Beyond Corona: The Mexican Craft Beer Scene is Booming

Mexico boasts a rich brewing history, but for many, Mexican craft beer still conjures images of light lagers enjoyed with a wedge of lime. However, Mexican craft beer (or cerveza artesanal in Spanish) has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and a vibrant craft beer scene is flourishing south of the US border.

Craft breweries in Mexico are offering both classic and diverse styles along with innovative flavors. These craft breweries are popping up in major cities like Mexico City, Tijuana, and Monterrey, as well as tourist destinations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Plus, they’re all experimenting with various styles, including Mexican lagers, IPAs, stouts, and more. 

While traditional lagers like Corona and Modelo remain popular, craft brewers are adding their own twist. You can expect to find crisp, flavorful lagers brewed with local ingredients and a touch more character.

Our top picks for craft Mexican lagers include “La Surfa” by Baja Brewing and Cervecería Minerva's “Tropilager.” The Tropilager is infused with Lotus hops and fruity aromas like pineapple, plumb, and orange. Plus, it pairs great with grilled vegetables or Peruvian ceviche. What a great craft Mexican lager for a hot summer’s day! 

And if you’re up for a juicy treat, turn your craft Mexican lager into a michelada. A michelada is a Mexican drink made with beer, tomato juice, lime juice, assorted sauces and spices serviced in a salt-rimmed glass.

Now it’s time to do some daydreaming. Imagine yourself relaxing on a sun lounger by the pool in the Riviera Maya with a crisp, craft Mexican lager in your hand and a lemon wedge stuck in the bottle neck. If you can visualize yourself in that daydream, then why not take your relaxation a step further and go all-inclusive for your upcoming vacation? The Barceló Maya Riviera adults only hotel is a great option for prime rest and relaxation with a cold, Mexican craft beer in hand.

Craft brewers are putting their own spin on Mexican India Pale Ales, often featuring citrusy or tropical fruit notes that complement the country’s warm climate. Ensenada Brewing's “Hazy India Pale Ale” and Cervecería Cru Cru's “IPA” are excellent examples of the best Mexican IPA beers around.

For a unique Mexican IPA experience, try “Buen Día IPA” by Cervecería Calavera. This Mexican craft beer pairs perfectly with traditional spicy snacks and carne asada. If you’re a carne asada taco lover, grab a Buen Día IPA and enjoy a pairing fit for the gods.

It's time to start daydreaming. Do you see white-sand beaches, vibrant-green palm trees, and crystal-clear waters? Then you’re sunbathing on a romantic beach in Cozumel, enjoying your day before laying your head to rest on a super comfortable and luxurious bed at one of Cozumel’s top hotels.

Of all the beers brewed in Mexico, dark Mexican beer really stands out. While Negra Modelo may be Mexico’s most famous dark beer, lots of Mexican breweries make their own that are definitely worth trying.

A great dark Mexican beer to try is a stout like the “Oat Stout” by Cervecería Fortuna. Another great one is the classic “Stout” by Cervecería Minerva. Made in Jalisco, this deliciously dark stout is a must-try for those who love dark beers. Made with a rigorous process ensuring quality, the flavors offer massive notes of cacao and coffee – this is one rich brew!

And last but not least comes Cervecería María Bonita’s “Oatmeal Stout,” the epitome of a dark beer with an authentically Mexican twist.

Let’s toast to that! Picture yourself surrounded by elegance at the 5-star Barceló México Reforma hotel in Mexico City, sipping on a dark Mexican beer on the hotel’s rooftop terrace. 

Now that we’ve covered the most popular styles of craft Mexican beer, it’s time to move onto the more off-the-beaten path varieties to give your taste buds a well-rounded experience.

First off, there’s Cervecería Minerva’s “Pale Ale,” an English mild ale that’s as classic as it is delicious.

Next up is “Tempus Dorada” by Cervecería Primus. Brewed in Oaxaca de Juárez, Tempus Dorada is a dazzlingly golden ale that’s as refreshing to drink as it is pleasant to look at. With a light ABV of 4.3 percent and aromas of bread and honey, it’s the best Mexican craft beer for an afternoon by the pool or on the beach.

And don’t miss out on Tempus’ “Reserva Especial” (Special Reserve). This Scottish-style ale that goes great with spicy food.

“Blonde Ale” by Cervecería María Bonita, brewed in Santa Ana Ixtlahuaca, is a citrusy delight from first sip to last. This blonde ale goes down very easy – you’ll probably want to order two! And take a little time to enjoy their elaborate labels, which are amazing work of art in their own right. This Mexican craft beer brewer is doing things right!

Of course, there are many more fantastic varieties of craft beer in Mexico to try – it seems as if a new brewery opens up every month, and Mexican breweries offers something for everyone.  So, whether you choose to ditch the lime wedge or keep it, get ready to embark on an adventure into the world of Mexican craft beer.  With its unique flavors and vibrant scene,  it's sure to leave you wanting more.