You know the Michelada, but I bet you didn’t know about the Ojo Rojo Drink aka the Smoky Michelada Beer Cocktail.
We know, it is and isn’t a Michelada, confusing, right? To be clear, you’ll come across three main variations of this drink when you travel to Mexico. First, there’s a chelada, which is beer with lime and salt. Then, there’s a michelada or a chelada dressed up with Worcestershire, Maggi seasoning, soy sauce, and hot sauce.
Finally, there’s n Ojo Rojo, a red-eye or a Michelada made with Clamato juice and spices. This is the drink we’re most often served when we travel to Baja California and our favorite of the bunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you like the Mexican Bloody Mary you will love this Ojo Rojo Drink, because it is same, but different, because it’s beer-based and the tomato-clam combo of the Clamato juice gives it a distinct flavor. What does it have in common with the Bloody Mary? The Ojo Rojo is rumored to be just as good at curing a hangover! We say try it for yourself and let us know what you think!
Recipe Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Ojo Rojo drink recipe:
- Salt for rimming glasses
- Ground chipotle chile powder like Tajín chile-lime seasoning
- Honey
- Ice
- Chilled tomato juice or Clamato juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Amber Mexican beer such as Negra Modelo
- Chipotle hot sauce such as Chipotle Tabasco sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce or Maggi seasoning or gluten-free tamari
How To Make This Recipe
These are the instructions to make this Ojo Rojo drink recipe:
- Make The Chile Salt: Mix together salt and chile powder in a wide, shallow dish to cover the bottom. Dip the rims of two rocks glasses in the honey then dip in the salt mixture to coat. Fill the glasses with ice and set them aside.
- Make The Michelada: Combine the Clamato juice, lime juice, beer, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and soy sauce (or Maggi) in a pitcher and mix to combine. Pour into the prepared glasses and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ojo Rojo Drink
An Ojo Rojo is a popular Mexican cocktail that combines the refreshing taste of beer with the savory flavors of a Bloody Mary. It's a variation of the traditional Michelada and is known for its unique blend of spices, tomato juice, and beer.
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of hot sauce or add other ingredients like soy sauce or Tajín seasoning to suit your taste. Some variations also include olives or pickled vegetables as garnishes.
The Ojo Rojo drink pairs perfectly with Mexican cuisine, especially with appetizers like nachos, tacos, ceviche, or guacamole. It also complements grilled meats and seafood dishes well.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Here is what to serve with this Ojo Rojo drink:
Now, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Mexican Recipes To Cook
Not heading to Mexico in real life quite yet? Cook up some of these classic Mexican recipes to stoke your wanderlust in the meantime:
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Ojo Rojo Smoky Michelada Beer Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Salt for rimming glasses
- Ground chipotle chile powder like Tajín chile-lime seasoning, for rimming glasses
- 1/2 teaspoon honey plus more for rimming glasses
- Ice
- 1/4 cup chilled tomato juice or Clamato juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 12 ounces amber Mexican beer such as Negra Modelo
- 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons Chipotle hot sauce such as Chipotle Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if desired)
- Dash low-sodium soy sauce or Maggi seasoning or gluten-free tamari
Instructions
- Make The Chile Salt: Mix together salt and chile powder in a wide, shallow dish to cover the bottom. Dip the rims of two rocks glasses in the honey then dip in the salt mixture to coat. Fill the glasses with ice and set them aside.
- Make The Michelada: Combine the Clamato juice, lime juice, beer, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and soy sauce (or Maggi) in a pitcher and mix to combine. Taste and add more hot sauce or sweetener as desired. Pour into the prepared glasses and serve.
