What Are Micheladas Called in English?

If you've ever stumbled across a bold, spicy beer cocktail on a Mexican menu and wondered, "What is a Michelada in English?" — you're not alone. This fiery, fizzy classic has been gaining popularity in the UK, but its name can still leave English-speaking drinkers scratching their heads.

🍅 What Does "Michelada" Literally Mean?

The word Michelada doesn’t have a direct English equivalent, but it’s believed to come from a combination of:

• Mi chela helada — Mexican slang for "my cold beer"
• Or a blend of Michel + chelada (beer with lime and salt)

📣 So What Is a Michelada Called in English?

In English, a Michelada is best described as a:

Spicy Mexican Beer Cocktail
OR
Beer Bloody Mary

Other ways to describe it:

• Beer with lime, hot sauce, and seasoning
• Chilli-spiked lager cocktail
• Savoury beer drink with tomato and spice

🍹 Is a Michelada Like a Bloody Mary?

Yes — and no. Both are savoury, spicy, and often used as hangover cures. But Micheladas use beer instead of vodka and are lighter, fizzier, and citrus-forward.

📖 Read: Michelada vs Bloody Mary – What’s the Difference?

🌍 Why Don’t We Translate It?

Like Sangria or Mimosa, “Michelada” is better left untranslated. It’s cultural, unique, and increasingly recognised on its own.

🛍 Where Can I Find One in the UK?

Micheladas are becoming more common thanks to Mexican food trucks, craft bars, and Meexa’s ready-to-drink cans.

🥫 Meexa: The Michelada in a Can

Meexa brings the classic Michelada experience into a modern, low-ABV, ready-to-drink format — no bartender needed.

🔍 TL;DR:

• What is a Michelada in English? A spicy Mexican beer cocktail.
• Is it like a Bloody Mary? Yes, but lighter and made with beer.
• What does it translate to? Roughly, “my cold beer.”
• How should I describe it? “Spicy beer cocktail with lime and chilli.”