Mayan Michelada: Get A Spicy Beer Kick

Mayan Michelada Recipe

Having mastered the classic Michelada, you’re set to serve this modern twist at your upcoming brunch. While beer traditionally stands as the Michelada’s only alcoholic ingredient, Tijuana Picnic in New York City enhances its Mayan Michelada with a hint of joven mezcal. This addition infuses the beverage with gentle smoky and agave undertones.

This drink is a tribute to the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Mexico, combining the earthiness of Pelotón de la Muerte joven mezcal with the tang of fresh lime juice, the sweetness of agave nectar, and a symphony of savory flavors from Cholula hot sauce, Maggi seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.

Topped off with a crisp Modelo Especial lager (or your preferred Mexican lager), and garnished with a chipotle salt rim and lime wedge, this cocktail is a complex and flavorful journey.

Here’s how to make the Mayan Michelada beer based cocktail at home.


Mayan Michelada Recipe Ingredients:

  • Pelotón de la Muerte Joven Mezcal (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Adds a distinctive smoky flavor that sets the Mayan Michelada apart from traditional versions.
  • Lime Juice (1/2 ounce / 15 ml, freshly squeezed): Provides a necessary acidity that brightens and balances the cocktail.
  • Agave Nectar (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): Offers a natural sweetness that complements the mezcal’s complexity.
  • Cholula Hot Sauce (5 dashes): Gives a spicy kick that’s both flavorful and invigorating.
  • Maggi Seasoning Sauce (5 dashes): Adds depth with its savory, umami-rich profile.
  • Worcestershire Sauce (3 dashes): Contributes a tangy, slightly sweet note that enhances the overall flavor blend.
  • Modelo Especial Lager (1 bottle): A chilled, light beer that adds effervescence and refreshes the palate, making the cocktail more approachable.
  • Garnish: Chipotle Salt Rim, adding a smoky, spicy edge, and a Lime Wedge, offering a final touch of citrus.

Mayan Michelada Recipe Guide:

  1. Prepare the Glass:
    • Start by rimming a pint glass with chipotle salt. This can be done by moistening the rim with a lime wedge and then dipping it into a plate of chipotle salt. The chipotle salt enhances introduces an initial smoky-spicy flavor with each sip.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of Pelotón de la Muerte joven mezcal, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of freshly squeezed lime juice, 7.5 ml (1/4 ounce) of agave nectar, along with the dashes of Cholula hot sauce, Maggi seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Shake:
    • Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled. This step ensures that all the flavors are beautifully blended together while also chilling the drink to perfection.
  4. Strain and Serve:
    • Strain the chilled mixture into the prepared pint glass filled with fresh ice. Straining helps to ensure a smooth texture and an even distribution of flavors.
  5. Top with Beer:
    • Gently top the cocktail with the chilled Modelo Especial lager, allowing the beer to cascade and mix with the base. The addition of the beer lightens the drink, adding a refreshing quality that makes it highly drinkable.
  6. Garnish:
    • Garnish the cocktail with a lime wedge. This simple yet effective garnish complements the drink’s flavor profile and adds a pop of color.

The Mayan Michelada Cocktail

The Michelada serves as Mexico’s counterpart to the Bloody Mary, perfect for whipping up in large quantities at your next summer barbecue or brunch gathering.

Typically, beer is the only alcoholic component in this drink, but Tijuana Picnic in New York City elevates its potency with a dash of mezcal joven, introducing a hint of smokiness and agave flavors.

So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of Mexico, and let this cocktail transport you to a world where tradition and innovation meet in every sip.

Cheers to discovery, flavor, and the timeless art of the best cocktail recipes!