, adding just lime juice is basically how I drink Corona anyway.
So swapping that out for limeade makes this a little "fancier."
How to Make a Chelada
Are you ready? It's SO easy. It's basically 1 part limeade to 2 parts Corona.
I'm not a fan of salt on my margaritas so I definitely didn't do that here. A Corona Chelada is delicious on its own but if you like salt, feel free to rim your glass before making!
Variations
- Mint - muddle 8 to 10 mintleaves in your glass before adding the limeade and beer.
- Pineapple - add about ¼ cup pineapple juice to your chelada and stir (pineapple can be strong and over powering so I would recommend adding a little at a time until you make it the way you like it.)
- Add a kick - Do you know what would be extra delicious?? A Tajin rim! I fell in love with that on my last trip to Mexico (OMG - I LOVE Riviera Nayarit!).
The Chelada is super refreshing and a great idea for warm weather entertaining. It's also a great alternative to a margarita on Cinco de Mayo or any time you're serving Mexican food!
This fast and easy beer-based cocktail is perfect for warm days and taco nights! Try out this Chelada recipe with some friends and get the fiesta jumping!
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More Mexican Inspired Cocktails
- My favorite cucumber margarita recipe. Best ever.
- The world's best frozen margarita recipe. At least in my world it is...
- This spiced Clementine margarita.
- This Mexican Mule is always a favorite!
Mexican Snacks to Pair with your Chelada
- You should totally make this Mexican beer, chocolate and chile ice cream.
- Need a snack? This avocado hummus with jalapeno and cilantro is perfect.
- This Mexican caprese tostada will totally hit the spot.
Easy Chelada Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Corona or other light Mexican beer
- 3 oz. Limeade prepared, if frozen
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add beer.
- Top with Limeade.
- Add fresh lime juice to taste.
- Give a gentle stir.
- Consider rimming the glass with salt if you like that sort of thing.
Emily says
these look amazing! I cant wait to use these next week for cinco de mayo!
Sharon Garofalow says
Make sure to add the extra lime juice! Otherwise they taste a lot like beer. Which isn't awful. :) Next time I might use the limeade concentrate but not add the water. It's so refreshing!
Melissa says
This looks like my kind of drink. The husband is a Corona fan so this might be one he would like too. xo
Sharon Garofalow says
It was so tasty and refreshing! Perfect for your humid, hot days!