Beer in Mexico facts for kids

The history of beer in Mexico began with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Before the 16th century, Mesoamerican cultures already made fermented drinks, including a type of corn beer. However, European-style beer, made with barley, arrived with the Spanish soon after Hernán Cortés came to Mexico. Making this type of beer was limited during the colonial period because materials were scarce, and Spanish rulers placed strict rules and taxes on it.

After the Mexican War of Independence, these rules disappeared, allowing the beer industry to grow. In the 19th century, German immigrants and the short rule of Austrian Maximilian I helped many new breweries open across the country. Today, Mexican beer is a big export, mostly going to the United States, but it's sold in over 150 countries worldwide.

Mexican Beer: Types and Traditions

Mexican beers are famous for being light and refreshing. They usually have a mild taste and are best enjoyed cold. Most beer is sold in 325 ml bottles, often called "medias" in everyday talk. Some brands, like Tecate and Modelo Especial, are also sold in cans. In Mexico, many bottled beers come in returnable bottles. You pay a deposit for these bottles, which can be almost as much as the beer itself!

Different Bottle Sizes and Names

Some brands are available in larger bottles, about 925 or 940 ml. People often call these caguamas, which means "sea turtles," or in places like Mazatlán, ballenas, meaning "whales." These larger bottles first appeared in Mexico in 1960, at the same time as the "six-pack," often just called a "six." You won't find much beer served from a tap in Mexico.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Mexican Beer

In Mexico, it's common to add lime juice to beer. This gives it a fresh, zesty flavor.

A special beer drink called a michelada is very popular. It's made with light beer, lime juice, and salt. Sometimes, people add chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato juice. Just like with a margarita, the salt is usually put on the rim of the glass. A less common version of the drink includes Clamato (a mix of clam and tomato juice). The name michelada comes from the phrase mi chela helada, which means "my beer, ice cold." In many places, you can find different kinds of micheladas that include shrimp, other seafood, or even pineapple.

While many trends from the United States become popular in Mexico, serving beer from a tap has not. Also, light beer is generally not as popular in Mexico as other types.

See also

In Spanish: Cervezas de México para niños