Drink This: the Michelada Especial from Milagro

In Mexico, the Michelada goes hand-in-hand with hazy days on the beach. Here in Toronto, the afternoon cocktail of choice would have to be the Caesar, though both libations share more than just the partiality of daytime drinkers, boasting crimson colours, salted rims and a noteworthy heat (not to mention similar ingredients). While available in various permutations at Milagro, go for gold (the lime-first version will taste watered down in comparison).

The Michelada Especial ($9) puts the spice first: a blend of Clamato juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauces coat the base of a beer stein. Lime juice adds some freshness and the imbiber tops up the spice mix with Mexican brews such as Negra Modelo, fine-tuning the beer-to-heat ratio. Sip from the Tajin- and salt-dusted rim and dream of summer.

Milagro, 5 Mercer St., 416-850-2855

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