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Best Authentic Mexican Beer Brands
Are you planning to visit Mexico and are eager to try some of the best beer brands in Mexico? Or maybe you are home and want to enjoy one of the nicer cool and refreshing Mexican beers. We are beer aficionados, we have been visiting Mexico for the past 10 years, and this is our list of the very best Mexican beers.
Mexican beer industry has a very long history that dates back to the Spanish colonial era and the first conquistadores. Fast forward to today, and Mexico has become one of the largest beer-producing countries in the world, featuring some of the best and most successful beer companies. Mexican beers are popular for their unique flavors, diverse taste profiles, and range of beer styles.
Keep reading to find the 15 best Mexican beers, each with its own distinct taste and character. The variety of flavors and textures of the Mexican beer brands is extraordinary – from zesty mexican lagers to creamy amber ales. Here are our favorite Mexican beer companies, and we are certain you will find more than a few that will definitely bring joy to you; cheers …or “Salud!”!
Pacifico
Pacifico is a smooth and easy-drinking crisp Pale Lage with mild and slightly sweet malt and mild hop flavors. Pacifico has a rich history of brewing beer that dates back to 1900 in the Pacific coastal town of Mazatlán and is, of course, named after the Pacific Ocean.
This is our favorite Mexican beer because it’s so refreshing and is best paired with seafood and Mexican cuisine like tacos and burritos, as PAcifico’s crisp and refreshing flavor perfectly complements the bold spices and intense flavors of the Mexican cuisine.
Pacifico is hand down the perfect beer for a hot beach day or an intense outdoor adventure. Pacifico will, for sure, make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just in your humble backyard.
Best beers in Mexico: Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial is another famous beer. It is a medium-bodied Amber Lager with a slightly sweet and smooth malt flavor and a mild but slightly bitter hop finish. Modelo Especial is a staple of authentic Mexican culture.
It was first brewed in 1925 and is best enjoyed with Mexican cuisine, as its smooth, refreshing, and balanced flavor enhances the unique and intense Mexican spices and flavors. Modelo Especial is a very popular beer around the world and a staple at any Mexican party. It’s a crowd-pleaser and the perfect beer to cheer with friends for a good time.
Corona Extra
Corona Extra is a refreshing Light Lager, crisp. With a slightly sweet malt flavor, hints of citrus, and a mild hop finish. This is yet another classic beer with a rich history as it was first introduced back in 1925 and has since been a staple of Mexican culture that is often associated with unwinding, relaxation, and vacation.
We highly recommend enjoying your Corona Extra with a (now classic) lime wedge or lime juice in a chilled glass which is best enjoyed next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Corona Extra is one of the best-selling beers in the world thanks to its distinct flavor, taste, and of course, the marketing and commercials that have established Cornona Exta as a cultural icon.
Corona Extra is the quintessential Mexican beer and the perfect refreshing companion for a hot and sunny day at the beach or with your margarita among beach-goers and margarita sippers alike.
Tecate
Tecate is a light Pale Lager with a light golden color. It is crisp and refreshing with a slightly bitter hop finish. Tecate, now famous all around the world, was first introduced in 1944 by the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, which has since been taken over by Heineken, Mexico.
The beer is named after the city of Tecate in Baja, California, Mexico. Tecate is a simple yet very unique and satisfying beer…, like a loyal friend that never lets you down.
Best Beers in Mexico : Sol
Sol is a Pale Lager, crisp and refreshing, with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a slightly bitter yet mild hop finish. Sol is one of the oldest Mexican beers, as it was first brewed in 1899.
Its name means “sun” in Spanish, and as such, this beer is best enjoyed as a refreshing drink on a hot and humid Mexican summer day, and its crisp and refreshing flavor is best paired with the bold spices of Mexican cuisine. Sol is the perfect beer for those who like to keep things simple and enjoy the simple things in life.
Best Beer in Mexico : Dos Equis
Dos Equis is a medium-bodied Amber Lager with a crisp, smooth, and slightly sweet malt flavor and a mild but slightly bitter hop finish. Dos Equis has a rich history, as it was first brewed in 1897 in Monterrey, Mexico.
It is named after the “Two X’s” on the label, which in turn represent the equinoxes. Dos Equis is a very refreshing beer that is best enjoyed chilled on a very hot day. It also perfectly compliments Mexican food with its crisp yet smooth and balanced flavor. Dos Equis XX is an authentic and classic Mexican beer that you will for sure enjoy. It is perfect for parties or a casual drink at the bar.
Brewery: Heineken México
Region: Monterrey, Nuevo León
Color: Amber
Flavor: Rich and malty, with notes of caramel, hops, and a slightly bitter finish.
Best Enjoyed: Perfect for a relaxing evening or as an accompaniment to Mexican cuisine.
Negra Modelo
Negra Modelo is a medium-bodied Dark Lager with a smooth but rich malt flavor and a slightly bitter hop finish. Negra Modelo dates back to early 1926 and is a variation of its famous sister – Modelo Especial.
This is a dark beer for those who like a little more depth in their drinks, as its rich flavor and smooth texture make it stand out from all the beers on this list. Negra Modelo is like a special treat for the mysterious yet charming party guest that everyone wants to get to know. It pairs well with Mexican cuisine and especially more spicy dishes.
Best Beer in Mexico : Bohemia Beer. One of the most unusual beers in Mexico – great for beer connoisseurs
Bohemia is a full-bodied Vienna style Lager with a rich malt flavor and a slightly bitter hop finish. Bohemia’s story dates back to early 1905 when it was first brewed and gets its name from Chech Republic’s Bohemian region, which is known for its brewing tradition.
Bohemia is a beer for the beer connoisseur that can appreciate the more complicated flavors and is best enjoyed as a special treat. This is the ber you bring to a party if you want to stand out and have people ask you about it.
Montejo Beer
Montejo is a crisp and refreshing Pale Mexican Lager with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a mild hop finish. Montejo’s history dates back to the very early 20th Century. The beer owes its name to the Mexican painter and sculptor Joaquín de Montejo. Montejo is not your average casual beer.
It’s an ideal beer, though, if you love exploring beers, and it is perfect for those who are always up for a new taste adventure. We love this beer. Its one of our preferred refreshing alchoholic beverages on a warm day, and it pairs very nicely with Mexican cuisine.
Best Beer in Mexico : Indio
Indio is a medium-bodied Amber Lager that stands out for its smooth malt flavor and slightly bitter hop finish. Indio is a classic Mexican beer and is one of the oldest beers in Mexico as it was brewed back in late 1890 and is named after the indigenous populations of Mexico.
Indio is perfect for a hot day at the beach or an authentic spicy Mexican dinner. This beer is the seasoned friend at the party who has seen it all and still knows how to have a good time.
Victoria Beer
Victoria is a Vienna style Lager, a full-bodied beer with a smooth yet rich malt flavor and a slightly bitter hop finish. It was first brewed in 1865 and owed its name to the Mexican victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla.
Best enjoyed as a special treat, it pairs well with Mexican cuisine. Victoria beer is like the storyteller at the party, always ready to excite you with tales of the old.
Best Carta Blanca
Carta Blanca is a crisp and refreshing Pale Mexican Lager with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a mild hop finish. Carta Blanca (“white card”) owes its name to the white cardboard label on the beer bottle. It was first brewed back in the early 20th Century and is best enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on a hot Mexican day.
Superior
Superior is a crisp and refreshing Pale Lager, with a slightly sweet malt flavor and a mild hop finish. The first Superior pint was brewed back in the early 20th Century, and yes…you guessed right…it gets its name after its superior quality. A great beer to enjoy by the beach or with your spicy food.
Noche Buena – one of the best dark beers in Mexico
Noche Buena is a rich and malty Amber Lager, medium-bodied with a smooth malt flavor and slightly bitter hop finish with a hint of spices. Brewed back in the early part of the 20th Century, Noche Buena owes its name to the Mexican Christmas Eve celebration. This beer is the perfect beer for the holiday season, and it pairs nicely with spicy food.
Mexican beers are distinct from due to their special blend of corn, barley and herbs. Though they might seem to many as just like any other ordinary beer, one sip will reveal a subtle yet remarkable flavor that is very unique! And the best part is that Mexican brews don’t usually contain fruity esters, making them truly top quality.
During the mid-19th century, a surge in beer-brewing occurred in Mexico mainly thanks to an influx of German immigrants. Consequently, many of these german expats sought for beers that were reminiscent of their homeland in Germany. The vast majority of beers in Mexico are either lagers, Vienna style lights, pilsners, dark beers, as some Munich dark beers. By 1918 there was an impressive 36 brewing companies in Mexico producing Vienna-style lagers.
Mexico’s beers, known for their complexity, have gained immense popularity worldwide. In fact, Mexican beer has become one of Mexico’s most important exports. Vast majority of the beers are Mexican Lagers and with pilsners, Vienna-style light and dark ales as well as Munich dark lagers make up around 90% of the beer production. The number of microbreweries making craft beer has been rising steadily over the past decade creating a small selection of other varieties such as IPAs and other craft beer in limited quantities.
Grupo Modelo and FEMSA are the two largest beer producers that together account for nearly 85% of all Mexican beer production!
Corona is the best selling mexican beer. Corona is also the second best selling beer in the United States. The Corona brand is valued at nearly six billion U.S. dollars, narrowly edging out Victoria who sits at four billion U.S. dollars and follows closely behind.
In the past, Mexico’s major beer breweries used to be owned by the government. Nowadays they are owned by big corporations. So while it’s true that Corona is referred to as Mexico’s “national beer,” this label isn’t officially recognized.
Most Mexican beers are Vienna style lagers. And while this style of beer is no longer brewed in Austria, it has become a popular brew in Mexico with brands like Negra Modelo (vienna style dark beer) and Dos Equis Ambar Especial leading the way.
Most popular mexican beers within Mexico include Tecate, Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Pacifico, and Victoria. While these Mexican beers are all mass-produced, they are still authentic and very popular among Mexicans.
Pacifico is a more tasty and sophisticated beer that boasts an incredible flavor and texture, setting it far apart from the competition. It’s as refreshing as Modelo Especial but with added complexity through a refined subtle bitterness that really rounds out its taste. Pacifico takes top honors for delivering this unique balance of flavor and refreshment!
Sol. “The Original Mexican Beer,” Sol draws its inspiration from the sun, taking you to a place of relaxation with every sip. With its light flavor and low ABV, kicking back on those balmy summer days has never been made easier – don’t worry about only having one because these drinks are perfect for sipping all day because of its refreshing taste with just a hint of lime juice. Corona is our pick for the most iconic Mexican beer of all the beers sold in Mexico.
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