Summer Michelada with Fresh Guacamole and Chips

This is definitely one of my favourite refreshing summer drinks which I discovered on a holiday to Mexico a few years back. Since then, it has become a staple at home barbecues and gatherings, I love how it is packed full of umami and sour flavours. I have added a side of my homemade guacamole to enjoy it with it, perfect for relaxing out in the garden this summer.

Kitchen tools needed: Cole & Mason Spice shaker, Cole and Mason Clavering Pestle and Mortar.

Serves 4-6

Prep: 10 mins

Easy

Ingredients for the Guacamole.

• 3 ripe Avocados, mashed.
• 2 medium ripe plum tomatoes, diced, seeds discarded.
• 1 and a half Banana Shallots finely diced.
• Zest & Juice of 1 lime.
• Handful fresh Coriander (roughly 3 tablespoons when chopped)
• Half a Jalapeño chilli finely diced.
• A good shake of dried chilli, using the Cole & Mason Saunderton Spice shaker.

Measurements for 1 Michelada drink.

• 1 bottle of Mexican style beer
• 3 ice cubes
• 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 100ml Tomato or Clamato juice (Use tomato juice if you are veggie / vegan)
• Dash of Tabasco sauce
• Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
• Tbsp Chilli flakes & Good pinch of Salt (for garnish around the rim)

Method:

1. Firstly, prepare the Guacamole. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, I used my hands to mash the avocado for a creamy yet chunky texture. Check for seasoning, I feel it needs a few turns of the Cole and Mason salt mill. Decorate with a sprinkle of dried chilli flakes using the Saunderton Spice Shaker. Drizzle with a little olive oil and refrigerate the Guacamole for at least 30mins.
2. Prepare your cocktails. Use the Cole and Mason Clavering Pestle and Mortar to grind your chilli flakes and salt to a fine-ish powder. Take a tall glass and run a wedge of lime around the rim. Next turn the glass upside down in the chilli & salt blend (or apply with a spoon) to create a seasoned rim. Combine the remaining ingredients, adding the lime, tomato or Clamato juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce over ice and then topping up with the beer and check the seasoning. As you drink your cocktail you will create space - keep adding the remaining beer - don’t let it go to waste.
3. Serve your cocktails with the homemade Guacamole and your favourite corn tortillas.

Feel free to play around with the balance of flavours some prefer this drink spicier, sometimes more sour or even sweeter with more tomato.