Mexican beers are known for their rich and diverse flavours and have captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts around the world. From crisp lagers to bold, spicy brews, Mexican beers offer a tantalizing array of options that reflect the country’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage.
This article will discuss Mexican beers by exploring their history, unique characteristics, and the top Mexican beers you should need on your next cerveza adventure. So, grab a cold one and join us as we take a refreshing journey through the delightful world of Mexican beers.
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Origin of Mexican Beers
Before the Europeans introduced barley and wheat beer, ancient civilizations had their own local alcohol, achieved by fermenting plants and corn grains to produce an alcoholic beverage known as “Pulque,” which is still popular to date. This beverage was also known to be sacred and only taken by the elite Aztecs.
But at the start of the Spanish conquest, the Spaniards introduced barley and wheat-based beers to Mexico, and Pulque also expanded its production and consumption because of the lack of grains to produce wheat-based beers.
In the 16th century, it was issued by the Spanish authority to embark on the production of European-style beers. Still, all attempts failed due to the taxation and heavy regulation issued on Mexican wine and beer by the Spanish government in order to impose the consumption of imported alcohol on the citizens.
However, after the independence of Mexico, and without the constraint of production taxes and European regulations, the local beers bloomed and were produced in large quantities. By the 19th century, German immigrants showcased methods to improve the local beer, diversify the product, and rebrand to increase their sales target.
By the 20th century, beer had become a big business in Mexico, also helped by prohibition in the United States. This gave rise to a brisk and profitable trade of beer and other alcoholic beverages along Mexico’s border towns and cities.
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Mexican Beers you should try
Popular Mexican Beers Brands in Mexico
1. Corona
Corona is the most popular beer brand in Mexico.
This light and crisp beer is crafted from top-tier ingredients and boasts a distinctly refreshing flavour. It is often garnished with a wedge of lime, imparting a fresh and zesty citrus note to the brew. Corona is the perfect libation, whether it’s a warm summer day or a relaxed beach outing.
Its widespread popularity has solidified it as an iconic emblem, intimately tied to Mexico’s vibrant culture and laid-back ethos. Overall, Corona stands as a timeless and delectable beverage, a testament to its enduring appeal.
2. Pacifico
Pacifico is another Mexican beer that makes use of fine ingredients to produce the best beer. Its refreshing and pure taste makes it a go-to choice for warm summer days. To make it more tangy and flavorable, lime wedge is often used for Pacifico.
It is also known for its versatility, as it is a great beer that can be paired with a variety of cuisines. The cuisines include seafood, salads, or even spicy Mexican dishes. Pacifico is a delightful and refreshing beer, perfect for individuals seeking a light, simple beer option.
3. Tecate
Tecate offers a smooth, crisp flavour profile that pairs well with spicy dishes. Made with high-quality ingredients and a lower alcohol content compared to other Mexican beers, Tecate is a go-to option for individuals who prefer beer on the lighter with minimal alcoholic volume.
It is enjoyed in Mexico and various countries worldwide. Tecate is usually sold in a brightly coloured red and silver can. In summary, Tecate is an excellent choice for those searching for a light and simple beer that complements varieties of Mexican dishes and other countries’ dishes.
4. Modelo Especial
It is a medium-bodied lager crafted from the finest ingredients, setting itself apart from its rivals with its unique flavour. With a Mexican heritage spanning over 90 years, Modelo has endeared itself to connoisseurs who seek a richer and more flavorful brew.
Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, as it pairs seamlessly with a wide array of cuisines, including grilled meats and zesty Mexican dishes.
5. Bohemia
Bohemia, a beloved Mexican beer brand, is celebrated for its bold and notably bitter taste. This premium brew is meticulously crafted from top-notch ingredients, creating a captivating amber hue.
Admired by beer connoisseurs for its intricate and robust flavour, Bohemia pairs excellently with an array of cuisines, from grilled meats to Mexican dishes. Overall, Bohemia stands as an excellent choice for those seeking robust and flavorful Mexican beers, making it a favoured selection among adventurous beer enthusiasts.
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6. Indio
Indio, a renowned Mexican beer brand, is celebrated for its distinctive flavour and rich, full-bodied character.
This dark Mexican Lager Vienna-style beer is meticulously crafted, combining golden malt with toasted caramel notes to create subtle hints of sweetness and a balanced bitterness profile.
With its deep amber hue and a harmonious blend of premium ingredients such as malted barley, caramel, and hops, Indio delivers a slightly sweet taste with captivating notes of caramel and toffee. This complexity makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more nuanced and flavorful beer.
It pairs seamlessly with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to spicy Mexican cuisine. All in all, Indio stands as a premium beer choice, cherished by beer enthusiasts worldwide for its unique taste and distinctive character.
7. Carta Blanca
Carta Blanca, a cherished Mexican beer since its establishment in 1890, has left an enduring mark on the country’s brewing heritage.
This light and approachable lager, hailing from Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc-Moctezuma, founded in 1890 and now a subsidiary of Heineken International, is celebrated for its smooth and invigorating flavour profile.
Crafted with precision and utilizing premium ingredients, Carta Blanca offers a crisp and refreshing taste, making it an ideal choice for sweltering summer days.
Its versatility shines as it pairs seamlessly with diverse culinary delights, including seafood, salads, and Hispanic cuisine. Carta Blanca is a stellar representation of a traditional Mexican beer, prized for its simplicity, drinkability, and refreshing qualities. It has rightfully earned a special place among enthusiasts of light and crisp beers.
8. Sol
Sol is a Spanish name for the sun, which is a name that perfectly embodies both the hue and flavour profile of this exceptional beer. Having made its debut in 1899, Sol Cerveza is a Mexican adjunct-style lager celebrated for its light body. A modest 4.5% ABV offers a smooth, easy-drinking experience, culminating in a refreshing, crisp finish.
This beer harmonizes splendidly with a range of culinary companions, including seafood and the zest of spicy Mexican cuisine. Sol extends its appeal to those seeking variety with three additional flavours: Chelada, Chelada Limon y Sal, and Chelada Mango y Chamoy. Each presents a distinct twist on the classic Sol experience.
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9. Montejo
Montejo, bearing the name of the Spanish conqueror of the Yucatan, embodies the Czech-style pilsner tradition.
Despite its formidable-sounding moniker, Montejo offers a flavour profile that is anything but aggressive. This beer is distinguished by its brightness, smoothness, and a relatively moderate 4.5% ABV. In the vein of many Czech-style pilsners, Montejo boasts a discernible hop character, harmoniously counterbalanced by sweet corn and malt notes.
Unlike the well-established Corona or Pacifico, Montejo is a relatively recent entrant to the American market. It made its inaugural appearance in the USA at Dodger Stadium in 2014. Here’s an intriguing tidbit: Montejo is the first Mexican beer imported to the USA by the colossal brewing company Anheuser-Busch.
Dos Equis: Dos Equis is known for its exciting marketing campaigns featuring “The Most Interesting Man in the World.” The brand offers a range of beers, including Dos Equis Ambar (an amber lager) and Dos Equis Lager Especial (a light lager).
10. Cerveza Clara
These light lagers exhibit a pale gold hue, remarkable clarity, and a generous effervescence. They possess a body that falls within the light to medium range.
In terms of flavour, light lagers are celebrated for their gentle, pristine taste. They frequently showcase understated malt sweetness accompanied by a subdued to moderate hop bitterness. Their aroma tends to be delicate, characterized by grainy notes and a subtly sweet conclusion.
These qualities render them exceedingly invigorating and effortlessly quaffable, rendering them a favoured selection for warm climates.
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Conclusion
Today, Mexican beers stand as a symbol of culture, celebration, and merriment. From the crisp and iconic Corona, often garnished with a lime wedge, to the rich caramel of Negra Modelo, the diversity of flavours mirrors Mexico’s vibrant tapestry.
As we explored these iconic Mexican beer brands, we discovered a variety of choices, from light and refreshing options like Tecate and Pacifico to robust and flavorful selections like Bohemia and Indio. Each of these brands has a story to tell, reflecting the passion and craftsmanship of Mexican brewers.
Mexican beers exceed mere refreshments; they express the rich history, a tapestry of cultures, and the spirit of a nation. Whether you’re sipping a cold Pacifico on a sun-soaked beach or savouring a Bohemia with a hearty Mexican meal, these beers are more than beverages; they’re a taste of Mexico’s heritage and a celebration of life.
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FAQS ABOUT MEXICAN BEERS
What is the most popular beer in Mexico?
Corona is the best-selling beer produced by Mexico and the best-selling non-domestic beer in both the U.S., U.K. and Australia. It is one of the five most-consumed beers in the world, available in more than 150 countries. It is a lager created in 1925 to celebrate Cervecería Modelo’s tenth anniversary.
What beer do most Mexican Americans drink?
Modelo Especial. Not just the best-selling Mexican beer in America, it’s now dollar-wise the second best-selling beer overall in the entire country after Bud Light.
Corona Extra.
Victoria.
Pacifico.
Negra Modelo.
Tecate.
Cervecera Hércules’
“All of Them“
What is the strongest beer in Mexico?
The strongest Mexican beer is Alvarado Street Citraveza, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.1%. Furthermore, Oscura was a retired beer with an ABV of 5.3%. Magic Rock Zirkus has an ABV of 5.4%.
What is Mexican beer called?
Chelada: The name is derived from the Mexican slang for beer, ‘chelate’, so michelada is translated to mi-chela-helada, meaning “my cold beer”.
