Living in Central America I have quickly discovered that Micheladas are my favorite drinks. They beat out mojitos, margaritas, daiquiris and tons of other drinks made in these regions.
So when strolling along the Boardwalk (Malecon) of Guatape, Colombia, I knew I was in for a super delicious treat at the stand that calls itself Michelada. And the best part, it was a homemade michelada prepared right in front of me.
This is How Colombian Michelada is Made
The typical Michelada, or at least the one I’m used to drinking is a similar concoction of a Bloody Mary mix. But instead of vodka, you use beer.
Sometimes, I always have to be cautious if it isn’t too spicy, which at times can definitely be the case. And since I and spicy things are hardcore enemies, I have had this yummy drink ruined for me on more than one occasion. Nowadays, my husband is my taster. He, on the other hand, loves all things spicy, so we normally order one at a time to see if it can work for me.
Colombian style Micheladas are TOTALLY different, to my great surprise. Before I arrived to Guatape where I had it done homemade for me, I was ordering it in the restaurants and always being very stern by saying – I don’t want it spicy. The waiters would always shake their heads yes while giving me a look of ‘What is this woman talking about’.
Now I know what that look was all about.
Micheladas in Colombia are freshly squeezed lemons mainly. Nothing remotely spicy goes into them.
The woman at the stand did it all in front of me and then at the end asked me if I wanted fresh mango as well. De-li-cious!
And the best part, in Colombia you are allowed to drink on the streets (as long as you are not driving – there is a zero-tolerance law about drinking and driving). So, here I was walking along the Malecon, enjoying my fresh Michelada and simply loving Colombia and life.
Colombian Michelada Recipe
Ingredients
– Light beer
– Lemon
– Salt
– Ice cubes
– Green mango
How to prepare a michelada colombiana?
- You can prepare this delicious drink in only five short steps.
- First, you need to lay out the ingredients and wash them thoroughly. Your beer should be extra cold as well as the glass. Your mango should also be diced.
- When you are ready to drink it take the glass out of the freezer and rub some lemon on the rim of the glass. Put some salt on a plate and pass the rim of the glass on it so that it adheres.
- Pour some lemon juice onto the glass without ruining the salted border. The quantity will depend on how strong you like to feel the taste of lemon in your beer.
- Take your mango and ice to add to the lemon juice. If you like, you can also put in a lemon slice.
- The last step is to pour your beer into the glass over the lemon, mango, and ice.
And that’s it! Time to enjoy your Colombian michelada.
Video Fun
Would you like to learn more about traditional Colombian food? How about their tasty Dulce de coco? Or maybe Sancocho de Gallina?
Enjoyed this post? Pin it!
Lime and salt in Medellin.
So you just describe a Mexican beverage that you just happened to have consumed in Colombia. Micheladas originate in Mexico. The only difference I see is that it’s not spicy. But calling it a Colombian michelada is like calling a Mojito a Colombian mojito just because you consumed it in Colombia when in fact mojitos are from Cuba. In any way, if it was good then great, enjoy your Mexican Michelada in Colombia!
Hi Javi, I couldn’t resist responding to your comment, as you seem to insist it’s a “Mexican Michelada consumed in Colombia”. Well, it’s not. And still it’s called michelada all over Colombia.
Give it a try.