All Beer Styles

Mexican-Style Lager

Lagers & PilsnersBJCP 1B

Difficulty: Advanced

Light, corn-based lager with crisp finish, classic with lime

A very pale, refreshing, easy-drinking Latin-style lager with a subtle corn sweetness and clean, crisp finish. Low bitterness and very quaffable; often served with lime.

4-5.2%
ABV
10-20
IBU
4-10
EBC
2.5-2.8
CO₂ vol
1.04-1.05
Original Gravity (OG)
1.006-1.012
Final Gravity (FG)

How to Brew a Mexican-Style Lager

Typical Malts

  • Pale Ale malt
  • Corn

Typical Hops

  • Saaz
  • Hallertau Mittelfrüh
  • Tettnanger

Yeast

Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23)

Style Requirements

Cold Ferment

Typical Flavors

light
corn
crisp
lime
refreshing
clean
sessionable

Commercial Examples

Corona Extra
Modelo Especial
Pacifico
Sol
Victoria

FAQ about Mexican-Style Lager

What is a Mexican-Style Lager?

A very pale, refreshing, easy-drinking Latin-style lager with a subtle corn sweetness and clean, crisp finish. Low bitterness and very quaffable; often served with lime.

How much alcohol does a Mexican-Style Lager have?

A Mexican-Style Lager typically has 4–5.2% ABV. Original gravity ranges from 1.04–1.05, final gravity from 1.006–1.012.

How bitter is a Mexican-Style Lager?

A Mexican-Style Lager has 10–20 IBU (International Bitterness Units). This is moderate bitterness.

What ingredients do you need for a Mexican-Style Lager?

Typical malts: Pale Ale malt, Corn. Typical hops: Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger. Yeast: Lager yeast (e.g. W-34/70, S-23).

Do you need special equipment for a Mexican-Style Lager?

Yes, a Mexican-Style Lager is a lager and requires fermentation at 8–12°C (46–54°F). You'll need a fermentation fridge or cool cellar.

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