What Beers Are Made In Mexico? For LGBTQ+ travelers and enthusiasts planning a trip or simply curious about Mexican brews, gaymexico.net offers an in-depth look at the diverse and flavorful world of Mexican beer. Discover your new favorite cervezas and plan your perfect beer-tasting adventure. Explore the vibrant beer scene with insights on top brands, unique styles, and the best places to enjoy them, perfect for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a taste of authentic Mexico.
1. A Deep Dive into Mexican Beer History
While Mexico is renowned for its tequila and mezcal, its beer heritage is equally rich and fascinating. Long before the arrival of Europeans, indigenous cultures were crafting alcoholic beverages using fermented plants and corn. Let’s embark on a historical journey to explore the evolution of Mexican beer:
1.1. Ancient Beginnings: Mesoamerican Fermented Drinks
Ancient civilizations in Mexico were pioneers in creating alcoholic beverages, primarily using indigenous plants and corn.
- Pulque: A traditional drink made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant, pulque is a thick, milky, and potent beverage. In Aztec times, it held sacred status and was reserved for the elite. Post-Spanish conquest, it became secularized and widely consumed.
1.2. The Spanish Influence: Introduction of Barley and Wheat
The Spanish introduced barley and wheat beers to Mexico, though early production was limited.
- Early Concessions: The first official concession to brew European-style beers was granted by Spanish authorities in the mid-16th century. However, stringent regulations and high taxes on locally produced beers and wines hindered the industry’s growth, favoring imported beverages from Europe.
1.3. Post-Independence Boom: The Rise of Mexican Beer
After Mexico’s War of Independence, the absence of European regulations and taxes spurred beer production.
- German Expertise: In the late 19th century, German immigrants brought valuable knowledge and expertise, leading to diversification and improved quality in the local market.
- Prohibition Era Boost: The early 20th century saw beer become a major industry in Mexico, partly fueled by Prohibition in the United States, which created a thriving trade in beer and other alcoholic beverages along the border.
1.4. Consolidation and Modernization
By the end of the Mexican Revolution, over thirty-five breweries were operating in Mexico.
- Emergence of the “Big Two”: Consolidation in the early 1920s led to the dominance of Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma, which absorbed smaller breweries. This consolidation led to mass production of successful beers and the disappearance of less successful ones.
2. The Titans of Mexican Beer: Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma
Today, two major corporations dominate the Mexican beer market: Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma. Together, they account for over 90% of the beer sold in Mexico.
2.1. Market Dominance
These “big two” corporations manage the Mexican market today: Cervecería Modelo (Grupo Modelo) and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma (FEMSA).
- Market Share: They supply over 90% of all beer in Mexico, making the country a world leader in total beer production, surpassing the Netherlands.
- Export Growth: Significant growth in exports, particularly to the U.S., has fueled this dominance.
2.2. Economic Impact
Domestic sales of beer exceed six billion U.S. dollars, with exports accounting for approximately 2.2 billion U.S. dollars.
- Production and Distribution: The major brewers operate seventeen brewing plants in eleven states and support over ninety barley-producing centers across the country. They also manage an extensive retail distribution network, reaching even remote towns and villages.
- Employment: The industry employs over 90,000 people directly and a further 800,000 indirectly.
2.3. Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Domestic Beer Sales | $6 Billion USD |
| Beer Export Value | $2.2 Billion USD |
| Direct Employment | 90,000+ |
| Indirect Employment | 800,000+ |
| Number of Brewing Plants | 17 |
| Number of Barley-Producing Centers | 90+ |
3. Microbreweries in Mexico: A Growing Niche
While not as common as in the U.S. or Europe, microbreweries are emerging in Mexico, carving out niches with unique, artisan ales.
3.1. Independent Brewers
Small, independent microbrewers are becoming increasingly popular in Mexico, albeit not as common as in the U.S. and Europe.
- Notable Microbreweries: Examples include Cervecería San Angel and Cervecería Santa Fe Beer Factory in Mexico City, Pepe and Joe’s in Mazatlán, and Beer Lounge in Guadalajara.
- Focus on Ales: These microbreweries often produce ales instead of the lagers and pilsners favored by the larger breweries.
3.2. Increasing Popularity
Better-quality local bars and bistros are beginning to stock local and artisan ales, helping microbreweries gain recognition.
4. Popular Styles of Mexican Beer
The majority of beers produced in Mexico are lagers, pilsners, Vienna-style light and dark beers, and Munich dark beers. Microbreweries offer a smaller range of ales.
4.1. Mainstream Styles
The Mexican beer market is dominated by a few specific types.
- Lagers and Pilsners: These are the most common types, known for their crisp and refreshing qualities.
- Vienna-Style Beers: These offer a slightly richer flavor profile, available in both light and dark variations.
- Munich Dark Beers: These provide a smooth and malty experience.
4.2. Microbrewery Ales
For those seeking something different, exploring local ales at reputable bars and bistros is highly recommended.
5. Grupo Modelo’s Premier Beers
Grupo Modelo is renowned for its wide range of beers, many of which are internationally acclaimed.
5.1. Corona Extra
Corona Extra, a light lager pilsner beer, is the top-selling Mexican beer globally, exported to 159 countries.
- Global Icon: It is the best-selling non-domestic beer in the U.S. and the U.K.
- Flavor Profile: This light lager has a very mild flavor with a touch of hop bitterness. Approximately 4.5 billion liters of Corona are produced annually.
5.2. Corona Light
Introduced in 1989, Corona Light was Grupo Modelo’s first low-calorie beer.
- Health-Conscious Option: The brewer claims it maintains the traditional taste but has 30% fewer calories than Corona Extra.
5.3. Negra Modelo
Known in Mexico as the “cream of the beers,” Negra Modelo is a smooth, dark beer of the Munich-dunkel type.
- Historical Significance: One of Modelo’s original beers, it was initially sold only on draft. Today, it is widely available in bottles nationwide.
5.4. Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial, the first brand produced by Modelo in 1925, remains a favorite among Mexican consumers.
- Popular Choice: As the second best-selling beer in Mexico, it is a lager (described as a Pilsner lager) with a slightly richer and fuller taste than Corona. A lower-calorie ‘light’ version was launched in 1994.
5.5. Victoria
Victoria, a Pilsner-Vienna type beer, has been in production since 1865.
- Rich Heritage: In 1935, the brand was acquired by Grupo Modelo from Cervecería Toluca y Mexico. This beer has a unique amber color and blends the qualities of a light pilsner and a dark beer.
5.6. León and Montejo
León and Montejo beers were originally brewed in Mérida, Yucatán.
- Regional Origins: León has been in production for over a century, while Montejo dates back to 1960. León is a Munich, dark amber, full-bodied beer, and Montejo is a pilsner with a light taste and aroma.
- National Expansion: Originally exclusive to the Yucatán region, these beers became available across most of Mexico after Modelo took over the brewer in the late 1970s.
5.7. Pacífico
Pacífico, a light, refreshing pilsner-type beer, was originally brewed in Mazatlán.
- Northwestern Favorite: It is Grupo Modelo’s leading brand in the northeastern region of Mexico and has been exported to the U.S. since 1985. A “light” version was launched in 2008.
5.8. Barrilito
Barrilito, which means “little barrel,” is a light beer.
- Refreshing Pilsner: Its taste and aroma place it firmly in the pilsner category.
6. Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma’s Top Beers
Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma also boasts a diverse portfolio of well-loved beers.
6.1. Sol
Sol is a light and tasty lager beer originally produced for the working classes.
- Rebranding Success: After a long hiatus, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc relaunched the product in 1993, targeting younger consumers. Today, Sol is also exported to Asia, Europe, and South America.
6.2. Tecate
Tecate was originally brewed in Baja California.
- National Recognition: In 1954, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc took over the regional brewer, making this medium lager with a sharp, strong taste available nationwide.
- Pioneering Brand: Tecate was the first beer to be sold in cans in Mexico and has won gold medals in Geneva, Paris, and Madrid. It is often promoted at major sporting events, making it one of Mexico’s most recognizable beer brands.
6.3. Tecate Light
Tecate Light, a low-calorie version of Tecate, debuted in 1992.
- Market Innovator: It was the first low-calorie beer introduced to the Mexican market, claiming to maintain the traditional Tecate flavor with fewer calories.
6.4. Dos Equis (XX) Ambar and Lager
Dos Equis (XX) Ambar was first produced by a German brewer in 1897 and marketed as ‘Siglo XX’ to commemorate the new century.
- Historical Brew: Originally a Vienna-style dark beer, XX was Cervecería Cuauhtémoc’s best-selling brand throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
- International Acclaim: Today, it is the best-selling non-domestic dark beer in the U.S. and won a Gold Prize in the “European Style Pilsner” category at the World Beer Cup in 1996.
- Dos Equis (XX) Lager: This light lager beer, based on the Ambar version, is very popular in Mexico and the United States.
6.5. Bohemia
Bohemia competes with Modelo Especial as a light, rich lager beer.
- Brewing Heritage: One of Cervecería Cuauhtémoc’s oldest brands, Bohemia has earned international recognition as one of the world’s finest beers. It offers a significant hops flavor and a dense character, despite its clarity.
- Bohemia Obscura: The brewer also launched a dark version of this beer.
- Bohemia Weizen: In 2009, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc introduced Bohemia Weizen, a wheat-based beer with Mount Hood hops, coriander, and orange peel, marking the first wheat-based beer produced by a major brewery in Mexico.
6.6. Noche Buena
Noche Buena, meaning “Christmas Eve,” is a dark, rich beer with a strong flavor, available only between October and December.
- Seasonal Favorite: Highly anticipated each year, this beer is a festive treat.
6.7. Indio
Indio is a smooth, dark beer produced since 1905.
- Name Origin: Originally named Cuauhtémoc, after the Aztec Emperor, customers would ask for the beer “with the Indian,” leading the brewery to change the name to Indio, retaining the image on the label.
- Versatile Appeal: The brewer claims its popularity stems from its refreshing qualities in warm weather and its warming effect in cooler climates, making it ideal for Mexico’s varied climate types.
6.8. Sol 2
Launched in 2007, Sol 2 is a medium-bodied light beer with a stronger taste than Sol.
- Consumer-Driven Design: Consumers across the country chose the bottle’s design and images through a brewery campaign.
6.9. Sol Cero
Sol Cero is the first non-alcoholic beer produced in Mexico.
- Health-Conscious Choice: The brewer claims it maintains its flavor but with fewer carbohydrates and no alcohol.
6.10. Sol Limón y Sal
Sol Limón y Sal is pre-mixed with lime juice and salt for those who enjoy this traditional combination.
6.11. Sol Cero Limón y Sal
This is the non-alcoholic version of Sol Limón y Sal.
6.12. Superior
Superior is a light beer that has been a favorite among Mexican beer drinkers for over fifty years.
- Premium Brew: Originally brewed as a premium product, it is making a comeback, possibly aided by its gold medal at Le Monde Selection in Brussels, Belgium.
6.13. Carta Blanca
Carta Blanca, technically a pilsner beer, is one of Mexico’s oldest beer brands, first brewed by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc in 1890.
- Award-Winning Taste: It has won several international awards for its taste and quality.
7. Experiencing Mexican Beer Culture: Micheladas
A michelada is a popular Mexican beer cocktail made with beer, lime juice, and various sauces.
7.1. The Michelada Experience
The Michelada is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience.
- Ingredients: It includes lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or soy sauce. The name comes from the Mexican slang for beer, ‘chelada‘, so michelada translates to “my cold beer”.
7.2. Preparation and Regional Variations
You’ll typically get an iced glass with a salt-rimmed edge, containing lime juice or a mix of lime juice and sauces.
- Michelada vs. Michelada Preparada: Asking for a “michelada” usually gets you a salt-rimmed glass with lime juice only. Asking for “michelada preparada” gets you the lime juice and sauces. Your beer is served separately, allowing you to customize the drink.
8. FAQs: Your Questions About Mexican Beer Answered
8.1. What is the most popular beer in Mexico?
Corona Extra is the most popular Mexican beer globally, known for its light and refreshing taste.
8.2. Are there any dark beers made in Mexico?
Yes, Negra Modelo and Dos Equis Ambar are popular dark beers made in Mexico, offering richer and more complex flavors.
8.3. What is a michelada?
A michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail made with beer, lime juice, and various sauces, often served in a salt-rimmed glass.
8.4. Are there any non-alcoholic beers made in Mexico?
Yes, Sol Cero and Sol Cero Limón y Sal are non-alcoholic beers produced in Mexico, offering the same flavors without the alcohol content.
8.5. What is the oldest beer brand in Mexico?
Carta Blanca is one of Mexico’s oldest beer brands, first brewed in 1890.
8.6. Where can I find local craft beers in Mexico?
Local craft beers can be found in better-quality bars and bistros, especially in cities like Mexico City, Mazatlán, and Guadalajara.
8.7. What is the difference between a pilsner and a lager?
Pilsners are a type of lager known for their crisp, hoppy flavor, while lagers are a broader category of beer fermented at cooler temperatures.
8.8. What is the best way to drink a Mexican beer?
Many Mexicans enjoy their beer with lime and salt, or as part of a michelada. Experiencing the local customs is part of the fun.
8.9. Are there any seasonal beers made in Mexico?
Yes, Noche Buena is a seasonal beer available from October to December, known for its dark, rich flavor, perfect for the festive season.
8.10. What are the main ingredients in Mexican beer?
The main ingredients in Mexican beer typically include water, barley, hops, and yeast. Some beers may also include adjuncts like corn or rice.
9. Planning Your Mexican Beer Adventure
Mexico offers a vibrant and diverse beer scene, perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to explore local flavors and experiences.
9.1. Key Cities to Visit
- Mexico City: Explore local microbreweries and traditional cantinas.
- Puerto Vallarta: Enjoy beachside bars with a variety of Mexican beers.
- Guadalajara: Discover local breweries and beer lounges.
9.2. Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly venues: Look for bars and establishments that cater to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Stay informed: Stay updated on local laws and customs regarding LGBTQ+ rights and safety.
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ groups: Engage with local communities for recommendations and support.
10. Conclusion: Discover the Richness of Mexican Beer with Gaymexico.net
Mexican beer offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences, perfect for exploration and enjoyment. From the iconic Corona to the craft ales of local microbreweries, there’s a beer for every palate. Embark on your Mexican beer adventure with confidence, knowing that you’re exploring a welcoming and vibrant culture.
Ready to explore the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican beer? Visit gaymexico.net for more detailed guides, insider tips, and the latest updates on LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Discover the best spots, events, and communities that make Mexico a welcoming and exciting place for LGBTQ+ travelers. Plan your adventure today and experience the warmth and beauty of Mexico with us. Connect with us at 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States. Give us a call at +1 (213) 380-2177 or visit our website gaymexico.net. Let gaymexico.net be your guide to unforgettable experiences in Mexico. Discover hidden gems and local favorites that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
