Cinco de Mayo is rapidly becoming a popular holiday well-beyond Mexico's borders. Whether or not the farther flung celebrants fully grasp the meaning of May fifth in Mexico it is becoming something of a St. Patrick's Day for Mexican culture.
Mexican beer represents a significant share of the US import market and its liberal consumption is an established way to mark Cinqo de Mayo north of the border. Want to join in the fun? Here are four ways to put Mexican beer inside you.
1. Mexican Light Lager
Clever marketing has distinguished Mexican lager as an extra-ordinary beer. Devoted fans of
Corona, Sol, Tecate and other popular light lager styles relish their beers of choice. These brews are often enjoyed with fresh squeezed lime juice and a bit of salt or
specially prepared lime salt.
2. Mexican Amber Lager
Countries with warmer weather tend to produce fewer ales and focus on crisper, more thirst-quenching lagers. Mexico is no exception and consequently the most popular brews from there are either light or amber lagers. In the Nineteenth century Austrian brewers brought Vienna-style lagers to Mexico where they remain a staple to the beer industry to this day. Popular brands include Dos Equis Amber and
Negra Modelo.
3. Michelada
The Michelada was born when the practice of adding a bit of lime and salt to Mexican lagers got a little out of control. In time so much lime juice, as well as other ingredients, found its way into the drink that it could no longer be called simply beer. Like many mixed drinks this one is what you make it but here's
a popular version of the Michelada from About's guide to Mexican Food.
