Last Updated on March 9, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The world’s largest beer exporter is none other than Mexico. The Mexican beer industry has been established since the Spanish Conquest.
Mexico offers a variety of beersāfrom light to dark beers, pilsners to lagers, and Vienna-style light beers to dark beers.
With the growth of the beer brewing industry in Mexico, the quality of Mexican beer has increased.
We have here the best Mexican beer brands to tickle your tastebuds. Read on.
Top 20 Mexican Beer Brands To Try
20. CervecerĆa Insurgente
Average Price: approx. $14.99 per 6-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4-7.3% ABV
Why We Like It: This brand offers three different beer types: Tineabla, La Lupulosa, and Brown. These beers in Mexico are all great in terms of flavor.
- Tineable (or darkness): Light body, which is perfect for fresh dishes and seafood
- La Lupulosa: sough-after among most Mexican beers due to large American hops content
- Brown: Sweet beer with caramel and choco notes. Slightly bitter but fruity due to the addition of American hops while brewing beer.
19. Corona
Average Price: approx. $12-$24, depending on the pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4-4.8% ABV
Why We Like It: Corona beer is the top-selling brand of imported beer in the US. If you have yet to try Corona beers, we highly suggest the Corona light pilsner.
The refreshing feel complement with the bitter and sweet flavors in this beer.
Since it is under the management of the Grupo Modelo, one of the major breweries in Mexico, it’s high-quality.
18. Cerveza Fauna
Average Price: approx. $16.99 per 4-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Why We Like It: Cerveza Fauna has several Mexican beers produced in their own brewery. Among their best-selling beers is the SeƱor Matanza, which is our favorite.
It’s a Russian Imperial Stout style with a high ABV of 12%. We like the dark bread and fruit aromas on the nose, followed by a complex blend of flavors.
It’s a boozy Mexican beer, so watch out when you drink.
17. La Lupulosa
Average Price: approx. $14.99 per 6-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 7.3% ABV
Why We Like It: This American IPA is India Pale and uses various hops, which creates its rich and juicy flavor.
We like how this beer is characterized by its vibrant and sweet aroma.
Among other Mexican beers on this list, we like its body the most, given it’s packed with caramel and hints of malt.
16. Agua Mala
Average Price: approx. $14.99 per 4-pack (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 4-7.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Agua Mala is one of the Mexico Microbreweries, producing some of the best Mexican beers.
We recommend their Astillero, an Imperial IPA, Vieja, an amber lager beer, and Sirena, a light lager.
Agua Mala isn’t just making Mexican lager, but a Japanese lager beer as wellāFugu. Each craft beer from the brand surely suits anyone’s preference.
Quick Fact: Agua Mala is one of the craft breweries exporting beers outside the border of South America, entering Southern California.
15. Noche Buena
Average Price: approx. $15.94 per 12-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 5.9% ABV
Why We Like It: This bock-style beer is a bit heavy, making it hard to drink in large portions.
It’s a great food chaser, though, as it pairs well with a lemon wedge, lime juice, or tomato juice.
Its creamy head and dark beer color are quite remarkable. It has a bitter taste, with a pure dark chocolate note, which lingers for a while before it gets more refreshing and sweet.
14. Dos Equis
Average Price: approx. $18.99 per 12-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4.2% ABV
Why We Like It: One of the most popular beer brands in Mexico is Dos Equis. We like its original tasty drop, but the Azul version is a unique take on the traditional style.
The combo of spices and herbs added in the beer brewing process of Dos Equis lager creates uniqueness, a must-try if you’re looking for something a bit different.
This is actually an intriguing yet easy-drinking beer.
13. Stout De Olla
Average Price: approx. $26.99 per 16.9 oz (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 7-13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This dark beer has savory dark fruit and chocolate notes, with a well-balanced sweetness and bitterness.
If you’re looking for a dark beer with complexity and deep notes, go for Stout De Olla. The notes of chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon feel heavy.
The aromas are strong but give off a wonderful flavor. But drink moderately; you don’t want to get knocked out with it.
12. Tecate
Average Price: approx. $13.99 per 12-pack (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 3.9-5.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Mexican beer is comparable to Corona beer. The nice kick of alcohol and the refreshing Tecate light body is
The addition of lime wedge makes Mexican beer of this type more savory and refreshing. However, it’s one of the beers sold exclusively in Mexico.
So, you can find it outside the borders. As an alternative, try the Corona beer instead.
11. Sol Cerveza
Average Price: approx. $10.32 per 6-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Sol Cerveza is a Mexican lager, refreshing, and easy to drink, making it the ideal choice if you want to enjoy a beer on a sunny day.
This is one of those great Mexican beers for any occasion, whether you’re attending a music festival or hosting a rooftop party.
Also, it pairs well with your favorite food and is a great way to wash down tacos.
10. Texcoco Mystic Ales
Average Price: price varies per type and pack
Alcohol Content: 8.5-11.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Texcoco Mystic Ales is the maker of the Psicosis Imperial IPA, a bold Indian Pale Ale with quite a high kick of alcohol at 8.5% ABV.
If you like complex drinks, then Texcoco ales must be on your checklist. From the nose to the finish, it has a lot going on.
This might overwhelm beginners, but overall, it leaves a good drinking experience.
9. Cerveza Leon
Average Price: approx. $3.20 per bottle
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Cerveza Leon is a type of Munich beer. The aroma and body are nice, and the flavors are well-rounded.
There’s sweetness and a light taste of bitterness, plus the thin foam. This is one of our Munich dark beers; full-bodied and delicious.
Quick Fact: Cerveza Leon has been in the Mexican beer production industry for more than a century. Over time, it becomes a famous beer, especially among Mexican youth. It’s considered a trendy beer nowadays.
8. Perro del Mar
Average Price: around $65 per bottle (retail price), which may vary depending on the store
Alcohol Content: 7% ABV
Why We Like It: Want a fruity Mexican beer? Look no further than Perro Del Mar. We like the orange and mango flavors, and it’s the first beer we’ve tried with this profile.
Besides, its beautiful golden amber color surely attracts you. Once you get to drink this Mexican beer, the flavors are well-mixed, with the typical bitterness of the year.
7. Bohemia
Average Price: approx. $10.99 per 10-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Why We Like It: As one of the oldest beer brands, Bohemia is genuinely a traditional pilsner Mexican beer [1], and it’s one of the best Mexican beers to date.
“Humankind was built on beer. From the world’s first writing to its first laws, in rituals social, religious, and political, civilization is soaked in beer.”
ā William Bostwick, Author
The balanced taste and nose, with just a hint of sweetness, bring delight to the experience.
It’s a good go-to beer any time of the day. But it’s more enjoyable when you’re at Mexico’s beaches.
6. Carta Blanca
Average Price: approx. $8.99 per 6-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Carta Blanca is a good thirst-quencher. Although it’s just a simple Mexican lager, it has plenty of fans, and we can’t deny its appeal due to its authenticity.
As one of the traditional beers in Mexico, it’s a full-bodied beer, and we get some slightly bitter taste and sweet flavor.
Overall it’s refreshing and affordableāa perfect choice for any event.
5. Indio
Average Price: approx. $4 per 750ml
Alcohol Content: 4.1% ABV
Why We Like It: Indio beer is a Vienna-style lager that is amber in color, known for its mild caramel and toasted malt flavor.
We like its light bitterness, balancing the sugary notes.
What we like the most about Indio beer is it’s refreshingly good, with nice carbonation to boost the flavors.
Besides, there’s a herbal note, making this lager beer more interesting.
4. Estrella Jalisco
Average Price: approx. $3.50 per 25oz can (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Mexican drink has its roots in Jalisco, making it a tradition that suits drinkers wanting an authentic or classic pilsner.
Its golden yellow hue is enticing, and we like its refreshing and crisp mouthfeel.
If you’ve tried Mexican lagers before, this beer bottle doesn’t have an extravagant flavor.
It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a refreshing beer, enough to satisfy your day.
3. Border Psycho
Average Price: price varies per type and pack
Alcohol Content: 5-10.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Border Psycho introduces some of the best craft beers in Mexico with their four variations:
- Brutal Imperial Stout āsavory scents of malt with anise and chocolate
- Cream Ale ā thirst-quenching beer, round texture, and smooth flavor
- La Perversa ā soft yet medium-bodied with an explosion of floral and earthy hops
- Hoptimista ā for hop lovers, with tropical and citrus notes
Among the four, we particularly like the Cream Ale and La Perversa. The flavor complements each other, giving delight to the mouth.
2. Modelo
Average Price: approx. $19.99 per 12-pack (Drizy)
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Why We Like It: Grupo Modelo is one of the big beer breweries in Mexico. Under Modelo is Corona and Modelo Special [2], which is the second-best-selling beer in Mexico.
We’ve tried the Modelo Special, and it’s really remarkable, outstanding, to be exact.
Did you know? Modelo Special is the brand’s third best-selling Mexican beer in the US [3].
1. Pacifico
Average Price: approx. $19.97 per 12-pack (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Pacifico is one of the most exported beers in Mexico. This light beer has a mild flavor of sweetness with the right alcohol contentāperfect as a daily drink.
It’s not just refreshing but a good mixer for other alcoholic beverages. But it tastes great with lime juice, then paired with fish and soy sauce.
Fun Fact: Pacifico derived its name from Cerveceria del Pacifico, the place the beer was produced for the first time by German immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What beer do Mexican locals drink?
Mexican locals’ popular beers include Corona, Tecate, Pacifico, Dos Equis lager, Modelo, and Sol.
What is a traditional Mexican beer?
The traditional Mexican beer is Sol. It is dubbed “The Original Mexican Beer.”
Which style of beer is dominant in Mexico?
The style of beers dominant in Mexico includes pilsners, lagers, Munich-style, and Vienna-style lagers.
What is Mexico’s oldest beer?
Mexico’s oldest beer is Carta Blanca, which is first brewed in the 1980s by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc. In fact, the brand won international awards throughout its history.
What is the most popular beer in Mexico?
The most popular beer in Mexico is undoubtedly Corona Extra. Renowned for its crisp and refreshing taste, this iconic Mexican lager has achieved global recognition and is often enjoyed with a wedge of lime.
Its popularity extends beyond Mexico’s borders, making it a well-loved choice worldwide.
What are Mexico’s two beers?
Mexico boasts a rich and diverse beer culture, but if we were to highlight two prominent names, they would be Corona and Modelo.
Corona, produced by Grupo Modelo, stands out as the country’s most popular beer, while Modelo Especial, another creation of Grupo Modelo, holds its own as a widely consumed and appreciated choice, contributing to Mexico’s vibrant beer scene.
What is the most expensive beer in Mexico?
While the concept of the “most expensive” beer may vary based on factors such as location and availability, one notable premium beer in Mexico is the Bohemia Reserva.
Renowned for its artisanal brewing process, Bohemia Reserva is often considered a top-tier choice in terms of both taste and price, appealing to those seeking a more exclusive and refined beer-drinking experience.
Is Corona beer from Mexico?
Yes, Corona beer is indeed from Mexico. Produced by Grupo Modelo, a major brewery based in Mexico City, Corona has become a global icon of Mexican brewing.
Its distinctive taste, often enjoyed with a slice of lime, has contributed to its widespread popularity both within Mexico and around the world. Despite its international acclaim, Corona proudly retains its Mexican roots.
What is the No 1 beer in the world?
Determining the absolute No. 1 beer in the world can be subjective, as preferences vary widely. However, one of the consistently top-ranked and widely recognized beers globally is Budweiser.
Produced by Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser has achieved immense popularity for its consistent quality and broad appeal.
It has become a symbol of American brewing excellence and is enjoyed by millions across the globe, earning its place as one of the most widely consumed beers internationally.
What are the top 3 beers?
Determining the top three beers can vary depending on factors such as personal taste, cultural preferences, and regional availability.
However, globally recognized brands like Budweiser, Heineken, and Corona often find themselves among the top contenders due to their widespread popularity and consistent quality, making them favored choices for many beer enthusiasts worldwide.
Which Mexican beer has the most alcohol?
Among Mexican beers, one notable option known for its higher alcohol content is Bohemia Obscura.
This full-bodied Vienna-style lager boasts a richer flavor profile and a slightly higher alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to other Mexican beers, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a stronger brew.
Is Mexico known for beer?
Yes, Mexico is indeed known for its vibrant beer culture. With a history of brewing dating back centuries to the time of the Aztecs, Mexico has established itself as a significant player in the global beer industry.
The country is renowned for producing a diverse range of beers, from light and refreshing lagers like Corona to richer and more flavorful varieties like Negra Modelo, contributing to its reputation as a beer-loving nation.
What is the oldest Mexican beer?
One of the oldest and most iconic Mexican beers is Negra Modelo. Founded in 1925, Negra Modelo has a rich heritage and a distinctively smooth taste, characterized by its blend of caramel malts and subtle hops.
This Vienna-style lager has stood the test of time, becoming a beloved classic in Mexican beer culture and maintaining its popularity among both locals and international beer enthusiasts.
What beer do locals drink in Mexico?
While Mexico offers a diverse array of beers catering to different tastes and preferences, several brands are particularly popular among locals. Alongside internationally recognized names like Corona, Mexican beer drinkers often enjoy national favorites such as Modelo Especial and Tecate.
These beers are readily available across the country and are frequently enjoyed during social gatherings, meals, and festive occasions, reflecting their integral role in Mexican drinking culture.
Wrapping Up
In Mexico, there are plenty of hidden treasures to discover, as well as a wide variety of beersā from simple to special ones.
Despite the differences, one this is commonā they’re all refreshing.
While some are available outside Mexico, there are exclusive ones that you can only discover and try in their home country.
Now you know that Mexico didn’t just offer authentic tequilas but refreshing beers, as well.
If you have to try any of the beers above, you better start your journey because, for sure, there are more to come along the way.
References:
- The Origins of Mexican Beer
- This Mexican Beer Is Now Even Bigger Than Budweiser
- Modelo Especial Booming Beer Brand Talking
