The Perfect Way To Drink Corona Beer

Corona beer is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts, especially during the warmer months. Its light and refreshing taste makes it a perfect beverage for casual gatherings, barbecues, or unwinding after a long day. If you're new to Corona, or just want to enhance your drinking experience, there are several tips to follow to savour this iconic brew. Firstly, it's important to choose the right glassware. While Corona is often served in its clear bottle with a wedge of lime, using a tall, slender glass such as a pilsner or weizen glass can showcase the beer's golden colour and allow room for the signature lime garnish. Before opening a Corona, it should be properly chilled. This can be achieved by storing the bottles in a refrigerator or placing them in a cooler with ice. A cold Corona is not only more refreshing but also helps to accentuate its crisp and clean flavour. One of the most iconic ways to enjoy Corona beer is by adding a wedge of lime, which complements the beer's light and slightly sweet profile. Take your time to savour each sip and note the subtle maltiness, balanced hop bitterness, and gentle carbonation. Remember to always consume alcohol in moderation and be mindful of your limits.

Choosing the right glassware

The ideal glass for Corona beer is tall and slender, such as a pilsner or weizen glass. This style of glass showcases the beer's golden colour and provides ample room for the signature lime garnish. The height of the glass accentuates the beer's crisp and clean flavour, while the narrow shape helps to concentrate the aroma, enhancing your sensory experience.

Using the right glassware also allows you to appreciate the beer's subtle maltiness, balanced hop bitterness, and gentle carbonation. The slender shape of a pilsner or weizen glass complements the light body and smooth texture of the beer, making it perfect for leisurely enjoyment.

If you don't have access to a pilsner or weizen glass, you can opt for other tall, narrow glasses. The key is to choose a glass that showcases the beer's colour and allows for ample headspace, as this will improve the beer's flavour and aroma.

Remember, part of the appeal of Corona beer is its unique bottle, so you may also choose to drink it straight from the bottle. However, if you want to fully appreciate the beer's characteristics and improve its drinkability, serving it in the appropriate glassware is the way to go.

Preparing the Corona

The first step to preparing a Corona is cooling it. You can place the beer in a freezer, fridge, or cooler. The time this takes will depend on the method chosen and the initial temperature of the beer, but it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. If you're using a freezer, be careful not to leave the beer in there for more than 30 minutes, or it may explode. The fastest method is to use a cooler with ice water, which can take just 30 minutes.

Once your Corona is chilled, it's time to open it. All Corona bottles require a bottle opener. After removing the cap, it's time to add some flavour. The traditional way to do this is to add a lime wedge. Pick a lime that is brightly pigmented and green, slice it into wedges, and place one in the neck of the bottle. You can also squeeze the lime gently to release more of its citrusy aroma and flavour into the beer. If you want to get creative, you can also add salt to the rim of the bottle before adding the lime.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding other ingredients to your Corona. Some popular choices include hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of tequila to create a "Coronarita" or "Mexican Bulldog".

Finally, take your time to savour each sip of your Corona. Enjoy the light body and smooth texture, and note the subtle maltiness, balanced hop bitterness, and gentle carbonation. Remember to drink responsibly and always consume alcohol in moderation.

Adding a lime wedge

To add a lime wedge to your Corona, start by cutting a lime into wedges. You can squeeze the juice from the wedge into the bottle, or simply drop the wedge into the bottle without squeezing. If you want to get as much lime flavour as possible, squeeze the juice from the wedge into the bottle, then fold the wedge lengthwise and push it as far into the neck of the bottle as you can.

Next, place your thumb over the opening of the bottle to prevent any air or liquid from escaping. Then, turn the bottle upside down to infuse the beer with citrus. Finally, turn the bottle right-side up and enjoy your Corona!

Remember, there is no wrong way to add a lime wedge to your Corona, as long as the beer is cold.

Pairing with food

As a light lager, Corona is best paired with spicy foods, Japanese 'izakaya', salads, or fish. It is also a good choice to accompany Mexican dishes, such as fajitas or chimichangas.

If you're looking for a food pairing for a traditional Corona with lime, you could try a dish with a citrus twist. For example, garlic and herb chicken breast, served with pan-fried asparagus, portobello mushrooms, and garlic, or roasted potatoes, or a creamy cauliflower puree.

If you're drinking a Red Corona, made with a shot of vodka, grenadine syrup, and a lime slice, you might want to try a heavier dish, such as a burger or steak.

Corona is also an ingredient in the Mexican Bulldog Margarita, which includes tequila, margarita mix, and ice. This cocktail could be paired with a meal featuring traditional Mexican flavours, such as mole or enchiladas.

Creating unique drinks

Corona beer is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various ways, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating unique drinks with it. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choose the Right Glassware

The glass you serve your drink in can significantly enhance the overall drinking experience. While Corona is often served in its iconic clear bottle, consider pouring it into a tall, slender glass such as a pilsner or weizen glass. This type of glass showcases the beer's golden colour and provides room for garnishes.

Chill It

A cold Corona not only tastes more refreshing but also accentuates its crisp and clean flavour. Achieve the perfect serving temperature by chilling the beer to around 35-40°F (1.5-4°C). You can do this by storing the bottles in the refrigerator for a few hours or placing them in a cooler with ice.

Add a Twist of Lime

The addition of lime is a signature feature of Corona beer. The citrusy aroma and flavour of lime complement the beer's light and slightly sweet profile. Cut a lime wedge and place it on the rim of the glass or bottle, or gently squeeze it into the beer for a burst of freshness.

Experiment with Ingredients

Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create unique Corona cocktails. Try adding a shot of vodka, grenadine syrup, or a splash of tequila for a "Mexican Bulldog" or "Coronarita." If you're feeling adventurous, add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even spicy tomato juice to give your drink a kick.

Pair with Food

Food pairings can elevate your drinking experience. Corona's light and crisp characteristics make it a versatile choice for mealtime. Try pairing it with grilled fish tacos, ceviche, or a zesty chicken fajita salad for a delightful culinary journey.

Practice Responsible Drinking

While enjoying your unique Corona creations, remember to drink responsibly. Consume alcohol in moderation, be mindful of your limits, and if you're planning to drive, designate a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation.

With these tips, you're well on your way to crafting delightful and distinctive drinks with Corona beer. Don't be afraid to experiment and find combinations that suit your taste preferences. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions