The michelada, one of the most popular drinks in Mexico, is a beer-based cocktail. Its recipe usually includes lime juice and chilies. In our riff on this base, we marinate the chicken in beer and lime juice, then serve it with a sweet beer-chili sauce.
Serves: 6–8
Michelada Brine
1 qt (32 fl oz/946 ml) water
6 cup (48 fl oz/1.4 l) light lager
Juice of 6 limes
½ cup salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
Two 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) chickens, whole
In a nonreactive bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chickens and mix well. Add the chickens, turning to coat. Refrigerate and brine for at least 4 hours.