10 Festive Beers to Drink on Cinco de Mayo That Aren’t Corona
Cinco de Mayo is all about good food, lots of booze, and celebrating the Mexican heritage. Here are 10 great beers to drink with your closest friends on Cinco de Mayo.
By Justin Beerber on May. 03, 2019

It’s almost Cinco de Mayo (May 5), which means it’s almost time for you to stock your fridge with the perfect brews for the occasion. While most people reach for a bottle of Corona, this year try something new! There are many Mexican craft beers brewed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico that are perfect for any Cinco de Mayo party.
What is Cinco de Mayo and why do we celebrate it?
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5. Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico’s independence. However, Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a big battle, known as the Battle of Puebla, between Mexico and France that took place on May 5, 1862. The battle only lasted about 3 hours and Mexico was victorious. Because of this, the Battle of Puebla created a sense of national pride and was declared a national holiday.
In Mexico today, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday, while most wait until September 16 to fully express their patriotism. In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has become a major holiday with celebrations taking place all over the country. Like a lot of other U.S. holidays, festivities revolve around consuming lots of food. And booze. In 2013, 30.6 million cases of beer were sold on Cinco de Mayo, so as you can tell, this holiday is a pretty big deal.
10 Best Mexican Beers to Drink on Cinco de Mayo
Beerito – Oskar Blues Brewery
Beerito is a light bodied, amber Mexican lager that is brewed with German and Colorado sourced malts. This dark brew has a roasty, smoky flavour that pairs well with any Mexican meal.
ABV: 4% | IBU: 21
Chipotle Ale – Rogue
You can’t do Cinco de Mayo without a spiced beer! This beer was brewed with Jalapeño peppers to give you that extra bite you’re looking for on Cinco De Mayo. This easy-drinking, straightforward, peppery beer tastes great with chips and salsa.
ABV: 5.4% | IBU: 40
El Sully – 21st Amendment Brewery & Restaurant
This easy-drinking Mexican lager was first debuted by 21st Amendment Brewery in 2015. El Sully is a smooth, inviting beer with subtle floral hop notes. Who is El Sully? Grab a can of this Mexican-Style lager, head to the nearest beach, even if it’s imagined, and perhaps he’ll come to you.
ABV: 4.8% | IBU: 19 | SRM: 7
El Wisco – Lakefront Brewery
“What’s more refreshing than a Mexican lager on a hot summer afternoon?” Lakefront Brewery answered, “A Mexican lager on a hot summer morning.” Touché. El Wisco pours bright gold with a rocky white head. Woody, herbal, and peppery aromas greet the nose from late Czech Saaz and Mt. Hood hop additions. The light body delivers mellow clover honey flavour before wrapping up with a crisp finish.
ABV: 4.1%
Hola Maria – Boulder Beer Company
As the days get warmer Boulder Beer Company brings you Hola Maria, a sunny, golden coloured, Mexican-style ale. She’s easy-going, bright, refreshing and oh so smooth. Hola Maria is brewed with malted wheat for a soft mouthfeel and left slightly unfiltered for full flavor in a light crisp ale.
ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 15
Joaquin Dead Mexican Red Ale – Evans Brewing Company
Joaquin Dead is a malt forward session ale, deep red in color, delivering a caramel and bready flavor with a medium-light mouthfeel. Evans Brewing hops this beer just enough to cover the sweetness, giving it a bready aroma.
ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 24
Mexican Honey Imperial Lager – Indeed Brewing
Company
Humming with a citrus and floral fiesta for the senses, Mexican Honey Imperial Lager is brewed with Mexican orange blossom honey and Amarillo hops. Refreshing and dangerously smooth, this award-winning cerveza is all buzz, no bite.
ABV: 8% | IBU: 17
Mexican Logger – SKA Brewing Company
Mexican Logger has been named “the perfect Mexican Lager” by its brewers. This light and refreshing brew is perfect for anybody who needs something to hit the spot after a long day of brutal chainsaw work.
ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 20 | SRM: 3
Neato Bandito – Deep Ellum Brewing Company
Deep Ellum Brewing created this beer for you to drink all summer long. Neato Bandito is Deep Ellum’s interpretation of a Mexican-style Lager. Light in colour, but big in flavour.
ABV: 6% | IBU: 19
Por Favor Mexican IPA – Baja Brewing Company
Por Favor Mexican IPA is one of Baja Brewing’s hoppiest brew. This copper coloured pale ale has a mild malt feel. With five hop additions and a liberal amount of cascade, this beer is perfect for Cinco De Mayo or any Mexican celebration.
ABV: 7%
Now that Cinco de Mayo is over, Do you need help planning out your next beer holiday? JustBeer is here for you:
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