Me xican-style be e rs are di ve rse, whimsical, and ve rsatile. You can drink th e m straight, with a lime, or mixe d in a cocktail. By Mathew Powers Those partaking in South of the Boarder celebrations learn to love and appreciate the vibrant flavors, music, and colors of the culture. As we channel our inner Mexican soul, enjoy some salsa, and listen to a Mariachi band, it’s also a great time to enjoy one of the increasingly diverse varieties of Mexican-style beers the craft has to offer. One example comes from San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewing whose El Sully incorporates Mexican lager strains of yeast and flaked maize resulting in a traditional Mexican-style lager. El Sully is a little sweet, offers a delightful lemony aroma, and pours as golden as the bright Mexican sun. Meanwhile, nectar of the great Salmiana Agave provides Breckenridge Brewery Agave Wheat with sweet agave flavor. The wheat and malt deliver flavor notes similar to banana bread, which balances the agave well. Dos Equis also embraced the agave plant with their Dos Equis Azul. It’s an easy drinking wheat lager with hints of lime, sweet blue agave, and a kiss of hops. For a seasonal spring party, try the “Beers of Mexico Fiesta Pack,” which includes six beers each of Sol, Tecate, Dos Equis, and Azul. If you want to transform Dos Equis into the most interesting drink at the party, consider making a few beer cocktails, such as the Dos-A-Rita, Dos Equis Michelada, or any of the other recipes found their website. Constellation Brands are the makers of Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico. These traditional Mexican
beers are easy on the palate, made even better with the addition of fresh lime. They also serve as the perfect refreshments during summer barbeques, laying in a hammock, or hanging out at a beach. Speaking of summer, Left Hand Brewery offers Good Juju Ginger Ale, a light ale with a nice malty base, a touch of hops, and organic ginger. It’s light and sweet, but JuJu’s added ginger zing delivers an invigorating earthy spice that balances the sweetness well. Summer heat is nice, but nothing says Mexico like the spicy heat of peppers. The Green Flash Brewery Dia De Los Serranos is a chili-flavored beer comprised of roasted malt, coffee, sweet bakers chocolate, and flavors resembling mole sauce. The harmonious balance of complex ingredients prevents the chilies from overpowering, but each sip offers a slight burn at the finish. And, at 8.8% ABV, it has a noticeable liquor punch, too. Lastly, for something a little different, Blue Moon Brewery took inspiration from a traditional Mexican non-alcoholic drink to brew their Cinnamon Horchata Ale. This creamy, golden ale has a sweet malty taste that compliments the gentle cinnamon flavor and aroma. Mexican-style beers are diverse, whimsical, and versatile. You can drink them straight, with a lime, or mixed in a cocktail. A good cerveza is perfect for seasonal celebrations, taco Tuesday’s, or sipping and siestas on a warm summer night. ¡Salud!
FROM TOP, CLOCKWISE:
El Sully - 21st Amendment Brewery Blue Moon - MillerCoors Good JuJu - Left Hand Brewing Company Agave Wheat - Breckenridge Brewery Dia De Los Serranos - Green Flash Brewing Company Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico - Constellation Brands Dos Equis - Heineken USA CHILLEDMAGAZINE.COM
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