Skip to main content

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican-Style Lagers Brewed in the U.S.

Corona. Pacifico. Dos Equis. You see these beer labels at every Cinco de Mayo party and behind the bar at almost every Mexican restaurant. They fall into a beer classification known as the Mexican-style lager, which is identified through its clear (often golden) color, smooth mouthfeel, and a crisp, sweet, grain-forward flavor profile. They’re generally refreshing and uncomplicated with a relatively low percentage of alcohol by volume.

Interestingly enough, what we call the Mexican-style lager actually originated in Germany and Austria. Known in the Old World as the Vienna-style lager, it was imported to Mexico by immigrants in the mid 19th century. Now the style is taking another geographic turn and is being re-interpreted by craft brewers in the United States.

Recommended Videos

Why would craft brewers north of the border turn to the Mexican-style lager for inspiration? After all, many of these craft breweries have made their names by creating bitter India pale ales, robust stouts, or intensely flavorful beers with uncommon, creative ingredients. With its simple recipe and one-note flavor, Mexican-style lagers would seem to be the antithesis to the movement. The cynical answer to “why,” would be money. The two leading imported beer brands in the United States for 2017 were Corona Extra and Modelo Especial, accounting for 38 percent of that category. It makes sense to go after a piece of that pie.

The answer you’d actually hear from many brewers themselves, however, is that they actually enjoy drinking beers like Tecate and wanted to create their own version of the style. Regardless of the reason, here are three craft Mexican-style lagers brewed in the good ol’ USA.

El Sully by 21st Amendment Brewery
El Sully 21st Amendment Brewery
21st Amendment Brewery/Facebook

Available in cans, El Sully is only 4.8 percent ABV and perfectly suited for trips to the beach. It fits all of the classic Mexican-style lager tropes while managing to introduce a slightly more herbal flavor and brisk bite.

Beerito by Oskar Blues Brewery
Beerito Oskar Blues Brewery
Oskar Blues Brewery/Facebook

Another canned, low ABV option is Oskar Blues’ Beerito. Eschewing the expected golden hue for a deep amber, it reflects a more robust combination of malts and elicits notes of honey, toast and nuts.

Mexican Logger by Ska Brewing
Mexican Logger Ska Brewing
Ska Brewing/Facebook

Going all-in, Ska actually uses a yeast strain procured from an unidentified Mexico City brewery for its Mexican Logger. The use of Saaz hops elevates an otherwise faithful rendition of the style.

Whether it’s to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day in the surf, a tasty taco or just to escape from summertime heat, Mexican-style lagers are the thirst quenching, refreshing beverage you crave. And thanks to locally-brewed options, you can support American craft brewers at the same time.

Lee Heidel
Lee Heidel is the managing editor of Brew/Drink/Run, a website and podcast that promotes brewing your own beer, consuming the…
A Michelin Star Chef’s cocktail recipes for Cinco de Mayo
Marcado 28

For your Cinco de Mayo drinks today, the obvious and classic choice is a margarita. There's no cocktail that's more associated with the day, and you can adjust your margarita to incorporate all sorts of flavors.

If you're looking to stay on the tequila theme but get a bit fancy, though, you might want to try these handsome recipes from celebrity chef and Michaelin Star winner Michael Voltaggio, using his Marcado 28 tequila.

Read more
More than just Margaritas: how the trendiest bars are celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Dorado Beach

For this Cinco de Mayo, you can always turn to the classic and beloved Margarita. But if you fancy upping your game a bit, take a look at these recipes for some inspo -- they should how the day is being celebrated at some of the trendiest bars around.

Miso Margarita

Read more
Try this alternative take on an espresso martini with the Martini de Mayo
Kamora Coffee Liqueur

Most of the cocktail recipes you'll see for Cinco de Mayo today lean toward classic tequila drinks like margaritas and palomas. But these aren't the only ways to make use of your tequila today, as this recipe from Kamora Coffee Liqueur and Teremana Reposado Tequila shows.

This variation on the enormously popular Espresso Martini uses reposado tequila in place of the vodka -- a change I am fully on board with, as I still believe that the best Espresso Martinis don't use vodka.

Read more