Mexican Lager Guide: Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, Tecate & Dos Equis Compared

Mexican lager has become one of the most popular imported beer categories in the US, and these five brands each occupy a genuinely distinct niche within it.

Corona

The best-selling Mexican beer import, Corona Extra traces to 1925 and Cervecería Modelo, traditionally served with a lime wedge. Its light, clean, slightly sweet character and iconic clear bottle have made it nearly synonymous with "Mexican beer" for many casual drinkers internationally.

Modelo

Modelo Especial has grown dramatically in US popularity in recent years, generally regarded as slightly fuller-bodied and more flavorful than Corona, while remaining an accessible, easy-drinking pale lager — Negra Modelo, the brand's dark lager sibling, offers a richer, maltier alternative within the same portfolio.

Pacifico

Brewed in the Pacific coast city of Mazatlán since 1900, Pacifico Clara has a slightly more bitter, hop-forward character than Corona or Modelo, having built a strong regional following, particularly in coastal California, partly through its association with fish tacos and beach culture.

Tecate

Known for its distinctive red can and historical association with a salt-rim-and-lime drinking ritual (similar to a tequila shot's presentation), Tecate offers a crisp, straightforward pale lager character generally similar in spirit to Corona and Modelo.

Dos Equis

Best known internationally for its "The Most Interesting Man in the World" advertising campaign, Dos Equis offers both a lager (XX Lager Especial) and an amber (Dos Equis Ambar) — the amber in particular stands out from the other brands on this list for its noticeably maltier, richer character.

How They Compare Overall

All five share Mexican lager's general profile — light-to-medium body, clean, easy-drinking, well-suited to warm weather and spicy food — with real differences in exact bitterness, body, and malt character that reward trying them side by side, especially alongside Mexican or Tex-Mex food where each was traditionally meant to be enjoyed.