Mexican Turkey

The Mexican Turkey is a no-nonsense boilermaker, a beer and a shot combined for maximum impact with minimal fuss. It is the kind of drink you order when you know exactly what you want and you want it quickly. Expect to see this served in casual bars, after a long shift, or anywhere people prioritize efficiency over finesse. It is a straightforward combination designed to get the job done without pretense.

Mexican Turkey

4.59 from 29 votes

Calories: 76kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
▢ 1 Can(s) Larger Beer

Instructions

▢
Pour the Corona into a beer mug (or other favorite Hispanic Import) and then drop the wild turkey shot into it. and drink.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 76kcal (4%)

Where it came from

The concept of combining beer and a shot, known as a boilermaker, has roots in working class bars across the globe, particularly in the US and UK, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These were often favored by industrial workers who wanted a strong, quick drink after a hard day. This specific iteration, the Mexican Turkey, is a modern take that likely emerged from casual American bars, playing on popular brand names.

The Mexican Turkey falls squarely into the boilermaker family, a category it shares with classics like the depth charge or a simple beer and a shot pairing. What separates it is the specific call for a Mexican lager and the implied use of Wild Turkey bourbon, giving it a distinct profile. Most boilermakers are defined by their simplicity and potency, and the Mexican Turkey is no exception to that rule.

You would typically find a Mexican Turkey served in a dive bar, a sports bar, or a neighborhood pub. It is a drink for casual settings, backyard barbecues, or anywhere the atmosphere is relaxed and the focus is on good company and uncomplicated drinks. Do not expect to find this on a craft cocktail menu; it is a straightforward offering for a straightforward crowd.

What it tastes like

On the front, the Mexican Turkey delivers the crisp, light, slightly sweet notes of a Mexican lager, often with a hint of corn or citrus. As the bourbon blends in, the mid palate introduces a warming sweetness, notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak from the whiskey. The finish is a harmonious blend of the beer’s refreshing qualities and the bourbon’s lingering warmth, leaving a pleasant, slightly malty and oaky aftertaste.

Using a standard 12-ounce can of lager at 4.5% ABV and a 1-ounce shot of 40% ABV bourbon, the resulting drink contains approximately 0.94 ounces of pure alcohol in a 13-ounce volume. This puts the Mexican Turkey at roughly 7.2% ABV. This is significantly stronger than a typical light beer, closer to a strong craft beer, but generally less potent than a standard 2-ounce spirit-forward cocktail.

The technique

Building a Mexican Turkey is about as simple as it gets. Start by pouring your chosen Mexican lager into a sturdy beer mug or glass. Ensure the beer is well chilled, as this is crucial for the overall experience. Once the beer is settled, gently drop the shot glass containing the bourbon into the beer. The key is a smooth drop to minimize splash and maximize the dramatic effect. Serve it immediately.

The most important technique for any boilermaker, including the Mexican Turkey, is ensuring the beer is properly cold. A warm beer will not only taste flat but will also amplify the alcohol burn from the bourbon, making for a less enjoyable drink. Keep your beer in a cold spot, and consider chilling your glassware if you want to be extra precise. A well-chilled beer provides the refreshing counterpoint needed for the bourbon’s warmth.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Bourbon Whiskey

Use: Wild Turkey 101 is the obvious choice for the name, offering a bold, high-proof kick. Other solid bourbons like Maker’s Mark or Bulleit also work well, providing sweet corn and oak notes.
Skip: Light-bodied blended whiskeys or Scotch. These will either get lost in the beer or clash with its flavor profile, disrupting the intended balance.
Why: The bourbon is the power behind the drink, providing the necessary alcohol content and a distinct sweet, oaky, and often spicy flavor profile that cuts through the beer’s lightness.

Larger Beer

Use: Corona Extra is the classic choice, but Pacifico, Modelo Especial, or even Dos Equis Lager all provide that light, crisp, slightly sweet Mexican lager profile.
Skip: Heavy stouts, IPAs, or overly bitter craft beers. Their strong, complex flavors will overpower the bourbon and create a muddled, unpleasant taste experience.
Why: The Mexican lager serves as the refreshing, effervescent base. Its light body and mild flavor allow the bourbon to shine without creating an overly heavy or clashing combination.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

American Turkey

A local lager swap: Substitute the Mexican lager with a classic American light lager like Budweiser or Miller High Life for a slightly different, often sweeter, beer profile.

Spicy Turkey

A kick in the shot: Add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce, like Cholula or Tabasco, directly into the bourbon shot before dropping it in for a fiery twist.

Smoky Turkey

Mezcal for bourbon: Swap the bourbon shot for an ounce of mezcal. The smoky, earthy notes of the agave spirit pair surprisingly well with the crispness of a Mexican lager, creating a deeper, more complex boilermaker.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Bourbon?

Any American whiskey will work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift. Even a decent tequila blanco can offer an interesting, albeit different, experience.

No Larger Beer?

A standard light American lager or a pilsner will suffice. Avoid anything too hoppy or dark, as it will clash with the bourbon.

No Beer Mug?

Any sturdy, straight-sided glass that can comfortably hold the beer and the shot glass will work. A pint glass is a common alternative.

No Shot Glass?

You can carefully pour the ounce of bourbon directly into the beer, though the dramatic ‘drop’ effect will be lost. Ensure the beer is poured first to avoid excessive foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Mexican Turkey?

A Mexican Turkey contains one ounce of bourbon whiskey and one can of Mexican lager beer, typically served in a beer mug.

Why is it called a Mexican Turkey?

The name ‘Mexican Turkey’ is a playful nod to its two main ingredients: a Mexican lager beer, like Corona, and the implied use of Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey.

Is a Mexican Turkey a shot or a cocktail?

It is best described as a boilermaker, which is a combination of a shot of liquor dropped into a glass of beer. It is technically both a shot and a mixed drink.

What kind of beer is best for a Mexican Turkey?

A light, crisp Mexican lager, such as Corona, Pacifico, or Modelo Especial, is ideal. These beers provide a refreshing base that complements the bourbon without overwhelming it.

Can I use a different whiskey?

While bourbon is traditional and gives the drink its namesake, you can use other whiskeys. A rye whiskey would add a spicier note, for example, but avoid heavily peated scotches.

Is it strong?

Yes, the Mexican Turkey is stronger than a typical beer, often around 7% ABV. It combines the alcohol from both the beer and the bourbon, delivering a more potent kick than either component alone.

What’s a boilermaker?

A boilermaker is a drink consisting of a shot of liquor that is dropped into a glass of beer and then typically consumed quickly. It is known for its efficiency and potent effect.

How do you drink a Mexican Turkey?

You drink it by dropping the bourbon shot into the beer, then either chugging the entire mix or sipping it. Most people opt for a quick consumption to enjoy the combined effect.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Bourbon Whiskey, Beer, Cocktail, Larger Beer, M, Photo, Recipe

Mexican Turkey

Mexican Turkey

Mexican Turkey

Ingredients

Instructions

Estimated Nutrition:

Where it came from

What it tastes like

The technique

Tell us what's in your cabinet.

One drink, one tip, one Tuesday a month.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bourbon Whiskey

Larger Beer

Three Variations

American Turkey

Spicy Turkey

Smoky Turkey

What if I don't have…

Frequently Asked Questions

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29 thoughts on “Mexican Turkey”