Mexican lagers are largely influenced by Vienna Austria-style lager and are brewed in light (pale), amber, and dark (negro/negra) varieties using cold-fermenting, but often use Mexican yeast, adding distinct notes. These beers can pair with hearty dishes, like Mexican cuisine and spicy meat dishes including chicken, sausage, and pork.
What are Mexican pilsners?
Pilsners are a type of lager, so this category is a sub-set of Mexican lagers that stands all on its own. Mexican pilsners are generally a type of pale lager, with a taste that is crisp, clean, and balanced but still retains some of the hops over other Mexican styles of beer like cerveza. Mexican pilsners are a beer that can pair with virtually any kind of food, from light fares to fried foods to spicy entrees.
The Bohemia Mexican pilsner is the oldest and most iconic Mexican pilsner in Mexico. Despite its clarity, it’s slightly sweeter or maltier than many German pilsners though retain the hoppy flavor that characteristically defines a pilsner. Dark varieties are also available. It's long-aged and sometimes made with corn instead of wheat, a tradition that reaches back to Europe and later the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico which created maize beer as part of social and sacred rituals.
What is cerveza?
The third type, or style, of Mexican beer is commonly described as cerveza (Spanish for "beer"), a crisp and light brew that's often made with a pilsner malt, flaked corn and less noticeable hops than a true Mexican pilsner.
Since Mexican cervezas are so crisp and light, they practically pair with any kind of food, but are the perfect style of beer to "wash down" foods like grilled meats and barbeque, fried foods and meats, noodle dishes, and more.
What is a dark Mexican beer?
When shopping for a dark Mexican beer, look for "Negra" or "Negro" in the name, which both translate in Spanish to mean "dark." One example is Modelo Negra, a dark lager you may find great for washing down spicy food.
Do you put lime in Mexican beer?
You sure can. Whether you have a Mexican lager, pilsner, or cerveza – pop a lime wedge or half wheel into the bottle (or can) and let the lime juice add some citrus and extra sweetness to your beer.
Does Mexican beer taste better with a lime?
This is completely up to the imbiber. Some beer drinkers love to throw a lime into the bottle, while others believe it is completely unnecessary. The best option to find out if you will like a Mexican beer with a lime is to try it for yourself, both with and without a lime, and see which you prefer!
What are some of the most popular brands of Mexican beer?
Total Wine & More location carries a great selection of imported beer, including selections from Mexico! Some of the most popular Mexican beer brands include:
Browse our wide selection of Mexican beers and start exploring all this category has to offer!
Want to learn more about beer?
Visit our Guide to Beer to learn about all the different styles out there for you to try!
