Our Favourite Mexican Beer Brands And Where To Buy Them

One of the more preferred brands on the streets, Pacifico Cerva, originally Cervercería Del Pacifico, was established in 1900 by a group of German brewers living in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Mexicans love it for the same reason Americans love the beach. It’s great for a day in the sun, especially if it’s a scorching one like the Mexicans are used to. Its ability to refresh along with subtle malt and citrus flavours are the reasons it’s so popular. In addition to that, it’s a light lager beer, meaning it has less alcohol content and fewer calories. Perfect for folks who want some beer and a six-pack to go with it.

Origin: Mazatlan, Mexico.
Alcohol Vol: 4.4%

You’ve probably had a taste of this one, or seen it served to a nice gentleman, or at the very least heard of it. And If you haven’t, welcome to Earth, a planet of over 7 billion people excited to have you join the club.

Circling back, Corona is the most imported, and among the top-selling beers in the world. Made by Grupo Modelo, the taste of this corn-based brand is quite recognizable, and best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime or lemon. Tasty! It has a great aroma, is light and easy to drink, bubbly at the top, and tastes amazing.

An interesting fact about the brand is that it got its name from the Crown (Corona) of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Origin: Mexico City, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4.5%

Created in 1865, Victoria is the oldest Mexican lager beer. Victoria, which translates to ‘Victory’ in Spanish is said to represent every Mexican immigrant in the United States who dreams of a better future.

Beyond the cultural representation, a mix of caramel, hops and a nice fizzy feel in the mouth has kept the brand relevant amongst beer lovers for decades. Its golden-yellow look, along with its malty aroma teases your senses before your first sip and etches a place for itself in your memory. As far as quality, drinkable beers go, this popular brand is definitely one to go for.

Origin: Toluca, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4%

The first thing that comes to mind when you see the name ‘Bohemia‘ is probably unconventional art, but the brand name is actually inspired by an area in the Czech Republic which has the same name.

This pilsner-style beer was launched in 1905 and since then has been dedicated to creating with the highest quality ingredients, including selected hops from the Czech Republic. This has made the flavours distinct.

Right from the pour, it rocks a great foamy head that’s just begging for a sip. You’ll catch a nice sweet taste followed by a slightly bitter aftertaste that keeps things interesting. With over 100 years of experience under their belt, the brand has mastered the art of using the right ingredients in the right proportions, resulting in a really balanced and satisfying experience.

Origin: Monterrey, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4.5%

Founded by father-son duo, Jordan and Charlie Gardenhire, and their friend, Rob, in Los Cabos, Mexico, in 2007, Baja Brewing quickly became a favourite spot for many of the locals. Over the years, the brand continued to grow, and in 2013, the first batch of what is now a widely accepted beer crossed into the United States borders.

Baja Brewing has proven its resilience time and again, bouncing back after being struck by hurricanes—twice! The love and community it had grown, through selfless service, helped keep the business alive after these tragic events. And since then, the brand has soared to new heights, scooping up multiple local and international awards, and increasing their beer line.

Their restaurants in Mexico serve great meals that pair really well with their brews, and a trip to Los Cabo wouldn’t be complete without a photo with Baja Brewing’s official mascot – the donkey.

Origin: Los Cabos, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 5.0%

Made in Orizaba, Mexico in 1899, Sol Cerveza (or Sol) has grown into a force in the Mexican beer industry, spreading into over 70 countries. The beer was originally introduced by a brewery called “El Salto del Agua ” which translates into ‘Waterfall’. Legend has it that during the brewing of the first experimental recipe, rays of sunlight hit the brewing kettle, inspiring the brewer to call the beer “El Sol” meaning ‘’The Sun’. Talk about 100% natural. The name was later changed to Cerveza Sol in 1912 by some guy who didn’t see the rays.

A taste of the beer would show you how great the quality of the ingredients used are. If you are a fan of sweet drinks, then you best look elsewhere, because this one stays more on the slightly bitter side through to the end.

Origin: Orizaba, México
Alcohol Vol: 4.5%

The beer was initially created in 1944 in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, to quench the thirst of local miners. But due to the great taste, its target market quickly grew. Now, it is a beer of choice for many Mexicans, especially in the diaspora.

Tecate’s growth has stemmed from a lot of things, but a standout reason is the fact that it sponsors major boxing events – one of the notable ones being the fight between Oscar and Mayweather in 2007. In addition to this, they are backed by Heineken.

Marketing does a lot for the brand, but a drink won’t last long if the quality doesn’t match the hype. Tecate’s taste is probably the best out there. A subtle malty taste, and good bubbly fizz from start to finish, along with a sweet aftertaste make for a refreshing drink on a hot day. Definitely better than most beers you’ll come across.

Origin: Tecate, Baja California, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4.5%

Originally known as ‘Siglo XX’ (Roman Numerals XX) in celebration of the 20th century, Dos Equis was created in 1897 by Wilhelm Haase, and it didn’t take long before it was widely recognised. In 1983, it was imported into the United States for the first time.

The pilsner-style beer utilises spices, spring water, and hops as its major ingredients, giving it a natural earthy flavour. And the smoothness is top-tier. Overall, it’d be hard to compete against the brand, and beer lovers in the United States seem to think so as well. In 2009, Dos Equis was named the fastest-growing import in the United States.

Recently, the beer brand upgraded the features on its website. Now, with the tap of a button, you can pinpoint the closest places to get a cold one, instead of touring stores like a musician.

Origin: Veracruz, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4.7%

The first Bock beer (strong, dark beer of German origin) made in Mexico, its history could be traced back to 1925 in Veracruz. In the early 1900s, there was an influx of Germans to Mexico, and with immigration came an exchange of culture which included food and of course, beer.

Although it can be brewed year-round, the beer is mostly made during the winter because it is brewed at colder temperatures. This is probably the reason it was a popular holiday gift, reflected in the design of the bottle.

When it comes to taste, the beer has more of a European look and taste. The bold, dark red colour, and taste of sweet chocolate, caramel, fruits, prunes and a bit of herbs gives it a flavour profile that stands above the rest. One sip and you’ll never argue with a German about beer again, ever.

Origin: Veracruz, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 5.9%

Made for people who want to enjoy the taste, experience and texture of beer, Negra Modelo is exquisite in both look and character. First brewed in Mexico by the Austrians, the beer brand has the depth of a European beer.

From the rich brown look to the heavy malt presence, this beer gives a taste that exudes the kind of luxury that is fit for someone like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders.

Galena, super Galena hops, caramel, and black malt give this beer the rich taste and colour profile you see. It is less carbonated than most Mexican beers, but a smooth glide down your throat makes the difference almost negligible. If you’re looking for a beer that embodies Mexican and European tastes perfectly, this comes highly recommended. Just ask Tommy.

Origin: Tacuba, México
Alcohol Vol: 5.4%

Estrella is one of the largest brands in Mexico, and this is partly due to the fact that it is one of the oldest. Established in 1910, they have built a faithful follower base in Mexico over the years and have managed to remain strong competitors. In 2016, they began to spread their wings as exportation into the United States began, and was received well by the Mexican communities.

The beer has a moderately foamy head, a hint of lemon in the taste, and a lovely aroma of corn and citrus. For the price, it’s a really good beer and goes very well with any spicy meal.

Origin: Jalisco, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4.5%

Back in 1890, Cuauhtemoc Brewery in Monterrey, Mexico, produced its first-ever brew, launching a slice of Mexican culture in every bottle.

Just like most beers brewed in the early years, Carta Blanca has retained the old-world recipes. Its crisp, satisfying, citrus flavours go well with a sweet malt aroma and nice hop. From the taste, it’s obvious that the quality of ingredients and processes is top-class.

Whether enjoyed alone, or with a squeeze of lemon, or with a meal, this beer from Monterrey hits all the right notes, every time.

Origin: Monterrey, Mexico
Alcohol Vol: 4%