Mexicans' Favorite Beer: A Cultural Drinking Experience

Mexico is one of the world's top beer-producing countries, with a long history of brewing quality beer at reasonable prices. The country has a wide variety of beers, from the light and crisp to the dark and malty.

The history of beer in Mexico dates back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. While fermented alcoholic beverages were known to Mesoamerican cultures long before the 16th century, the Spanish introduced European-style beer brewed with barley. After the Mexican War of Independence, the industry was allowed to develop, and in the 19th century, German immigrants brought new knowledge and expertise, leading to the opening of many breweries.

Today, the Mexican beer market is dominated by two corporations: Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, which together control 90% of the market. These companies produce well-known brands such as Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis, which are popular not only in Mexico but also in export markets like the United States.

Mexican beer is typically light-bodied with a mild taste and is meant to be consumed cold. It often pairs well with lime juice, as in the popular beer cocktail, the michelada. So, the next time you're craving a refreshing beer, why not explore the diverse range of Mexican beers and find your new favourite?

Mexican beer history

The first official concession to brew European-style beer was granted to Alfonso de Herrero in 1543 or 1544. The exact location of his brewery is unknown, but it is thought to have been in southern Mexico City or Amecameca, Mexico State. Despite the efforts of brewers to expand, heavy regulation and high taxes imposed by Spanish authorities on locally produced alcoholic beverages stifled the industry's growth.

After Mexico's War of Independence, these restrictions were lifted, and the industry flourished. German and Austrian immigrants began settling in Mexico, bringing with them knowledge and expertise that diversified and improved local brewing practices. This led to the opening of many breweries across the country.

By the early 20th century, beer had become big business in Mexico. This was further bolstered by prohibition in the United States, which drove Americans to cross the border to drink. By 1918, there were 36 brewing companies in Mexico. However, over time, the industry consolidated, and today, only two corporations, Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, control 90% of the Mexican beer market.

Mexico has a diverse range of beers, from light lagers to dark craft beers. Mexican beers are known for their lager-like properties, being generally light-bodied with a mild taste, and are typically served cold. The country is now one of the world's top beer producers and exporters, with its beers enjoyed both domestically and internationally.

Popular Mexican beer brands

Mexico has a long history of brewing quality beer, with a wide variety of choices. While the country's beer market is dominated by two corporations, Cerveceria Modelo (Grupo Modelo) and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (FEMSA), there are several popular Mexican beer brands. Here is an overview of some of the most well-known and beloved beers in Mexico:

Corona

Corona, produced by Grupo Modelo, is one of the top-selling beers worldwide and the best-selling non-domestic beer in the US, UK, and Australia. It is a light lager pilsner with a mild flavour and low bitterness, often served with a slice of lime. Corona comes in various bottle sizes, from the 250ml Coronita to the 940ml Corona Familiar, but it is best enjoyed from a glass bottle or a tall, skinny can.

Modelo

Modelo Especial, also produced by Grupo Modelo, is the second-best selling beer in Mexico and the company's third-best seller in the US. It is a pilsner-style lager with a slightly richer and fuller taste than Corona. Modelo also offers a light version, Modelo Light, which was introduced in 1994.

Victoria

Victoria is a pilsner-vienna type beer that has been in production since 1865. It has a unique amber colour and a blend of light pilsner and dark beer flavours. It is said to be the "wife of beers", a beer that everyone eventually goes back to.

Indio

Indio is a dark beer known for its malty nature, produced at the Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma Brewery in Mexico. It used to be the cheapest beer in Mexico, but now falls into the mid-range price category. The beer features different designs on its labels, each based on a specific barrio in Mexico.

Tecate

Tecate is a medium lager with a sharp, strong taste. It was the first beer to be sold in cans in Mexico and has won several awards internationally. Tecate also offers Tecate Light, a low-calorie version, and Tecate Titanium, which has a slightly higher alcohol content.

Sol

Sol is a light, tasty lager that was originally produced for the working class but has been relaunched to target younger consumers. It is now exported worldwide and is known for its sexy advertising campaigns. Sol offers several variations, including Sol 2, Sol Cero (non-alcoholic), and Sol Limon y Sal, which comes pre-mixed with lime juice and salt.

Dos Equis

Dos Equis, produced by Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma, has two main versions: Ambar and Lager. Ambar is a Vienna-style dark beer and was the company's best-selling brand in the 1940s and 1950s. It is now the best-selling non-domestic dark beer in the US. Lager, on the other hand, is a light lager beer based on Ambar and is very popular in Mexico and the US.

Bohemia

Bohemia is a light, rich lager with a significant hops flavour and a dense, clear appearance. It is one of the oldest and most respected Mexican beer brands, having won international recognition. Bohemia also offers a dark version, Bohemia Obscura, and a wheat version, Bohemia Weizen.

Pacífico

Pacífico is a light, refreshing pilsner-type beer that was originally brewed in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. It is Grupo Modelo's leading brand in north-eastern Mexico and has been exported to the US since the 1970s. A light version of Pacífico was introduced in 2008.

Noche Buena

Noche Buena is a seasonal beer available only during the Christmas season, from October to December. It is a dark, rich, and strong-flavoured beer that is highly anticipated by those who know it.

These are just a few of the many popular Mexican beer brands. Mexico's beer culture is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every taste and preference.

Beer cocktails

Michelada

The michelada is arguably the most popular beer cocktail in Mexico. It typically consists of light beer, lime juice, salt, and sometimes chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato juice. The name is derived from the Mexican slang for beer, "chelada", so "michelada" translates to "my cold beer". To make a michelada, prepare a glass with a salted rim and add lime juice, and optionally, a selection of sauces. Then, simply pour in your beer of choice.

Chelada

A chelada is similar to a michelada but simpler. It's made by serving beer in a chilled glass with ice, lime juice, and a salted rim.

Gomichelas

A variation on the michelada, gomichelas add a glug of liquid chamoy (a.k.a. devil juice) and swap out the usual toppings for gummy sweets.

Cerveza Margarita

For a cerveza margarita, use a light lager such as Pacifico Clara as a base and add a large lime wedge or use it as a base for margaritas.

Beer drinking habits

Beer is a popular drink in Mexico, with 63% of the population buying one brand or another. Beer is also a major export, with Mexico being the largest exporter in the world in 2022.

History

The history of beer in Mexico dates back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. While fermented alcoholic beverages were known before the 16th century, the Europeans introduced barley-based beer. Production was initially limited due to a lack of materials and restrictions and taxes imposed by Spanish authorities. After the Mexican War of Independence, these barriers were removed, and the industry began to develop.

Beer Culture

Mexicans typically drink their beer cold, and it is commonly served with lime juice. Beer cocktails, such as the michelada, are also popular. This drink consists of light beer with lime juice, salt, and sometimes chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato juice.

Commercial Beers

There are two large conglomerates that produce most of the beer in Mexico: Cervecería Modelo/Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma/FEMSA. They supply over 90% of all beer in the country.

Some of the most popular commercial beers include:

• Corona: This light lager pilsner is the top-selling Mexican beer globally, exported to 159 countries. It is often served with a slice of lime.
• Modelo: Modelo Especial is the second-best selling beer in Mexico and the third-best seller in the USA. It is a lager or pilsner with a slightly richer and fuller taste than Corona.
• Dos Equis: This beer is widely available and is one of the most popular in the US. The Ambar version is a Vienna-style dark beer, while the regular Dos Equis is a light lager.
• Tecate: This beer is originally from the town of Tecate, Mexico. It is a medium lager with a sharp, strong taste.
• Sol: This light, tasty lager was originally produced for the working classes but has been relaunched to target younger consumers.
• Victoria: Known as the "wife of beers," Victoria is a pilsner-Vienna type beer with a unique amber color and a blend of light and dark flavours.
• Indio: A dark beer known for its malty nature, produced at the Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma Brewery.
• Pacífico: A light, refreshing pilsner originally brewed in Mazatlán, it is Grupo Modelo's leading brand in northeastern Mexico and has been exported to the US since 1985.
• Bohemia: One of the oldest brands in Mexico, Bohemia is a light, rich lager with a significant hops flavour. It has won international recognition as one of the world's finest beers.
• Carta Blanca: One of Mexico's oldest beer brands, this pilsner was first brewed by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc in 1890 and has won several international awards.

Microbreweries

While small, independent microbreweries are not very common in Mexico, they do exist. Some examples include Cervecería San Ángel and Cervecería Santa Fe Beer Factory in Mexico City, Pepe y Joe's in Mazatlán, and Beer Lounge in Guadalajara. These microbreweries tend to produce ales instead of lagers and pilsners.

Craft beer

Some of the most popular craft beers in Mexico include:

• Cervecería Hercules
• Cervecería Insurgentes
• Cervecería Monstruo de Agua
• Cervecería Santa Fe Beer Factory
• Cervecería San Ángel
• Pepe's y Joe's

While craft beers are becoming more common, they are still much easier to find in big cities, where there are specialty bars serving a wide selection. If you are looking to try craft beer in Mexico, it is best to ask locals or look around online for recommendations.

Frequently asked questions