Best Mexican Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy

Mexican beer is available for purchase in a variety of places, both domestically and internationally. In Mexico, beer can be purchased from convenience stores, factory beer stores called 'depositos', and microbreweries. Popular domestic Mexican beer brands are widely available and inexpensive, with some imports also available. Internationally, Mexican beer is exported to over 150 countries, with the largest export market being the United States. Online retailers such as Total Wine & More and GotoLiquorStore also offer a range of Mexican beers for delivery.

Online

There are many online options for purchasing Mexican beer.

GotoLiquorStore

GotoLiquorStore offers beer, wine, and liquor delivery from local stores. To view product pricing and availability, you must enter your address. The website also has a mobile app for a better user experience.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers a wide selection of Mexican beers, including Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis. They also provide specialty styles, variety packs, and gift sets. However, delivery does not appear to be available.

Beers of Europe

Beers of Europe, the UK's biggest beer shop, offers free delivery on orders over £100. They carry famous Mexican beer brands such as Corona, Sol, Dia De Los Muertos, and Modelo.

Mestizo Market

Mestizo Market offers free 24-hour delivery in the UK for orders over £50. They stock leading Mexican beer brands, including Corona, Pacifico, and Dos Equis.

MexGrocer-eu

MexGrocer-eu offers a range of Mexican beers for delivery straight to your door. They carry brands such as Modelo, Indio, and Cerveza Noche Buena.

In-store

If you're looking to buy Mexican beer in-store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try your local convenience store, which typically offers a variety of popular domestic Mexican beer brands at affordable prices. These stores usually carry a range of smooth pilsners, amber-coloured ales, and even some imports. If you're looking for lower prices, you can visit factory beer stores called "depositos". These stores offer even better deals on domestic beers and sometimes carry a selection of imported beers as well.

When it comes to domestic beer in Mexico, there are two major categories: clara and oscura, which simply mean light and dark. Claras are usually lagers or pilsners, while oscuras are typically ales or bocks. The two biggest Mexican beer brands, comparable to Miller and Anheuser-Busch in the US, are Grupo Modelo and Cuauhtemoc-Moctezuma. Grupo Modelo is known for producing popular beers such as Corona, Victoria, Modelo, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Montejo, Leon, and Barrilito. On the other hand, Cuauhtemoc-Moctezuma, owned by Heineken, offers brands such as Sol, Tecate, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Superior, Noche Buena, and Carta Blanca. These domestic beers are widely available throughout Mexico, with some brands being more popular in certain regions, like Tecate in the north or Superior in the south.

In addition to convenience stores and factory outlets, you can also explore the option of microbreweries in Mexico. While small-scale craft breweries are not as common in Mexico as in the US or Europe, there is a growing number of microbreweries scattered across the country. These breweries tend to produce ales, and you can find their products in specialty beer stores like The Beer Box or upscale restaurants that stock local and artisan ales. However, it's important to note that microbrews tend to be more expensive than their domestic counterparts, and you can expect to pay a premium for these unique flavours.

Lastly, if you're looking for a one-stop shop that carries a wide range of Mexican beers, you can try large supermarkets like Chedraui or Walmart. These stores often have a good selection of both domestic and imported beers, including craft beers, at competitive prices. So, whether you're looking for a well-known brand or a local microbrew, exploring these large supermarkets can be a convenient option.

Domestic vs imported

Mexican beer is known for its variety and quality, with popular domestic brands being inexpensive and widely available. The average convenience store in Mexico stocks at least six options, ranging from smooth pilsners to amber-coloured ales. Even more variety can be found at factory beer stores, called 'depositos', which offer lower prices.

The history of beer brewing in Mexico goes back to the Spanish in colonial times, and was later improved by several waves of German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, there are two major Mexican beer brands: Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (FEMSA). Together, they supply over 90% of all beer in Mexico, and the country has overtaken the Netherlands as the world leader in total beer production.

Domestic Beer

Domestic beers are so well-established in Mexico that imports are rarely seen. The most common imports are Heineken, Stella Artois, and Budweiser, with Michelob also being strangely marketed as an upmarket beer in the country. Domestic beer is divided into two categories: clara and oscura, meaning light and dark. Claras are lagers or pilsners, like Budweiser or Heineken, while oscuras are usually ales or bocks, although the recipe and brewing method are not always specified beyond being 'dark'.

Grupo Modelo is best known for Corona, but also produces Victoria, Modelo, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Montejo, Leon, and Barrilito. The other major Mexican beer brand is Cuauhtemoc-Moctezuma, owned by Heineken and named after two important Aztec leaders during the Spanish conquest. Their brands include Sol, Tecate, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Superior, Noche Buena, and Carta Blanca.

Imported Beer

Imported beer is more expensive than domestic beer in Mexico, especially in cantinas and restaurants. However, some imported beers are available, such as Heineken, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Michelob. These beers are often more expensive than their Mexican equivalents and are not as commonly found in stores and restaurants.

Microbrews

While microbreweries are not very common in Mexico, there are some independent microbrewers, such as Cerveceria San Angel and Cerveceria Santa Fe Beer Factory in Mexico City, Pepe and Joe's in Mazatlan, and Beer Lounge in Guadalajara. These microbreweries tend to produce ales instead of the lagers and pilsners preferred by the big two corporations.

Beer types

Mexican beers are typically light-bodied with a mild taste and are meant to be consumed cold. The majority of beers in Mexico are lagers, pilsners, Vienna-style light and dark beers, as well as Munich dark beers.

Lagers

Lagers are the most common type of beer in Mexico. They are known for being light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing, making them perfect for drinking on a hot day or pairing with spicy Mexican food. Some popular Mexican lagers include:

• Corona Extra: This light lager pilsner is the top-selling Mexican beer abroad and is known for its mild flavor and low bitterness.
• Sol: A light and tasty lager that was originally produced for the working classes but has since become popular with young people.
• Tecate: A medium lager with a sharp, strong taste that is well-known for its sponsorship of Mexican sports teams and events.
• Indio: A smooth, dark lager that is said to be refreshing in warm weather and warming in cooler climates.
• Victoria: A unique, brassy amber lager that is slightly darker than other Mexican lagers but has a lower alcohol content.

Pilsners

Pilsners are a type of lager, but they have a crisp, clean, and balanced taste with more pronounced hops. They are very versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of foods. Some popular Mexican pilsners include:

• Bohemia: The oldest and most iconic Mexican pilsner, known for its significant hops flavor and density despite its clear appearance.
• Dos Equis: A light lager beer that is very popular in Mexico and the United States. It was first produced in 1897 to commemorate the arrival of the 20th century.
• Carta Blanca: One of Mexico's oldest beer brands, this pilsner is technically a lager but has less carbonation, making it smooth and easy to drink.
• Pacifico: A light and refreshing pilsner that is Grupo Modelo's leading brand in northeastern Mexico.
• Barrilito: A light and refreshing pilsner with a unique name that translates to "little barrel."

Vienna-Style Beers

Vienna-style beers can be either light or dark and are known for their smooth, malty flavor. They are often brewed with Mexican yeast, adding distinct notes to the beer. Some popular Mexican Vienna-style beers include:

• Negra Modelo: A dark beer that is known as the "cream of the beers" in Mexico. It is smooth and described as a Munich dunkel (dark) type beer.
• Noche Buena: A strong-flavored, dark beer that is only available during the Christmas season in Mexico, making it a special treat for those who enjoy it.
• Leon: The darkest beer on this list, but not the heaviest. It is a dark lager with a full body and just a hint of caramel flavor.
• Montejo: A light-tasting and aromatic pilsner that was first introduced in 1960 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Yucateca brewery.

In addition to these main styles, there are also some local microbreweries in Mexico that produce a small range of ales. These tend to be harder to find, but they can be worth seeking out if you want to explore the full diversity of Mexican beer styles.

Beer tours

Mexico is one of the world's top beer-producing countries, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of beer tours to choose from. Here are some of the best beer tours to go on if you're looking to sample some Mexican beer:

Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico

This tour takes you behind the scenes of four breweries and one of Vallarta's premier craft beer bars, The Tasting Room. You'll get to sample 15 local craft beers and taste five regional dishes. The tour also includes a guide who will educate you on the world of Mexican craft beer.

Craft Brew and Bites Tour

This tour will take you beyond the typical bucket of Coronas and introduce you to Mexico's burgeoning craft beer scene. You'll get to sample up to 15 artisan-produced microbrews and enjoy tequila-infused beer and micheladas paired with Mexican pizza.

Narvarte At Night: Tacos, Chelas & Mezcal

This tour will take you through the vibrant Colonia Narvarte neighbourhood, where you'll get to sample tacos at a taqueria, tacos al pastor from a street vendor, chela (cold beer) at a traditional cantina, and a mezcal tasting at a popular restaurant. You'll also learn about the neighbourhood's culture and history.

Xochimilco boat tour with food and unlimited drinks

This tour includes activities such as drinking margaritas, tequila, mezcal, pulque and michelada cocktails, playing Mexican bingo, and eating tacos. You'll also get to explore the canals of Xochimilco, a UNESCO site.

Cantinas - Traditional Mexican Bars of the Historic Centre

On this tour, you'll get to explore some of the most popular and traditional Mexican bars in the Historic Centre of Mexico City, including spots like Gallo de Oro, Salon Spain, and Mancera Hall. You'll also get to enjoy a range of tequilas and finish the night at the beloved El Tenampa restaurant in Plaza Garibaldi.

Frequently asked questions