Chavela (Mexican Beer with Tomato Juice)

Pro tips

• Rim the glass thoroughly with salt before filling so each sip has that savory edge.
• Use ice to keep the drink cold; the beer will warm and lose carbonation if it sits undiluted.
• Reserve the lemon wedge after rimming and drop it into the drink for both garnish and a squeeze of citrus flavor.
• Start with 6 dashes of hot sauce and adjust upward to your heat preference before adding the full beer.

Substitutions

• Light Mexican beer → any light lager (note: non-Mexican beers may shift flavor profile)
• Tabasco or Cholula → sriracha or other hot sauce (note: adjust quantity and flavor to taste)
• Tomato juice → clamato juice (note: creates a variation closer to a michelada)

Can you make chavela without tequila?

Yes. Tequila is optional; the core drink is tomato juice, hot sauce, beer, lemon, and ice with a salted rim.

What hot sauce works best in chavela?

Tabasco and Cholula are traditional choices, but any hot sauce with similar heat and flavor works. Adjust to taste.

What type of beer should I use?

A light-bodied Mexican lager like Corona is ideal, but any light Mexican beer works well.

Is the salted rim necessary?

No, but it's traditional and adds a savory contrast that complements the tomato juice and hot sauce.

Can you prep chavela in advance?

Chavela is best made fresh and served immediately to keep the carbonation and ice intact.