Michelada with Modelo Negra in Mexico City
May is upon us, and so is the 5th, better known as Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Drinko, or incorrectly referred to as Mexican Independence Day. So what exactly is Cinco de Mayo? For most Americans, it’s a day of drinking Coronas, tequila shots and Margaritas, in celebration of, well, drinking. Ask anyone what it is and a best guess is usually Mexican Independence Day. May 5th is actually the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, and the holiday commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over the French in in 1862 (Independence Day is September 16). While we all may not know what we’re celebrating, we sure are familiar with Mexican beer, which is one of the best-recognized and top-selling beers in the U.S.
Mexican beer for the most part tends to be of the lager category. This is primarily due to the German and Austrian immigrant influence of the late nineteenth century. While the Mexicans may have won the Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo, the French won the second battle in 1863, and the government was forced into exile. With France’s backing, Austria’s Archduke Maximilian became Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867. During his brief reign, he left an indelible impression on Mexico’s brewing habits that continue to this day. The Vienna Lager – created in Austria in 1841 by Anton Dreher – is an extremely popular beer style in Mexico and can be found easily. Practically extinct in Austria, the Vienna Lager made its way to Mexico by Santiago Graf and other Austrian Immigrants in the late 1800s. Beers such Dos Equis Ambar, Bohemia and Negra Modelo are brewed in the Vienna Lager tradition. This light amber lager has a moderate to intense malt aroma where malt is at the forefront of flavor and well balanced.
Probably the most popular Mexican beer we know is Corona Extra, or as we like to call it, Corona. It’s the best-selling Mexican beer in the world. First brewed in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico City, this light golden lager is best identified with a slice of lime in the bottle’s neck and people relaxing on a beach somewhere tropical. Light in flavor, it’s an easy beer to drink on a hot summer’s day or with a light meal. While the tradition of having a lime in the bottle’s neck is an American habit, it’s become so commonplace over the years you might even see it in Mexico.
An ever popular beer cocktail is Mexico’s Michelada. Its name derives from the slang term for beer in Mexico, chela. From there, the word michelada roughly translates to “my beer.” In Mexico, there are different kinds of micheladas – original style (which is now simply called a chelada), or with Maggi seasoning sauce, Clamato and hot pepper sauce. While you may sneer at a combination that sounds crazy, give it a try. It is crazy, but it works. If you can’t find a restaurant or bar that serves this cocktail, it’s easy to make one yourself. You'll need the following: a chilled Mexican beer (such as Modelo, Pacifico, Corona, or Dos Equis), a lime, margarita salt, tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Here are the step-by-step instructions. Once you try this drink, you’ll be hooked guaranteed! What better way to enjoy Cinco de Mayo with a tasty, spicy drink? So when Cinco de Mayo arrives, instead of having nachos or hard shell tacos and a Corona, why not dig a little deeper and have some Birria tacos with a MIchelada? Sounds like a great combination to me! Cheers!
