You know the old adage: when life gives you limes, make yourself a Chelada! Okay, that might not be *exactly* the saying we grew up with, but as adults, just trust me: it’s far better.

This refreshing Mexican beer cocktail is particularly welcome on a warm and sunny day. Just be warned: it’s impossible to drink just one!

two chelada beer cocktails in clear glasses with salted rims on a wooden cutting board

The first time I had one of these tasty drinks I thought, “Wow, this is like a limonada and beer all in one! How come I didn’t think of this combination?” My next thought was, “I need to have another one.”

If you are yet unfamiliar with cheladas, I invite you to make one with me. I can almost guarantee you’ll love it.

What does “Chelada” mean?

There are competing claims to where the name chelada came from, and they both make a lot of sense to me!

The first etymological claim asks that we break the word down into component parts. In Mexican slang, chela is slang for “beer,” and helado is the Spanish word for “ice.” So chelada is a fun play on words that combines the two and refers to a beer cocktail. (Remember that in Spanish, the “h” in helado is silent.)

If we combine ice and beer, we are well on our way to making a chelada! I like to keep mine very simple — just light beer, fresh lime juice, and ice with a simple salted rim. Think of it like a lime margarita, except a bit lighter on calories and sugar!

What is the difference between Chelada and Michelada?

The other origin story for the name chelada has to do with a man in a bar (don’t so many fun stories start that way?). It is rumored that a member of Club Deportivo Potosino, named Michel Ésper, used to order his beer on the rocks with a splash of lime. The drink become known as “Michel’s limonda,” which was then shortened to michelada.

While the original michelada was simply made with lime, nowadays they refer to a more specific type of beer cocktail (cerveza preparada) that combines beer with bloody mary style ingredients like tomato juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce — try my Easy Spicy Michelada.

hand squeezing lime juice into a glass of ice that has been rimmed with tajin seasoning

How to Make a Lime Chelada

If you’re looking for a simple cocktail, things don’t get much easier than making a chelada. Grab your favorite light Mexican beer, a fresh lime, and some ice.

Moisten the rim of a glass by running a wedge of lime around it. Dip in your favorite glass rimmer – coarse salt, Sal Limón, or Tajín.

Add ice and lime juice to the glass, then top with beer. Salud!

hand pouring modelo beer into salt rimmed glass with ice and lime juice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beer to use for lime cheladas?

Since this lime chelada is a light and refreshing cocktail, I like to choose a beer that will match. I generally reach for Dos XX, Tecate, or Modelo Especial, but any light, crisp, pilsner-style Mexican beer will do.

What is the best way to rim a glass for cheladas?

Feel free to play with your rim toppers! While I tend to go for simple flavors like plain salt, Sal Limón (salt with citric acid for a bit of pucker), or Tajín (spicy lime salt), you can get as elaborate as you like. Check out this fun article on how one Chicago restaurant likes to rim their glasses!

close up shot of Modelo beer being poured into a glass with ice and lime juice that has been rimmed with chili lime salt for a chelada

Want more beer cocktails?

Check out these other yummy recipes:

If you made my easy recipe for Lime Cheladas, let me know what you thought! I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

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Easy Chelada With Mexican Beer

5 (3 ratings)
A chelada is a quick beer cocktail (or cerveza preparada) made with ice, lime, and salt

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup ice
  • Mexican beer, recommend: Dos XX, Tecate, or Modelo Especial
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • Sal Limón, coarse salt, or Tajín

Instructions 

  • Moisten rim of glass with a lime and salt the rim or use Tajin.
  • Add ice and lime juice.
  • Add beer, and drink before the ice melts.

Notes

  • Fresh lime juice is going to produce a better tasting Chelada. Do not be tempted to use bottled lime juice.
Calories: 144kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 13mg, Potassium: 152mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 12mg

Originally published: January 2011. This recipe is also published in the Muy Bueno cookbook.

Photography by Raemi Vermiglio