Micheladas Three Ways, New Summer Cocktail Recipes from Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

To finish off the summer on a refreshing note, enjoy three versions of the Michelada cocktail from the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The word "michelada" combines "chela" (slang term for beer) with "ada" for "helada," meaning cold, and "mi" for mine - my cold beer. This cerveza preparada (beer cocktail) has been around for decades in Mexico, stemming from the usual practice of adding a squeeze of lime and a dash of salt to a beer. Now, these savory, spicy and tart drinks have expanded to include a variety of savory ingredients.

Available at the resort and now to make at home, the first recipe is the traditional michelada, which has a sour flavor accompanied by a refreshing touch. The Cuban version, better known as "chelada," offers a more complex mix of flavors, using three different sauces. The third is a Cielo Rojo, whose aroma is intense because of the clam juice (Clamato). All three versions of the drink perfectly complement aguachile and ceviche as well as tacos for an end of summer fiesta.

Traditional Michelada
Lemon, juice only (1)
Beer of your choice (1 bottle)
Salt to taste
Frosted jar with salt or Tajín (chili salt)

Chelada or Cuban Michelada
Lemon, juice only (1)
Beer of your choice (1 bottle)
½ tablespoon Tabasco, Maggi and Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Frosted jar with salt or Tajín (chili salt)

Cielo Rojo
Lemon juice (1)
Beer of your choice (1 bottle)
½ tablespoon Tabasco, Maggi and Worcestershire sauce
3 oz Clamato
Salt and black pepper to taste
Frosted jar with salt or Tajín (chili salt)

Directions:
Frost the jar with a slice of pineapple or lemon, then dip the rim of the glass into salt. Add ice, lemon juice and salt. If you are preparing the Cuban, add the three different sauces. For the Cielo Rojo, also add the Clamato with all the other ingredients.

For more information on Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, visit http://vallarta.grandvelas.com/.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a Leading Hotel of the World, enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The centerpiece of the gardens is a three-tiered infinity pool, a preferred spot for catching the legendary sunsets. The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with plasma TVs, wireless internet access, fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. New Wellness Suites include a personal training session and massage in-suite in addition to other fitness amenities, such as a Lifecycle Exercise Bike, organic soaps, an Alchimia Apothecary Aromatherapy Kit, a Nikken Kenko pillow and comforter, and LED lamp with a clock and timer. Of the resort's five restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. An oasis of wellbeing, the resort's Leading Spa of the World offers 20 treatment suites, more than 30 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey. Other features include a fitness center, 24/7 in suite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids Club, and teen lounge during holidays. Puerto Vallarta is just a 15 minute drive away. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features more than 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting facilities, including the Grand Marissa Ballroom, which consists of more than 6,000 square feet and is easily subdivided into five separate rooms. The resort's facilities also include four other rooms ranging from 681 to more than 1,954 square feet that offer several arrangement variations to maximize meeting productivity and efficiency. The resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusive in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.