A Beer With My Mexican Friend Tonight

Beer is a popular drink in Mexico, with a wide variety of brands and types to choose from. When ordering beer in the country, things can get complex due to slang and sizing decisions. For example, while the word pinta exists, it refers to a smaller serving size compared to a standard British pint. Additionally, it is considered taboo to ask for beer with lime, unless drinking on the beach or drinking Corona. Mexico also offers a range of craft beers and unique beer cocktails, such as micheladas, which are made with dark Mexican beer, tomato juice, lime juice, salt, chili, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and clamato (clam juice).

Ordering beer in Mexico

Language

The Spanish word for beer is "cerveza", so the phrase "dos cervezas, por favor" (two beers, please) is likely to be familiar to you. However, there are several slang terms for beer that you might also encounter, depending on the region you're in. "Chela" or "Cheve", for example, are slang terms for beer, but may be more commonly used in Guadalajara than other parts of Mexico.

Sizes

Ordering a "pinta" (pint) in Mexico will get you a much smaller serving than you might expect. For a larger serving, you could try ordering a "litros de barril", which will get you a beer from the tap in an almost impossibly large glass. A "ballena" is a 946ml bottle, and a "caguama" or "ballenón" is a 1.2-litre bottle, which may require you to pay a small tax when purchased from a corner shop.

Beer Types

There are several popular types of beer in Mexico, including commercial beers, craft beers, and beer cocktails. Commercial beers, such as Corona, Modelo, and Pacífico, are widely available and tend to be cheaper. Craft beers, on the other hand, are small-batch brews that can be found in specialty bars and breweries. Beer cocktails, such as the "chelada" and the "michelada", are also popular in Mexico. A chelada is a beer served in a chilled glass with ice, lime juice, and a salted rim, while a michelada is a Mexican take on the Bloody Mary, made with dark beer, tomato juice, lime juice, salt, chilli, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and clam juice.

Where to Drink

Cantinas are traditional, old-school drinking establishments that are a great place to hang out, drink, and snack. They often offer free dishes ("botanas") to their drinkers and may have a larger menu as well. Mezcalerias, on the other hand, are bars that specialise in mezcal, a spirit made for sipping, not shooting. They usually serve a small selection of local lagers as well.

Popular Mexican beers

Mexico is the world's largest beer exporter and one of the top beer producers, with a rich history of brewing that dates back to the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s. The country's diverse range of beers are known for their refreshing and crisp taste, offering options for all types of beer enthusiasts to explore. Here is a list of some of the most popular Mexican beers:

Corona

Arguably the most well-known and best-selling Mexican beer in the world, Corona is a crisp, light beer with a distinct revitalizing flavor. It is frequently served with a wedge of lime, giving it a fresh, citrusy taste. Corona is the perfect beverage for a balmy summer day or a leisurely day at the beach, embodying Mexico's vibrant culture and easygoing way of life.

Modelo

Modelo is a popular Mexican beer brand renowned for its smooth flavor and deep golden hue. It is a medium-bodied lager made with the best ingredients, giving it a distinctive taste. Modelo has been a favorite among drinkers who appreciate a fuller, more flavorful beer, and it pairs well with a broad variety of foods, from grilled meats to spicy Mexican dishes.

Dos Equis

Known for its distinctive "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercial campaign, Dos Equis is a popular beer from Mexico. The beer itself has a light flavor that is excellent for hot days. It has a distinctive taste that is well-balanced and smooth because it is brewed with a combination of premium ingredients. It complements a variety of dishes, including Hispanic and American fare.

Tecate

Tecate is a popular Mexican lager with a light, approachable flavor. It is brewed with premium ingredients, giving it a smooth and clean taste. Tecate has a lower alcohol content than many other brands, making it a common choice for those who prefer a lighter beer. It is often served with a lime wedge and is ideal for a beach day or a backyard barbecue.

Pacifico

Pacifico is a popular Mexican beer brand renowned for its light and energizing flavor. It has a crisp, clean taste and is brewed with premium ingredients, making it perfect for hot summer days. Pacifico is frequently served with a wedge of lime to accentuate its citrusy flavor. It is a versatile lager that goes well with a range of cuisines, including seafood, salads, and hot Mexican dishes.

Sol

Sol is a popular Mexican beer brand known for its light and refreshing flavor. It has a smooth taste and is brewed with premium ingredients, giving it a slightly sweet flavor. Sol is often consumed with seafood meals in Mexican cuisine as its crisp, reviving flavor complements the salty and spicy tastes of the food. It is the perfect beer for a hot sunny day or as a cooling beverage after exercise.

Bohemia

Bohemia is a well-liked Mexican beer brand that is renowned for its robust flavor and distinct bitterness. It is brewed with premium components and has a rich, eye-catching amber color. Bohemia is frequently savored by beer aficionados who appreciate its complex and flavorful taste. It pairs well with grilled meats and Mexican food, making it a great choice for those looking to try a strong, flavorful Mexican beer.

Victoria

Victoria is a popular Mexican lager brand known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor. It is one of Mexico's oldest beer brands, dating back to 1865. It is a Vienna-style lager with a rich, eye-catching amber hue. Victoria goes well with a variety of meals, from burgers and fries to hot Mexican food. It is a fantastic choice for those who want to sample a delicious and storied traditional Mexican beer.

Indio

Indio is a dark Mexican lager, Vienna-style beer with an amber hue. It is known for its light caramel malt flavor and just the right amount of bitterness to balance the sweetness. Indio is a crisp and refreshing beer with herbal hops, making it easy to drink.

Carta Blanca

Carta Blanca is a full-bodied, full-flavored Mexican lager that has been produced since 1890. It has a light, refreshing, yet balanced taste that is also slightly sweet and bitter. It is an excellent option for hot summer days as it is brewed with premium ingredients and pairs well with seafood, salads, and Hispanic food.

Drinking beer in Mexico as a tourist

Ordering Beer in Mexico

Ordering beer in Mexico can be a bit more complex than simply asking for "dos cervezas." The sizing decisions can be baffling, and a "pinta" is not equivalent to a standard pint you might find in other countries. Be aware that bartenders might offer you beer with lime, but it is generally frowned upon to accept unless you are at the beach or drinking Corona.

• "De barril" refers to beer from the tap, and ordering "litros de barril" will get you a large amount of beer in an oversized glass.
• "Ballena" is a 946ml bottle, commonly found with Pacífico beer, Corona Familiar, and Carta Blanca beer.
• "Caguama" or "ballenón" is a 1.2-liter bottle, which you can buy at a corner shop by either swapping it for an empty or paying a small tax.
• "Chela" or "Cheve" is slang for beer and is more commonly used in Guadalajara.
• "Chelada" means your beer will be served in a chilled glass with ice and lime juice, along with a salted rim.
• "Michelada" is a Mexican beer cocktail, similar to a Bloody Mary, made with dark beer, tomato juice, lime juice, salt, chili, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and clamato (clam juice).

Popular Mexican Beer Brands

When it comes to commercial Mexican beers, you will find a variety of options, each with its unique taste and reputation. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Corona and Corona Light: Corona Light is the go-to beach beer, best enjoyed ice-cold and fast with your toes in the sand. Regular Corona is one of the few beers that can be paired with a bit of lime juice without judgment (but you might still get some looks!).
• Victoria: Victoria is often regarded as the best Mexican beer by locals. It has a loyal following and is considered a classic choice.
• Sol: While Sol is a Mexican beer brand, it is not commonly seen in the hands of Mexicans. It is more likely to be consumed by tourists or those looking for a change of pace.
• León: León is another good option, although it might not be the first beer that comes to mind for most drinkers.
• Pacífico: Pacífico is a popular choice, especially when enjoying seafood or spending time at the beach. It is known for its refreshing taste, perfect for a hot day in Mexico.
• Montejo: Montejo is a lesser-known beer, primarily consumed in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is not as widely available as some of the other brands.
• Bohemia: Bohemia is for those who enjoy a fancier beer and are willing to spend a bit more. It is a Mexican dark beer that appeals to those with more refined tastes.
• Negra Modelo and Modelo Especial: Negra Modelo is a decent option, while Modelo Especial (with gold-colored packaging) is a popular choice, especially in Bacinica.
• Dos Equis: Dos Equis is a reliable and widely available beer. The orange-bottled Dos Equis Ambar is considered superior to the regular green-bottled variety.
• Minerva: Minerva is a craft beer option from Guadalajara. Ordering this can make you look like a beer connoisseur without being too obscure.
• Estrella: Estrella is mainly sold in and around Guadalajara, so it might be a bit harder to find in other parts of Mexico.

Drinking Culture and Laws in Mexico

While drinking beer in Mexico can be enjoyable, it is essential to be mindful of the local culture and laws. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old, three years younger than in the USA. However, you may be asked for proof of age or identification when ordering alcoholic beverages.
• Many places in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and colonial cities, are situated at high altitudes. Alcohol will have a stronger effect on you at these altitudes, so it is important to drink responsibly and be aware of your limits.
• Most Mexican states allow 24-hour alcohol sales, but there are some exceptions. For example, in the state of Sonora, establishments cannot sell alcohol between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays, sales are prohibited from 3 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following Monday.
• Technically, drinking on the street is illegal in Mexico. However, it is commonly done, especially in tourist areas. While having a beer while walking down the street is generally tolerated, public drunkenness is not, and it may attract unwanted attention from the police.
• Drinking and driving is a severe crime in Mexico, and it is strongly advised to take a cab or use alternative transportation if you plan to drink. Mexico has been cracking down on drunk driving with roadside breath tests and stiff penalties, including potential prison sentences.

Bringing Alcohol into Mexico

If you are planning to bring alcohol into Mexico, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding customs regulations:

• When crossing the border by land, individuals over the age of 18 are allowed to bring three liters of liquor or beer and up to six liters of wine duty-free.
• Texas has specific regulations regarding alcohol possession and consumption. You must be 21 years old to possess alcoholic beverages in Texas, and any alcohol in the possession of a minor will be confiscated.
• One liter of alcohol and one case of beer may be imported per person into Texas every 30 days.
• It is illegal to consume or possess alcohol with the intent to consume in a public place in Texas on Sundays between 2:15 a.m. and noon or on any other day between 2:15 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• State tax must be paid on all alcoholic beverages and cigarettes imported into Texas.

Mexican beer cocktails

To make a michelada, spread a layer of salt or a chilli-lime blend on a saucer. Wet the rim of a chilled beer mug or large glass by running a lime wedge around it and dip the rim into the seasoning. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add lime juice, hot sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine the ingredients, then slowly pour in the beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

If you want a simpler beer cocktail, you can make a chelada by just adding lime juice and salt to your beer. For a chelada, you can either add the salt to the cocktail itself or rim the glass with salt.

Ordering beer in Spanish

Ordering a beer in Spanish can be a little more complicated than simply saying "una cerveza, por favor". Firstly, there are a lot of different sizes and types of glass to choose from. Secondly, there are a lot of different brands, and these vary from region to region.

Sizes

Ordering a small beer is easy: just ask for una caña. This is a little less than half a pint, and it usually costs around 1€. If you want something bigger, you could try a doble, which is usually double the size of a caña. A pinta is the Spanish word for a pint, and is usually served in a British-style glass. A tubo is a large beer, usually 30-50cl. A jarra is the largest size most bars and restaurants will sell; it's perfect for parties.

Types

If you want a refreshing drink, ask for a clara, which is a mixture of beer and lemon drink or lemonade. If you want to specify how much foam you get, you can ask for your beer rubia, negra, or ámbar, which means blonde, brunette, or redhead.

Brands

The most popular brand of beer in Spain is Mahou, which was founded in Madrid in 1890. It's usually what you'll be served if you order a simple caña of cerveza on-tap. Other popular brands include Alhambra, Estrella Galicia, and San Miguel.

Ordering

• I want a beer please – Quiero una cerveza por favor.
• One [size] of [brand] please – Un(a) [size] de [brand] por favor.
• Do you have [brand]? – ¿Tienen [brand]?
• Please bring me a [size] of [brand] – Me puede traer un(a) [size] de [brand] por favor.
• Please bring me another one – ¿Me puede traer otra por favor?
• Do you have beer on tap? – ¿Tienen cerveza de grifo?
• What beer do you have on tap? – ¿Qué cerveza de grifo tienen?
• Do you have [brand] on tap? – ¿Tienen [brand] de grifo?

Frequently asked questions