Ultimate Guide: Perfectly Pair Your Favorite Mexican Dishes with the Best Beer Choices!

A trip to a Mexican restaurant often makes you think of having a margarita. If cocktails aren’t your thing, a cold beer can be the next best option. But which type of beer goes well with lively tacos and zesty salsas?

The straightforward choice is lager, the world’s most popular beer style. Renowned chef Rick Bayless, leader of Frontera Grill and other celebrated restaurants, explains that “Most Mexican beers are lagers, and their crispness provides a great contrast to rich dishes.” Lagers are generally smooth, clean, and can have a hint of sweetness, making them “easy drinkers.”

When you’re at a Mexican eatery, ordering won’t take much thought. Most places have a selection of lagers ready to go. So, why are lagers such a good fit for Mexican cuisine? Bayless notes that snacking foods like tlacoyos and tamales work well with lager as the beer’s brightness cuts through the richness of the dishes.

These snacks can also be fried, and when they are, a light beer helps balance the flavors. Think of lager as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of spicy salsa and savory meats.

The most common Mexican lagers you’ll see include Corona, Pacifico, Victoria, Modelo Negra, and Dos Equis. These beers have roots in the Vienna-style brewing brought by early Austrian immigrants but are lighter and sweeter.

Bayless recommends pairing specific beers with certain dishes. For example, light options like Corona or Pacifico Clara suit ceviche and fish tacos perfectly, while Modelo Negra’s richer flavor complements grilled meats nicely.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider a chelada, which mixes lager with fresh lime juice and salt. It pairs wonderfully with many Mexican meals, though watch your chip consumption since the drink already contains salt.

According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of people believe pairing beer with food enhances their dining experience. This preference highlights the cultural significance of food and drink in social settings.

Next time you’re out for Mexican food, think about the fantastic pairings that enhance both the meal and your overall enjoyment. For more on beer pairings, check out the original article on Chowhound.



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Mexican restaurant, Rick Bayless, Mexican lager, Mexican beers, beer brewing