Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican BeerBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
In 1542 he brought brew masters from the coast of Flanders and other areas to the New World, and by 1554 he reported that the first brewery in the Americas was prospering. Today, Mexico has about 20 breweries throughout the country.
One popular way to drink a “chela” (the slang term for beer) especially in hotter coastal climates, is poured over lime juice and ice in a salt-rimmed glass. This combination is usually called “chelada”. The addition of a pinch of red chili powder and a dash of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce (or something like it) is often called “michelada.” The names may vary depending on where you are. In Mexico City, a michelada comes with just the lime juice and a “michelada Cubana” has the added spices.
If it all sounds too confusing, just point, there’s bound to be someone at the next table enjoying one. Salud! Mexico’s leading export beer, Corona Extra overtook the competition in the late 1990’s to become the Number one selling foreign brand in the United States.
Corona Light - Corona Light is the #1 imported light beer in off-premise sales and the #8 imported beer in the U.S. Corona Light is characterized by the same relaxed, fun-in-the-sun brand image that defines Corona Extra.
Negra Modelo - Much like the history of its home country’s lost Mayan cities, Negra Modelo’s mystique is one of mystery and admiration. Crowned in its traditional gold foil wrapping, the Mexican beer is an unexpected meld of full-bodied flavor and smooth drinkability. Pacifico Clara – A Pilsner-style light beer brewed on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Pacific Clara hails from a seaside town that’s off the beaten path making this a perfect Pilsner to be enjoyed after an adventure – whether it’s an off-road jeep trip or a busy day at work. More about Celebrating Cinco de MayoCinco de Mayo Cocktails How to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Find a local Cinco de Mayo Celebration GOOD BOOKS TO READ WHILE YOU ARE DRINKING A MEXICAN BEERMEXICO: HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAVEL GUIDE INSIGHT GUIDES MEXICO A TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE JEWISH CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN LET’S GO MEXICO Lonely Planet Mexico EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDES MEXICO FOLK WISDOM OF MEXICO TRAVELERS TALES GUIDES MEXICAN DAYS MOON HANDBOOKS PACIFIC MEXICO Michelin Tourist Guide to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize HIDDEN BAJA EAT SMART IN MEXICO LIVE BETTER SOUTH OF THE BORDER ON MEXICAN TIME TO GET A TASTE OF MEXICO AT HOMECULINARY MEXICO LA COMIDA DEL BARIO A YUCATAN KITCHEN SPEAK LIKE A NATIVEHIDE THIS SPANISH BOOK LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF MEXICO WHILE YOU ENJOY YOUR BEERLATIN PLAYGROUNDS MEXICO Other Cinco de Mayo articlesSpice Up Your Cinco de Mayo edited by Ellen Schofield Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Latin Chic edited by Ellen Schofield Dos Caminos plus Bostich + Fussible equals an exciting Cinco de Mayo celebration CINCO DE MAYO – TEQUILA, MARIACHIS, CHILES, OH MY! Edited by Madelyn Miller Cinco de Mayo! More than just a Fiesta Edited by Madelyn Miller |
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In pre-Columbian Mexico, there were certain drinks that resembled beer. When Spanish conquistador Alfonso de Herrera was sent by Cortes to Spain, he asked King Carlos V for permission to begin producing beer in Mexico. 
Mexico produces many kinds of beer, or cerveza, and they are basically divided into three categories: light (clara). Dark (oscura) and campechana (in-between).
In Oaxaca, beer with lime juice is called “suerno” (or serum) and the spicy version is a michelada.
Corona Extra - Identified with the beach, most Corona Extra drinkers first discover this Pilsner beer while relaxing on vacation. Made with all natural ingredients including water, barley, hops and yeast, Corona Extra’s easy drinkability makes it perfect for any vacation, even if you are not going any farther than your backyard.
Modelo Especial - A rich, full-flavored Pilsner beer with a subtle, yet distinctive malt flavor. Handcrafted with all-natural ingredients, Modelo Especial is a premium Mexican beer available in both bottles and cans. So perfect, the word “Modelo” means “model” in Spanish.