Beer Styles

What is a Mexican lager? The term describes a pale, bottom-fermented beer with minimal hops, a body built on barley malt, and often a portion of corn or rice. According to the BJCP style guidelines, the leading reference for beer competitions, it falls under international pale lager. This guide doesn't recognize a distinct Mexican style.

Corona Extra and Modelo Especial represent this type. Corona tastes light and slightly sweet, with little bitterness, and pairs well with lime because nothing fights against it. Modelo Especial is marketed as a Pilsner-style lager and comes across a bit more substantial. Both are served chilled, often with lime.

The region's second face is dark. Negra Modelo is classified on rating sites as a Munich Dunkel, amber-brown with aromas of dark malt and caramel. Some beer guides also call it a Vienna-style lager. Where exactly to draw the line is a matter of taste, since both styles sit close together in color, though Vienna lager is technically a bit paler by style standards. Neither bears much resemblance to Corona or Modelo Especial.

The difference from German Pils is easy to remember. Pils has noticeably more hop bitterness, while Mexican lager leans toward lightness. Compared to German Dunkel, it lacks the stronger roasted edge—Negra stays softer and sweeter.

Michelada and Chelada aren't beer styles but mixed beer drinks. Chelada consists of beer, lime juice, and salt on the glass rim—the simpler, milder version. Michelada adds hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and often tomato juice.