As the people of the northern hemisphere see their days shorten, those in the southern hemisphere see their days lengthen. Both hemispheres enter the cool and comfortable shoulder seasons, where outdoor grilling may be accompanied by bonfires, sweaters and the perfect Mexican cocktail. If you are guessing margarita, guess again, for the milder weather the flavorful michelada is the drink to hold.

The michelada is one of Mexico’s classic cocktails, one that bartenders have been concocting and customizing since the 1940’s. A bartender may tell the story of the cocktail’s origin as being the invention of a bartender in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, “michelada” the cocktail’s name being an homage to Michel Esper, the bartender frequently cited as the inventor of the drink. Others may simply point out its name as a derivative of the Spanish phrase, “Mi cerveza helada” (my cold beer). There is no universal agreement on the verity of the cocktail’s origen or name, but there is agreement on the cocktail’s base: beer, salt, lime and ice. Additional layers of savory and umami are achieved from a variety of bottles, such as, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Clamato, tomato juice, chile powder, or even bouillon (preferably “jugo Maggi”). The Mexican lager, a lighter style of beer is what is most commonly used, but darker beers are known to make an appearance. Again, customization is totally acceptable.

So whether hosting a gathering to close-out summer, or preparing to usher it in, the michelada is the go-to cocktail to serve. It is great with grilled meats, seafood or Mexican brunch classics like "chilaquiles” or “huevos rancheros”. This recipe also makes a great non-alcoholic offering by substituting non-alcoholic beer.

Michelada’s are mixed in a pitcher, always poured over ice in the glass (remember, never ice in the pitcher). The glasses rimmed in salt. Below is a basic Michelada recipe that serves about 6.

Ingredients:
3 12-Ounce bottles Mexican lager, chilled
1/3 Cup fresh lime juice, chilled
1/8 Teaspoon “Jugo Maggi”, or to taste
2 Limes cut into quarters, room temperature
1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1/2 TeasponnTabasco, to taste
Kosher salt (for extra spice, mix with chile powder)
Ice for 6 glasses

Tools:
Pitchers
Glasses

Steps:
In a large pitcher mix beer, chilled lime juice, Worcester sauce, “jugo Maggi”, and Tabasco to taste.
Place a layer of Kosher salt on a small plate.
Wet glass rims with the lime wedges and invert glass in Kosher salt to coat the rim.
Fill glass with ice, pour michelada from pitcher and garnish with lime.