This Spicy Mango Michelada is a bold, fruity twist on the classic. Sweet mango juice balances out the heat from hot sauce and the tangy saltiness of Tajín, while a splash of tequila adds depth and a boozy kick. It’s all brought together by an ice-cold beer, making the drink crisp, refreshing, and full of personality. Served in a Tajín-rimmed glass and garnished with mango and lime, it’s made for hot days, backyard hangouts, or anything involving tacos.
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Tasting Notes
The Spicy Mango Michelada is bold, fruity, and full of flavor. Mango juice adds tropical sweetness, while lime juice keeps things bright and sharp. Tequila brings a smooth kick, and hot sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the drink. Tajín adds salt, spice, and citrus, both inside the drink and on the rim. Cold beer finishes it off with a refreshing, fizzy layer that balances the spice and fruit. It’s tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet with every sip. Garnished with mango cubes and lime, it’s bold but still easy to sip on a hot day.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a jigger, citrus press, bar spoon, and a plate for rimming the glass. Use a large pint glass, beer mug, or even a wide highball something big enough to hold ice and the beer pour. A small cocktail pick helps with mango cubes if you want to skewer the garnish. Chill your glass in the freezer before prepping, especially if you’re serving this outdoors or on a hot day. The rim is key, so make sure you have enough Tajín on hand to coat the edge evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mango juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz tequila
- 1.5 tsp hot sauce
- ⅛ tsp Tajín, plus more for rimming
- ½ bottle cold Mexican-style lager
- Garnish: mango cubes and lime slice
Instructions
- Rim your glass with lime juice and dip into Tajín.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Add mango juice, lime juice, tequila, hot sauce, and ¼ tsp Tajín. Stir to mix.
- Slowly pour in the beer to top it off.
- Garnish with mango cubes and a lime slice.
Pro Tips
- Use a light, crisp beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico.
- Adjust hot sauce to match your heat preference.
- Fresh mango juice works best avoid overly sweet blends.
- Rim the glass generously with Tajín for full flavor in every sip.
- Chill all ingredients for a cold, clean pour.
- Add mango cubes frozen for an ice-cube alternative.
- Stir gently after topping with beer to preserve the fizz.
When to Serve
This Spicy Mango Michelada is the perfect drink for summer afternoons, cookouts, or game days. It’s great for anyone who loves spicy cocktails or micheladas but wants a fruitier take. Serve it with tacos, grilled snacks, or anything salty it holds up well to bold flavors. It’s also a solid pick for brunch if you want a savory drink that’s not just another Bloody Mary. Because it’s long and light, it works well for slow sipping and social settings.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Tequila: Espolòn Blanco, Olmeca Altos Plata, or El Jimador
- Beer: Modelo Especial, Pacifico, or Corona Extra
- Hot Sauce: Valentina, Tapatío, Cholula, or your go-to
- Mango Juice: Fresh-pressed or brands like Ceres or Jumex (100% juice)
- Tajín: Classic Tajín Clásico seasoning
- Garnish: Mango cubes (fresh or frozen) and lime slice
Similar Cocktails
- The Grand Margarita
- Strawberry Corona-Rita
- StrawBEERita
- Kumquat Kombucha Margarita
- Papaya Blaze Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz mango juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz tequila
- 1.5 tsp hot sauce
- ⅛ tsp Tajín plus more for rimming
- ½ bottle cold Mexican-style lager
- Garnish: mango cubes and lime slice
Instructions
- Rim your glass with lime juice and dip into Tajín.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Add mango juice, lime juice, tequila, hot sauce, and ¼ tsp Tajín. Stir to mix.
- Slowly pour in the beer to top it off.
- Garnish with mango cubes and a lime slice.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a light, crisp beer like Modelo, Pacifico, or Corona for the best balance.
- If your mango juice is very sweet, you can add a splash of soda water to lighten it up.
- Go easy on the hot sauce at first you can always add more after tasting.