The Michelada: A Summer Beer Cocktail

© GETTY IMAGES/MATT ARMENDARIZ

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya's Michelada Recipe

• Cold mexican beer (Corona or Tecate)
• Fresh lime juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco sauce
• Soy sauce or Maggi Seasoning Sauce
• For Ojo Rojo variation, add Clamato

The classic Mexican beer cocktail comes in three basic variants: the Chelada, the Michelada and the Ojo Rojo. All start with a cold beer (usually something lighter such as Corona or Tecate) poured over ice cubes in a salted pub glass. A Chelada simply adds the juice of one lime. A Michelada includes a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce (or the delightfully translated salsa típica inglesa), Tabasco sauce and soy sauce or Maggi Seasoning Sauce (the latter should be easily found in a large supermarket with an international section). An Ojo Rojo (or "Red Eye") adds a healthy splash of Clamato. 

This recipe comes compliments of the genial beach bartender at the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. Doubtless there are many variations on the theme (black pepper, ground chiles, Old Bay Seasoning ... it's very similar to the Bloody Mary in that respect). The origin of the name is unclear — perhaps a derivation of mi chela helada, or "my ice-cold beer"? Regardless, this wonderfully tangy and spicy cocktail goes nicely with ceviche or fresh seafood. It also works very well while one is beachside and prone.