How to make a Chavela drink with Modelo lager and optional tequila shot.
A shot of tequila is often served alongside Chavela.
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Read on for relevant tips and step by step pictures (2 mins)
What is a Chavela Drink?
Chavela is Mexican beer cocktail with tomato juice, seasoned with hot sauce, garnished with lemon or lime and served in a glass rimmed with coarse salt or spicy chile lime salt such as Tajin.
How is Chavela Different from Michelada?
A chavela is a classic cerveza preparada (prepared beer), just like its close relative the Michelada. Both are very popular in Mexico.
However, there are several principal differences between the two light beer cocktails.
- Chavela is a bit simpler compared to Michelada – it uses fewer ingredients (for example no Worcestershire sauce).
- Chavela includes tomato juice while classic Michelada does not.
- Chavela is typically made with cerveza clara (golden, crisp lager similar to pilsner), whereas Michelada is more commonly mixed with cerveza oscura (dark, amber colored lager in the style of Munich dunkel or Vienna lager).
- Chavela beverage is sometimes spiked with a shot of tequila or served with a shot of tequila on the side.
What’s In the Glass of the Traditional Version?
Authentic Chavela uses these few simple ingredients.
Amanda says
You always have the best beer cocktails! I’m definitely putting this on my Super Bowl menu — I can’t think of a more perfect pregame drink.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I love that you say the tequila is optional. I LOVE tequila so it’s never optional for me! I’ve never heard of a chavela so thank you for the education; it sounds delicious!
Leanne says
I would definitely add the shot of tequila! 😉 Looks tasty and refreshing. While it’s only Monday morning, I’m imagining sipping on this during brunch this weekend! Have a great week ahead!