Mexico is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, but it’s also an ideal place to find thirst-quenching beers perfect for a warm day or adding excitement to game night. With a diverse selection of brews, ranging from well-known brands to hidden gems, Mexican beers have steadily gained popularity around the world.
Negra Modelo and Corona Extra are just a couple of examples representing the quality and variety found in Mexican beers. Negra Modelo, with a 5.4% alcohol content, presents a delightful blend of caramel, black malts, and Galena hops, making it a standout dark brew in Mexico. On the other hand, Corona Extra, a classic choice, offers a light and refreshing flavor that is best enjoyed ice cold with a wedge of lime pushed into the bottle. No matter your palate, there’s a Mexican beer to suit every taste, providing a taste of Mexico’s fine brewing craftsmanship.
A Brief History of Mexican Beer
The history of beer in Mexico dates back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Prior to the 16th century, Mesoamerican cultures were familiar with fermented alcoholic beverages, including a corn beer. However, European-style beer brewed with barley was introduced to Mexico with the arrival of Hernán Cortés and the Spanish invasion.
Mexico’s long tradition of beer brewing began in the 19th century when Germans living in Mexico started brewing beer commercially. These German-style lagers eventually became the most sold beers in Mexico, with the majority being exported to the US and available in 150 countries around the world. This strong connection to German brewing techniques and styles can still be observed in contemporary Mexican beer.
In the late 19th century, Mexican beer production experienced significant growth, and today, Mexico is considered among the world’s top beer producers. Initially, the Spaniards were the first to brew beers in Mexico using barley and wheat, but production was limited due to the lack of available grains. The rapid modernization of Mexico and advances in technology contributed to the expansion of the brewing industry.
Throughout this history, numerous breweries have emerged, and the most well-known Mexican beers, such as Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico, have gained global recognition. In addition to these popular brands, the Mexican craft beer scene has also been flourishing, with microbreweries creating a diverse range of beers that showcase regional ingredients and unique flavors. This variety and innovation in the Mexican beer market continue to grow, offering beer enthusiasts endless options to explore and enjoy.
Popular Mexican Beer Brands
Corona Extra
Corona Extra is a classic Mexican beer known for its easy-drinking and light flavor. This popular beer, produced by Cervecería Modelo, is enjoyed worldwide and often served with a slice of lime. Corona Extra comes in a distinctive clear glass bottle, making it easily recognizable.
Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial, another beer produced by Grupo Modelo, is a crisp and refreshing pilsner-style beer. This popular brand, which started in 1925, features a slightly darker, fuller-bodied flavor compared to Corona. The first beer brewed by Modelo, Negra Modelo, is still one of its most popular beers today.
Dos Equis
Dos Equis is a well-known Mexican beer brand featuring two different styles: Dos Equis Lager and Dos Equis Ambar. Dos Equis Lager is a lighter beer with a crisp taste, while Dos Equis Ambar is a Vienna-style lager with a more robust, amber-colored flavor profile.
Pacifico
Pacifico, a Mexican pilsner-style beer, is a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing and straightforward beer. Produced by the Pacífico Clara brewing company, Pacifico is known for its smooth taste and pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes.
Sol Cerveza
Sol Cerveza, produced by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, is a light Mexican beer with a slightly maltier flavor than some of its counterparts. Sol is a refreshing choice, typically served with a lime wedge to enhance its flavor.
Victoria
Victoria is a well-balanced, amber-style beer crafted by Grupo Modelo. This smooth beer has a medium body and a slightly sweet aftertaste, making it a great option for those looking for a more robust Mexican beer.
Tecate Original
Tecate Original, brewed by Heineken-owned Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, is a lager with a smooth and slightly bitter taste. Tecate is regarded as a sessionable beer, typically enjoyed during social gatherings and events.
Mexican Beer Styles
In this section, we will explore the most common styles of Mexican beer, which include Lagers, Pilsners, and Stouts. These beer styles have distinct characteristics that make them popular among beer enthusiasts.
Lagers
Mexican Lagers are known for their light, crisp, and refreshing taste, making them a favorite for warm weather and casual drinking. The most famous Mexican Lager is Corona Extra, which is an easy-to-find beer with a light taste and an unmistakable clear glass bottle. Another notable example is Pacifico, a popular choice for those seeking a smooth, easy-drinking beer. Mexican Lagers are often enjoyed ice-cold with a wedge of lime to enhance their refreshing quality.
Pilsners
Pilsners are a type of lager originating from the Czech Republic, but they have also made their mark in Mexico. Mexican Pilsners tend to have a more robust flavor profile than Mexican Lagers, while still maintaining a crisp and clean finish. Some examples of Mexican Pilsners include Modelo Especial and Bohemia, both of which provide a slightly more hop-forward taste compared to Mexican Lagers. These beers are versatile and can be paired well with various Mexican dishes or enjoyed on their own.
Stouts
Although not as common in Mexico as Lagers and Pilsners, Stouts can still be found and enjoyed by those who prefer a darker, more full-bodied beer. Stouts typically have a rich, malty flavor with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Cervecería Mexicana, a brewery located in Tecate, Baja California, produces the Pay the Ferryman Porter, which stands out as a Mexican Stout with its dark color and robust flavor. This style of Mexican beer is a delight for those who appreciate darker beers and is perfect for sipping in cooler weather or alongside hearty meals.
Major Breweries In Mexico
Grupo Modelo
Grupo Modelo is a prominent brewery in Mexico, responsible for producing some of the country’s most iconic and well-known beers, such as Corona, the best-selling Mexican beer globally. It also brews other popular brands like Modelo and Pacifico. Established in 1925, this brewery became part of the global beer conglomerate, Anheuser-Busch InBev, in 2013.
Their beers are characterized by their light and refreshing taste, perfect for Mexico’s warm climate. For example, the flagship product, Corona Extra Mexican Lager, has a touch of hops, a slightly bitter taste, and a mild flavor, making it an ideal choice for a hot summer day.
Heineken Mexicana
Heineken Mexicana is another major player in Mexico’s beer industry. Previously known as FEMSA Cerveza, it was acquired by the Dutch company Heineken in 2010. This brewery produces various well-recognized beer brands such as Tecate, Sol, and Dos Equis, catering to different preferences and tastes.
Heineken is known for producing quality Mexican lagers with a balanced flavor profile. Tecate Light, for instance, combines a malty sweetness with a gentle hop bitterness, perfect for a crisp, refreshing beverage on a sunny afternoon.
Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma
Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma is another significant brewery in Mexico with a rich history dating back to 1890. It was acquired by Heineken in 2010 and now operates under the Heineken Mexicana umbrella. This brewery is known for its iconic brands like Indio, Bohemia, and Carta Blanca, offering a variety of flavors and styles to suit any palate.
Among their notable products is the dark lager Indio, a medium-bodied beer with caramel malt and restrained hop bitterness. Another flagship beer is Bohemia, a classic pilsner-style lager with a clean, crisp taste that makes it a timeless favorite among Mexican beer enthusiasts.
These major breweries continue to shape the beer scene in Mexico, providing a diverse assortment of flavors and styles for every preference while staying true to their roots and maintaining the confident, clear, and knowledgeable essence of Mexican brewing tradition.
Up and Coming Mexican Craft Breweries
Mexican craft breweries have been steadily gaining traction and popularity in recent years. A plethora of new microbreweries now caters to the diverse tastes and preferences of beer enthusiasts.
Insurgente, hailing from Tijuana, is one such brewery making waves in the beer scene. Known for their innovative and bold flavors, they continuously push the boundaries of traditional Mexican beer. With popular offerings such as La Lupulosa IPA and their Saison brewed with local ingredients, Insurgente is a great example of Mexico’s evolving craft beer landscape. For more on their intriguing brews, visit The Culture Trip.
Another standout brewery is Minerva, which proudly showcases a wide range of craft beers. Their Minerva Stout and Rrëy Kölsch are just a few examples of what the brewery has to offer. They aim to cater to both seasoned beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Minerva balances tradition and innovation, creating a unique experience for those looking to explore Mexican craft beer.
The rise of craft beer in Mexico can be attributed to various factors, such as increased interest in local flavors and a desire for more diverse options. This has paved the way for microbreweries to craft unique, flavorful beers that cater to evolving tastes. These beers showcase the creativity and passion of the brewers, making it an exciting time for beer enthusiasts in Mexico and beyond. The Rise of Craft Beer in Mexico and the Best Mexican Beers gives an overview of the craft beer boom in the country.
All in all, these microbreweries are establishing Mexico as a force in the global craft beer market. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and respect for local ingredients, these new breweries offer an exciting opportunity for beer lovers to explore unique flavors while supporting local businesses. So, next time you raise a toast, consider giving one of these up and coming Mexican craft breweries a try.
Pairing Mexican Beers with Food
When it comes to pairing Mexican beers with food, it’s important to consider the right balance of flavors. Mexican cuisine is rich in spices, with many dishes featuring bold and fiery ingredients. Choosing the perfect beer to accompany such robust flavors can greatly enhance your dining experience.
A popular choice for Mexican food pairings is Pacifico, a light and crisp beer that complements the spicy, bold components found in dishes like tacos and enchiladas. The mild flavor of Pacifico brings out the best in these Mexican cuisine staples.
For heavier dishes like fajitas, carnitas, or tacos al pastor, consider darker lagers or amber beers such as dunkel, Vienna, or smoked porters. These brews are well-suited to stand up to the fattiness and richness of these dishes, offering a satisfying balance for the palate.
Tequila is another Mexican beverage often used to accompany a meal, but pairing it with beer can be intriguing too. A good choice for this combination is a well-hopped ale that cuts through the sweetness and heat of the tequila, while still allowing both beverages to maintain their distinct characteristics.
When incorporating bread into your meal, a simple yet reliable option is Mexican lagers. These light-bodied beers have a refreshing quality that can help neutralize the spiciness found in many Mexican dishes. Mexican lagers are also great options for washing down a warm and crispy piece of bread.
To sum up, the following beer styles are well-suited for different Mexican dishes:
- Pacifico: Light, crisp beer for tacos and enchiladas
- Darker lagers or amber beers: Dunkel, Vienna, or smoked porters for heavier dishes like fajitas and carnitas
- Hopped ale: For pairing with tequila
- Mexican lagers: Light and refreshing for bread-based meals
Making Mexican Beer Cocktails
Mexico is known for its flavorful beer, and one popular way to enjoy it is by creating Mexican beer cocktails. The versatility of Mexican beer allows you to mix it with various ingredients, enhancing the overall taste and creating a refreshing experience.
When it comes to Mexican beer cocktails, the Michelada is certainly a favorite. This classic concoction is a mix of tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, and Mexican beer. The combination of savory and tangy flavors results in a well-balanced and slightly spicy drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or weekend brunches. You can start by wetting the rim of a pint glass with a lime wedge and dipping it in a mixture of salt and Tajin seasoning. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes and divide the ingredients (tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and hot sauce) evenly between them. Finally, top up with your favorite Mexican beer and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. You can find a detailed Michelada recipe here.
To make your Mexican beer cocktails stand out, consider the following tips:
- Lime: Lime is a staple ingredient in Mexican beer cocktails. Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lime juice into your drinks, and don’t shy away from using lime wedges as garnish.
- Chilling the Beer: Ensuring your Mexican beer is ice-cold before mixing it with other ingredients will make your cocktails taste even more refreshing.
- Experiment with Hot Sauces: Different hot sauces can bring out various flavors in your cocktail. Feel free to switch up the hot sauce to create a unique taste.
- Spicy and Salty Rim: Rimming your glass with a mixture of salt and spices can provide an additional layer of flavor, complementing the taste of your beer cocktail.
Once you master the art of making Micheladas, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with other ingredients. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting delightful Mexican beer cocktails. Just remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the flavorful adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Mexican beer options available?
There are many excellent Mexican beer options to choose from. Some of the top choices include Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Pacifico, and Victoria. These beers are generally light and refreshing, making them perfect for warmer climates or to pair with spicy Mexican dishes.
Which authentic Mexican beers should I try?
If you’re looking to explore more authentic Mexican beers, consider trying Negra Modelo, a dark Vienna-style lager with notes of caramel and hops, or Bohemia, a crisp and flavorful Pilsner. Both of these beers showcase the diverse range of flavors and styles available in Mexican brewing (source).
Are there any Mexican craft beers that stand out?
Yes, the Mexican craft beer scene has been growing steadily in recent years, and there are several noteworthy options to discover. Insurgente, Cerveceria Allende, and Minerva are just a few of the many breweries creating unique and inventive Mexican craft beers (source).
How do popular Mexican beers, like Corona and Modelo, compare to each other?
Popular Mexican beers like Corona and Modelo both fall within the lager style and share some similarities in flavor and appearance. Corona is known for its light and refreshing taste, while Modelo Especial has a slightly fuller body and richer flavor profile, making it stand out among similar lagers (source).
What Mexican beer pairs best with traditional Mexican cuisine?
Pairing Mexican beer with traditional Mexican cuisine can depend on your personal taste preferences and the specific dishes being served. Generally, lighter, crisper beers like Corona and Pacifico complement spicy dishes well, whereas darker beers like Negra Modelo can provide a pleasant contrast to richer, more savory flavors.
Where can I find a good variety of Mexican beers to taste?
Many local liquor stores and supermarkets carry a selection of Mexican beers. If you’re looking for a more diverse variety, consider visiting a specialty beer store, a Mexican restaurant with a diverse beer menu, or even a beer-themed event where you can sample a wider range of offerings (source).
