Exploring The Authentic Mexican Beer Drinking Experience

Mexico is one of the world's top beer-producing countries, with a long history of brewing. The country's beer industry is dominated by two major breweries: Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuautehmoc-Moctezuma, which together supply over 90% of all beer in Mexico. Mexican beer is typically served cold and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a mixed drink, such as a michelada or chelada, which combines beer with lime juice, salt, and sometimes spicy sauces like Worcester, Tabasco, and soy.

The history of Mexican beer

After the Mexican War of Independence, the restrictions imposed by Spanish authorities were lifted, and the beer industry began to flourish. German and Austrian immigrants during the Second Mexican Empire, led by Emperor Maximilian I, further contributed to the growth of the industry by opening breweries in various parts of the country. By the late 19th century, beer production in Mexico had become big business, and the country became a major exporter, especially to the United States.

The early 20th century saw the emergence of two dominant players in the Mexican beer market: Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (formerly known as FEMSA Cerveza). These two conglomerates acquired smaller breweries and consolidated their power, eventually controlling over 90% of the market by the turn of the 21st century. Grupo Modelo, known for brands like Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico, was acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2013. Meanwhile, Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma, with brands such as Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis, and Carta Blanca, was sold to Heineken in 2010.

Today, Mexico is one of the world's top beer producers and exporters, known for its lagers, pilsners, and dark beers. The country's beer culture is deeply rooted in its history, and Mexican beers are enjoyed both locally and internationally.

How to order beer in Mexico

Ordering Beer in Mexico

Ordering beer in Mexico can be more complex than you might expect, thanks to the country's unique slang and sizing decisions.

First, forget about ordering pints. While the word "pinta" exists in Mexican Spanish, the size of a pint you'll receive will be much smaller than a British pint.

When it comes to sizing, here are some useful terms to know:

• De barril: From the tap. Litros de barril will get you a large glass filled with beer from the tap.
• Ballena: 946ml bottle. Pacífico beer, Corona Familiar and Carta Blanca beer are most commonly found in ballena-sized bottles.
• Caguama (or ballenón): 1.2-litre bottle. You'll have to swap this for an empty bottle or pay a few extra pesos in tax when buying from a corner shop.
• Chela/Cheve: Slang for beer, though this might be more common in Guadalajara than other parts of Mexico.
• Chelada: Beer served in a chilled glass with ice, lime juice, and a salted rim.
• Michelada: A Mexican beer cocktail, similar to a Bloody Mary, made with beer, lime juice, and a mix of spicy sauces.

Where to Buy Beer in Mexico

You can buy beer in Mexico from stores, bars, and restaurants, with fewer restrictions compared to its northern neighbours. The drinking age in Mexico is 18.

If you're looking to buy beer from a store, you'll have several packaging options: non-returnable bottles, returnable bottles, cans, or large party-sized bottles.

Non-returnable bottles will likely end up in a landfill, so if you're concerned about waste, opt for returnable bottles, cans, or large party-sized bottles. Returnable bottles require a deposit, which you'll get back when you return them to the store, so keep your receipt!

Large party-sized bottles include:

• Litros de barril: Beer from the tap served in a large glass.
• Ballena: 946ml bottle.
• Caguama (or ballenón): 1.2-litre bottle.

Commercial Mexican Beers

Mexico has a diverse range of commercial beers, with two major breweries, Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuautehmoc-Moctezuma, dominating the market and supplying over 90% of all beer in the country. Here are some of the most popular commercial beers you'll find in Mexico:

• Corona and Corona Light: One of the top-selling beers worldwide, Corona is a light lager best enjoyed ice-cold with a slice of lime. Corona Light is the low-calorie version.
• Tecate: A popular choice, though some consider it to be lower quality. Comes in regular, light, and titanium varieties.
• Modelo and Modelo Light: Modelo is touted as a premium beer, while Modelo Light is a watered-down version.
• Dos Equis: A reliable favourite available in most places, with a green-bottled lager and an orange-bottled amber lager.
• Sol: The oldest of the Mexican beer brands, though not commonly seen in the hands of Mexicans.
• Leon: A good beer that tends to be forgotten amidst the many options.
• Pacifico: A bit more bitter and hefty than Corona, Montejo, or Sol, and particularly popular in western Mexico.
• Montejo: Named after the Spaniard who conquered the Yucatan, this beer is only really popular in the Yucatan Peninsula.
• Bohemia: A fancier and more expensive option, Bohemia is a dark beer with more alcohol content.
• Negra Modelo: A sweet and smoky dark beer that pairs well with spicy Mexican food.
• Victoria: A popular choice for those who want to keep a clear head, as it has a lower alcohol content.
• Indio: Often the cheapest option, with better ingredients than its price might suggest.

Craft Beer in Mexico

While Mexico's commercial beer market is dominated by two major players, the craft beer scene is growing. You'll find small-batch craft beers and ales in local stores, restaurants, and bars, particularly in the big cities.

Some popular craft beer options include:

• Cervecería Hercules
• Cervecería Insurgentes
• Cervecería Monstruo de Agua

Commercial Mexican beers

Mexico has a long history of brewing beer, and today, it is one of the world's top beer-producing countries. The country's beer industry is dominated by two major corporations, Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma, which together supply over 90% of all beer in Mexico. Here is an overview of some of the most popular commercial Mexican beers:

Corona

Corona Extra is the top-selling Mexican beer abroad, exported to 159 countries. It is a light lager pilsner beer with a mild flavour and a touch of hop bitterness. Corona is one of the five best-selling beers in the world and is often served with a wedge of lime in the bottle.

Negra Modelo

Known as the "cream of the beers" in Mexico, Negra Modelo is a dark, smooth beer described as a Munich-dunkel (dark) type beer. It was one of Modelo's original beers and is now available nationwide in bottles.

Modelo Especial

Modelo Especial was the first brand produced by Modelo in 1925 and remains a favourite among Mexican consumers. It is a lager beer with a slightly richer and fuller taste than Corona. A lower-calorie 'light' version was introduced in 1994.

Victoria

Victoria is a Pilsner-Vienna type beer, a blend of light pilsner and dark beer. It has been in production since 1865 and was acquired by the Modelo group in 1935.

Pacifico

This light, refreshing pilsner-type beer was originally brewed in Mazatlan and is Grupo Modelo's leading brand in north-eastern Mexico. It has been exported to the US since 1985 and a "light" version was launched in 2008.

Sol

Sol is a light, tasty lager beer originally produced for the working classes. It is now exported worldwide and is the winning brand in much of Mexico.

Tecate

Tecate is a medium lager with a sharp, strong taste. It was first brewed in the state of Baja California and was acquired by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc in 1954. Tecate was the first beer to be sold in cans in Mexico and is one of the most well-recognised beer brands in the country.

Dos Equis

Dos Equis (XX) was first produced by a German brewer in 1897. It is a light lager beer based on the Ambar version, which is a Vienna-style dark beer. Dos Equis is very popular in Mexico and the United States.

Bohemia

Bohemia is a light, rich lager beer and one of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc's oldest brands. It has won international recognition as one of the world's finest beers. A dark version, Bohemia Obscura, is also available.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena is a dark, rich, bock-style beer with a strong flavour. It is a seasonal beer, available only during the Christmas holidays from October to December.

Craft beer in Mexico

The two biggest convenience store chains in Mexico, Extra and Oxxo, are owned by the two largest beer companies, Grupo Modelo and Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, respectively. This has made it difficult for craft breweries to gain a foothold in the market, as these two companies have an effective duopoly on beer distribution. However, the Mexican government has recently eased restrictions on craft brewers, and the big beer companies have started to invest in craft beer themselves, buying up smaller breweries like Cucapá and Bocanegra.

Despite the challenges, the Mexican craft beer scene is growing and diversifying. In addition to the traditional Mexican lager style, craft brewers are now offering a range of beer styles, including light lager, pilsner, ale, stout, and IPA. The craft beer scene is particularly strong in the big cities, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Queretaro, where there are numerous brewpubs and taprooms serving a wide range of craft beers.

Beer cocktails

To make a michelada, spread a layer of salt or a chili-lime blend on a plate or saucer. Wet the rim of a chilled beer mug or large glass with a lime wedge and dip it in the seasoning. Fill the glass with ice, lime juice, hot sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Finally, slowly pour in the beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

The key to a good michelada is finding the right balance of flavours. While the drink is typically made with light Mexican beers such as Tecate, Corona, or Modelo, the choice of beer is flexible, as long as it is light, refreshing, and not too hoppy. The amount of lime juice can also be adjusted to taste, with more lime resulting in a tarter drink. For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of hot sauce added.

In Mexico, micheladas are commonly served in bars and restaurants, and the drinking culture there is quite relaxed, with few restrictions. Beer is widely available and affordable, and drinking is common in social settings.

Frequently asked questions