Chelada Recipe

What do you drink on a hot summer day? This simple beer-based cocktail is refreshing and bright and full of flavor. If you’ve never tried a Chelada recipe, you’re going to love it! It’s easy to make and is a perfect pairing for tacos and nachos. But what isn’t, am I right?

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. 

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. 

How to Make a Chelada

Chelada Recipe 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.”

Steps:

Are you ready? It’s SO easy. It’s basically 1 part limeade to 2 parts Corona. It was good. But it needed something.

So I grabbed my lime essential oil and added a few drops! It was perfect! If you don’t have the oil handy, you can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. 

If you use oils, ALWAYS be sure that they are food grade and made to be consumed!!!! 

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! 

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! 

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!).

Printable Chelada Recipe

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Easy Chelada Recipe

If you're looking for a super refreshing beer-based cocktail, you'll love this Chelada recipe!

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword beer, easy cocktail recipe, easy cocktails, Mexican Cocktails

Prep Time 3 minutes

Servings 1

Author Sharon Garofalow

Ingredients

• 6 oz. Corona or other light Mexican beer
• 3 oz. Limeade prepared, if frozen
• 1-2 drops lime essential oil Optional. Make sure it's safe to consume. Can substitute a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add beer.
3. Top with Limeade.
4. Add lime essential oil or fresh lime juice to taste.
5. Give a gentle stir.
6. Consider rimming the glass with salt if you like that sort of thing.

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.

Pin this Chelada Recipe for Later!

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!