Taquitos Mexican Restaurant’s take on the beer cocktail is complex – and comically large, of course.

The michelada is the most popular alcoholic drink at Taquitos Mexican Restaurant in Salinas, according to bartender Gabriel Janamillo. The chavela is second, but consumed for a different purpose. “The michelada is nice to sip and chill,” Janamillo explains. “But the chavela is more strong and complex.”

That’s because their chavela packs a lot of alcohol and flavor into a 32-ounce mug. The components – in the order they’re added – are ice, Tapatio hot sauce, Tajin fruit seasoning, lime juice, a shot of Puerto Vallarta tequila, a splash of Chardonnay, one beer (a Modelo Negra in this case), and Clamato juice. The towering drink is garnished with four shrimp, a lime wedge and salt on the rim.

One sip delivers rich and refreshing beer merged with the savory tomato juice and mild heat of hot sauce. It’s a satisfying medley that makes sipping easy, so a buzz comes quick, but more mindful tastes reveal hints of smokiness from the aged tequila. Frequent gulps leave lingering heat in the throat – which are then conveniently cooled off with another icy sip of the chavela.

TAQUITOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 923 N. Main St., Salinas. 757-1676.