Every culture has its own customary mixed drink creations; the Germans are famous for combining their pure Reinheitsgebot brews with carbonated sodas or fruit preserves. In Mexico and many other Central/ South American countries, there's a tradition of mixing light beer and Clamato. In classier circles, this drink is referred to as a Bearded Clam. Thirsty yet? Didn't think so.
Chelada is a 4.2% ABV blend of Clamato Tomato Cocktail, made by Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages and Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light. With salt and lime added. Fishy corn tomato salt lime; now that's what I call beer.
While out on the rounds doing my part in the Tournament of Tacos, a large quantity of Chelada was discovered at Acapulco Grocery. I've read reviews on this beer, which usually leave me in tears from laughing, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to write one of my own. Cheers to Brian and Taylor for moral support and for shelling out the $1.99 so that I could subject myself to this deliberate gross out. As the other food site contributors assessed Acapulco's taco offerings, I settled down with my 16-ounce can of Chelada and prepared to hold back the sickness.
This article appears in Apr 1-7, 2009.