Photo: Orbon Alija (Getty Images)
Cinco de Mayo is almost here. While technically May 5 marks Mexico’s victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla , over the years the holiday has morphed into the Mexican equivalent of St. Patrick’s Day. That means Americans celebrate it by drinking way too much tequila and Mexican beers and gorging on a whole mess of culturally appropriate (or appropriated) food .
Since there’s only so much beer you can drink in one day, you probably need our help to decide which beers to purchase for this fiesta-filled holiday. Check out all of our favorite Mexican beers below.
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mexican beers cinco de mayo
8. Corona Light
What you give up on calories, you also really give up on flavor. This beer is the equivalent of drinking fizzy, yellow water. It’s best to avoid it unless it’s the only beer left in the cooler.
Photo: Corona
7. Pacifico
Pacifico is just about as generic as beers get. That said, you won’t regret crushing a few of these light brews while you chow down on burritos and tacos.
Photo: Pacifico
6. Corona Extra
Corona is pretty much the go-to Mexican beer for most drinkers and it definitely isn’t Cinco de Mayo without one. Throw a lime in it and drink up. You’ll be perfectly content.
Photo: Corona
5. Sol
If you forgot what you learned in Spanish class, then you might not know that this beer's name means "sun," and aptly so. It’s light, fairly plain, and very refreshing on a warm day.
Photo: Heineken
4. Dos Equis
This beer might be a little over-hyped, but it’s sweet, malty, and pairs well with spicy Mexican fare. Crack open a few of these bad boys and you’ll really impress your fellow party-goers.
Photo: Dos Equis
3. Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial has a fancy-sounding name for a reason. This golden-colored, light brew is a must-have for Cinco de Mayo drinking. Like Corona, the flavor is only enhanced with a lime wedge.
Photo: Grupo Modelo
2. Tecate
There’s a reason Tecate is so popular. It’s actually a really refreshing beer, the kind of beer you want to pound after mowing the lawn. Or while enjoying a chimichanga.
Photo: Tecate
1. Modelo Negra
This beer winning top spot might be cheating. That’s because, unlike all the other beers on this list, Modelo Negra is a Munich Dunkel-style lager. It’s dark, rich, and is the best way to wind down after a long day of lighter beers.
Photo: Grupo Modelo