The History of the Michelada: Mexico’s Spicy Beer Finds a Home in the UK

The History of the Michelada: Mexico’s Spicy Beer Finds a Home in the UK

Move over Bloody Mary — the Michelada has entered the chat. A spicy, tangy, and refreshing beer cocktail hailing from Mexico, the Michelada has slowly made its way from the streets of Guadalajara to the bars and backyard BBQs of London and beyond. But where exactly did this bold drink originate, and why is it suddenly showing up on UK menus?

Let’s explore the origin story, evolution, and growing presence of the Michelada in the UK — and how Meexa is leading a bold new chapter with the UK’s first ever ready-to-drink Michelada in a can.

🌶️ What Is a Michelada?

At its core, a Michelada is a cocktail made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces (typically Worcestershire, soy, and hot sauce), spices, and often a salted rim. Think of it as Mexico’s answer to the Bloody Mary, but with a crisp lager instead of vodka — making it the perfect antidote to hot weather and spicy food.

Variations abound. Some recipes lean heavily into citrus. Others go bold on chilli. In coastal towns, you'll even find it served with shrimp skewers hanging out the side. But the uniting thread is that it’s salty, spicy, sour, and savoury — a true umami bomb in a glass.

A Quick History: How the Michelada Was Born

The Michelada has a few origin stories, depending on whom you ask. The most popular version dates back to the 1940s and 50s in Mexico:

  • One theory points to a man named Michel Esper from San Luis Potosí, who allegedly ordered his beer with lime, salt, and hot sauce, served in a chilled glass — dubbed “Michel’s chelada” (Michel’s cold beer).
  • Another idea is that it’s a play on “mi chela helada”, meaning “my cold beer” in Mexican slang.
  • Some say it began as a hangover cure, developed by bartenders experimenting with hot sauce and lime to spice up bland beer and ease rough mornings.

By the 1970s, the Michelada had become a staple in cantinas and taquerias across Mexico — and from there, it took flight globally.

🌍 Global Popularity: From Mexico to the World

The Michelada’s rise internationally coincided with two major trends:

  1. The globalisation of Mexican cuisine, especially in the US and Europe.
  2. The craft beer and cocktail fusion movement, where bartenders began remixing traditional drinks with gourmet twists.

Today, you’ll find Michelada variants from LA rooftop bars to Tokyo izakayas. It’s also been commercialised in Latin America — with canned Michelada-style beers and spice mixes readily available.

The Michelada in the UK: A Rising Star in the British Drinks Scene

Until recently, the Michelada was relatively unknown in the UK. British drinkers have long embraced beer cocktails like the Shandy or the Black Velvet, but the idea of putting hot sauce and soy in your lager raised eyebrows. That’s starting to change — fast.

Why It’s Gaining Traction in the UK:

  • Mexican food boom: The rise of authentic taquerias, food trucks, and mezcalerías in cities like London, Bristol, and Manchester has brought Micheladas along for the ride.
  • Hot sauce culture: Brits are now embracing spice like never before, with UK-made hot sauces winning awards and gaining cult followings.
  • Low-ABV lifestyle: As more people explore low-alcohol and sessionable drinks, a Michelada offers a complex experience without the heavy hit of spirits.

Meexa RTD: The UK’s First Ready-to-Drink Michelada in a Can

And now, the Michelada has a bold new home — in a can, crafted by Meexa.

At Meexa, we’ve reimagined this classic Mexican cocktail for modern UK tastes with a fresh, portable twist. After months of development, flavour testing, and sourcing the perfect blend of beer, lime, umami, and spice, we’re proud to launch the UK’s first authentic, ready-to-drink Michelada in a can.

What Makes Meexa Michelada Different?

  • Real Ingredients: No shortcuts. We use real citrus, tomato extract, natural chilli heat, and carefully selected Worcestershire-style and soy-based umami for depth.
  • Sessionable Strength: A perfect balance between refreshment and buzz — lower ABV, maximum flavour.
  • Sustainable Packaging: Our cans are recyclable and lightweight, ideal for festivals, BBQs, and travel.
  • Spice-Lover Approved: A satisfying kick of chilli without overwhelming the palate.

Whether you're at a summer garden party in London, heading to a picnic in Brighton, or just fancy something different in your local off-licence — Meexa’s Michelada is the new, spicy, sippable revolution waiting to be discovered.

How UK Drinkers Are Reinventing the Michelada

Interestingly, the UK Michelada is developing its own flavour. Some bartenders are adding:

  • HP Sauce for a British umami kick
  • Marmite rims mixed with sea salt (yes, really)
  • Local beers like pale ales and craft lagers instead of the traditional Mexican lagers

But with Meexa’s canned Michelada, you no longer need to experiment — we’ve bottled that perfect mix, no bartender required.

🍻 Final Thoughts: Why the Michelada Belongs on British Menus (and in Your Fridge)

As UK drinkers grow more adventurous, the Michelada offers a perfect storm of flavour, culture, and creativity. Now, thanks to Meexa, it’s easier than ever to grab one, crack it open, and sip into something new.

 

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