I'm an avid beer drinker and a relentless traveler. My two biggest hobbies go hand in hand beautifully, and I have found myself drinking in dive bars and crazy cantinas across the globe with locals of every language. It's given me a little insight into what beers the locals really drink.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Mexico is a country that knows how to party. Whether you're on the cool beaches of Oaxaca or in the never-sleeping city of Mexico City, there is always a good time to be had. And, along with tequila, its beers that keeps the salsa swinging through the night.
Now, many of you may know Modello, and no doubt, it's a great beer. But I found that no matter where I was, there were always these beers filling every table. If you get the opportunity, pick up a bottle or two of the beers Mexicans really drink.
Pacifico
The popularity of this Mexican beer cannot be understated, and even seeing the label makes my mouth water. In the heat of a Mexican summer, nothing tastes better than a frosty, crisp bottle of Victoria. It is light enough to be drunk all day and will wash down an order of red hot suadero tacos with the flourish they deserve.
Victoria
My preferred way to prop up the bar of a Mexican cantina is with a bottle of beer partnered with a healthy slug of mezcal to sip on the side. For me, the smokey fire of a mezcal pairs best with a beer with a bit of body. That's why Victoria, the slightly darker pilsner-style Mexican beer, is my go-to when double-stacking my drinks. Victoria is a delight to drink and comes with a heavier flavor that lets itself be known.
Tecate
When the funds are low, but the fiesta is flowing, grab a crate of Tecate. It's the cheap but endlessly drinkable Mexican beer. It may not be the most prestigious of beers on the list, but for a cheaper option, it absolutely hits the spot. It'll be rare to see a Mexican party without at least a few of these beers around.
Tecate is a golden lager. As you see the glistening condensation catch the light on every freshly poured glass, you'll understand why. It's an easy drinker and won't bloat you or get too heavy. I will say, though, buy it in short cans because, although it tastes like hoppy gold when it's ice cold, as it warms, it isn't the best.
Bohemia
The red label of Bohemia will forever be linked to long, slurred conversations laying the world to rights in the back of some Mexican bar for me. The Czech inspied lager is delicious, pulling its flavors from the world renowned Czech Pilsen. There's something about the beer that keeps you drinking it way after your bedtime and makes the lips loose. It certainly helped me learn Mexican, anyway.
