I have never claimed to be a purveyor of beer. Generally since living in Chicago I have just asked Hil, “which one will I like?” And she picks a not-crappy beer that is also non-offensive to us undeveloped beer-drinkers. I guess you can say, “I like beer, but not like that.” So I am definitely up for trying something that might enhance that all-American beverage for me. Enter the Michelada.

“Michelada” is kind of a loose term for a Mexican drink that consists of a beer with lime juice and salt, plus assorted spices, hot sauces, and tomato juice or Clamato. In some Western states, the American South, and Canada it’s apparently called a “Red Beer” (thank you Martha Stewart) and is a pale lager with a shot or two of tomato juice- or Clamato for our friends to the North.

So my interest in this derivation of my beloved Bloody Mary began when my friend pointed out Budweiser’s new ode to Clamato in the grocery store. As I live and breathe to service the needs of Bloody Mary drinkers everywhere, I figured it was important I check it out. It’s called the Chelada and quite frankly, I expected it to suck. But it’s good! And I even find myself craving them from time to time on hot Chicago days! They have a bit of spice for flavor but no real heat- but they are more much flavorful and interesting than just a plain old beer for me. After finding that I enjoy them, I’ve been trying Clamato/beer mixes of my own at home over ice- and I’ve definitely become a fan of the red beer. They could use slightly more Clamato tang- but all in all, I like.

Shortly after this Red Beer epiphany Hil noticed the Mas Sabrosa Michelada mix at 7-Eleven and I picked it up and tried it- but it pretty much just tastes like dumping a ton of Tabaso sauce in a beer- it isn’t nearly as good as the Chelada or mixing your own Clamato and beer. I threw it out after one taste.

I thought I needed to give the professionals a go at the Michelada so I headed over to Big Star- a Mexican place in Wicker Park that I heard serves the best Micheladas in town. They have a super yummy menu and very hip surroundings- I think it’s some sort of a converted garage and the servers and bartenders are colorfully tattooed and, no doubt, clothed from the local American Apparel.  I sat at the bar and had a basket of chips, guacamole, and I’ll admit, some delicious pork belly tacos. On the menu it said my Michelada was a Tecate with a salted rim, lime and salsa- but it’s not the chunky kind. It was a mix of hot sauces that created a refreshing beer with a kick. It was not super spicy, but the layers of flavors from the different sauces made for a really interesting drink. It’s not the kind you can drink a lot of- but one of them was perfect with my meal.
   

All this in mind, if you’re looking for a new taste and something out of the ordinary, give a red beer or a Michelada a try. I don’t recommend the Mas Sabrosa mix- but the Budweiser Chelada or simply a Clamato-laced beer will now be a part of my regular rotation.

Happy drinking!

Big Star

1531 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-4039
http://www.bigstarchicago.com/