No Image

Beer · Michelada (RTD)

Modelo Chelada Especial

Name: Modelo Chelada Especial
Brand: Grupo Modelo (imported by Crown Imports / Constellation Brands)

The original ready-to-drink michelada — Mexican beer with savory tomato, salt and lime

Grupo Modelo (imported by Crown Imports / Constellation Brands)

Distillery

Mexico

Country

3.50%

ABV

6.6/10

Rating

★★★★★

6.6/10

Mexico City, Mexico Est. 1925 3.50% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Cloudy red-amber

Nose & Aroma

Savory tomato, bright lime, a saline edge and light lager underneath

Palate & Taste

Well-balanced and savory with tomato, tangy lime, salt and a clean beer base. Tastes like a classic michelada without the prep

Finish

Savory and tangy with a saline, refreshing close

History & Background

Modelo Cheladas are ready-to-drink micheladas — the beloved Mexican mix of beer with tomato, lime, salt and chile, canned for convenience. Modelo Chelada has been the leading RTD michelada in the US for seven consecutive years with close to 70% dollar share of the category. The line has expanded steadily with fruit-and-chile flavours aimed at drinkers who want the michelada experience with zero prep.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

A Modelo cerveza base blended with michelada flavourings — tomato, salt, lime and, in the fruit variants, natural fruit and chile pepper flavours. Sold ready to drink, typically in 24oz single cans and variety 12-packs.

Aging & Maturation

None. Ready to drink chilled, ideally over ice with a salted rim.

Distillery

Grupo Modelo (imported by Crown Imports / Constellation Brands)

Founded

1925

Modelo Chelada Especial Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: July 2026.

United States Prices

New York $3.44

California $3.35

Illinois $3.23

Florida $3.08

Texas $2.99

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Modelo Chelada Especial?

Modelo Chelada Especial is a ready-to-drink michelada — Mexican lager blended with savory tomato juice, salt and lime, canned so you can drink it straight from the fridge. It is the original and best-selling variant in Modelo's Chelada line, which has led the US RTD michelada category for seven years running. At 3.5% ABV it is lighter than the base beer.

How should I serve a Modelo Chelada?

Pour it over ice into a salt-rimmed glass for the full michelada experience, or drink it straight from the 24oz can if you want zero prep. A fresh squeeze of lime and a dash of hot sauce lifts it further. Serve as cold as possible — cheladas are a hot-weather drink.

Modelo Chelada vs making your own michelada?

The canned Chelada Especial wins on convenience and consistency; a homemade michelada wins on control. If you want to dial in your own heat, acidity and beer choice, buy plain Modelo Especial and mix it yourself. If you want a savory tomato michelada with no knife work, the can is the easy call.

What is the ABV of Modelo Chelada Especial?

Modelo Chelada Especial is 3.5% ABV, lower than Modelo Especial's 4.4%, because the beer is blended with tomato, lime and salt. It is designed as an easy, savory, all-day summer drink rather than a strong beer.

Similar to Modelo Chelada Especial

modelo-especial,modelo-negra,modelo-oro

About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

Website

Last updated: July 2026