Spicy Low-Carb Michelada Recipe

If you enjoy your Sunday brunch with a bloody mary, you may want to try its Mexican cousin michelada. The main difference is that the bloody mary includes vodka, whereas the michelada includes beer; Both cocktails contain tomato juice, while the michelada also includes a chile, salt, and lime powder mix on the glass rim to enhance the flavors of this drink. Before I share my spicy low-carb michelada recipe, let me first share when and where I discovered this refreshing beverage.

The first time I tried a michelada was in Oaxaca, Mexico. But instead of drinking it in an 8 oz glass, it was served in an aggressively large 50 oz cup. Needless to say that my local friends drank it quickly with ease, while it took me much longer to finish this refreshing cocktail. But as soon as I finished it, I knew I wanted to try it again in the near future.

Back in Los Angeles, I would periodically drink spicy micheladas at one of my favorite (Oaxacan) Mexican restaurants called Guelaguetza, based in Koreatown, or while watching LAFC soccer/futbol matches at the Bank of California stadium.

Can you make this michelada recipe with clamato?

Many people have previously made this michelada recipe with clamato. However, 8 oz of clamato juice has 11g of sugar, which will not make this drink low-carb or keto-friendly. Instead, I would include the following ingredients as a replacement for clamato juice:

• Tomato juice
• Tapitio or hot sauce
• Liquid amino or soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Clam juice (optional)
• Lime juice

As much as I love the original tomato juice cocktail, I wanted to create a spicy low-carb michelada recipe that would better fit my lifestyle. To me, this is the best michelada recipe for those who adhere to a healthier eating and drinking lifestyle, while still preserving the integrity of this cocktail’s flavor.

What food goes well with a michelada?

I recommend pairing this refreshingly light Mexican cocktail with a deliciously rich Mexican Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa. This crisp sparkingly drink aspect cuts down the richness in the cheese and enhances the tomato flavor in this popular Mexican dish.  However, if you are opting for a lighter dish, I would recommend enjoying this keto-friendly michelada with a Mexican Fish Taco.

Check out my spicy low-carb michelada recipe below:

Spicy Low-Carb Michelada Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 6 oz Corona Premiere (or any low-carb beer)
• 3 oz 100% Tomato juice
• ½ ​tsp Tapitio or hot sauce
• ¼ tsp Liquid amino or soy sauce
• ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp Clam juice (optional)
• ½ oz Lime juice
• 2-3 oz Ice cubes
• 1 tbsp Tajin (chili and lime powder)

Instructions

1. Add 1 tbsp of tajin (chili-lime powder mixture) to a small plate. 
2. Rub the rim the top of your cold glass 12 oz cup with a lime wedge
3. Press the top of the glass against the tajin powder
4. Add the low-carb beer, tomato juice, Tapitio, liquid amino, Worcestershire sauce, clam juice, and lime juice into the seasoned glass
5. Slowly stir the ingredients together
6. Add ice
7. Give another quick stir to the spicy low-carb michelada
8. Garnish with olives and pepperoncini (optional)

Please let me know what you think of this cocktail recipe in the comments below or DM on instagram @dashofting