Corona

Corona Extra is a Mexican pale lager recognized worldwide. First brewed in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo, it boasts a light and crisp profile with subtle malt and hop notes. It's famous for its clear bottle and the ritual of serving it with a lime or lemon wedge inserted into the neck. With an ABV typically around 4.5%-4.6%, it's positioned as an easy-drinking, refreshing beer ideal for warm climates, beaches, parties, and pairing with light foods. Its marketing heavily emphasizes themes of relaxation, escape, and social connection ("Find Your Beach").  

Corona Extra was created in 1925 by Cervecería Modelo in Mexico City, Mexico, shortly after the brewery's founding. It was named "Corona," meaning "crown" in Spanish, and the logo reflects this. It quickly gained popularity within Mexico. Its journey to international fame, particularly in the United States starting in the late 1970s and 1980s, was remarkable. Marketed brilliantly as a taste of Mexican leisure and beach life, its clear bottle and the accompanying lime ritual became iconic symbols. The origin of the lime wedge is debated – theories range from a bartender's Gimmick that caught on, to adding flavour, cleaning the bottle lip, or even keeping flies away. Regardless of its origin, the lime is now intrinsically linked to the Corona experience. Today, Corona (owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev globally, except in the US where it's handled by Constellation Brands due to antitrust regulations) remains a top-selling import beer worldwide, synonymous with vacation and relaxation.  

• Appearance: Pale straw to light golden colour, brilliantly clear. Pours with a fizzy white head that diminishes relatively quickly.
• Aroma: Mild and subtle. Notes of sweet corn, grainy malt, a touch of grassy or herbal hops, and sometimes a faint fruity hint.
• Taste: Light-bodied and crisp. Slightly sweet malt and corn flavours upfront, followed by very low hop bitterness. Clean finish with minimal aftertaste, often enhanced by the citrus tang if served with lime.
• Mouthfeel: Light body, high carbonation which lends to its refreshing quality. Smooth but thin.

Serve Ice Cold: Corona is best enjoyed very cold, typically between 35-40°F (1-4°C).   The Lime Ritual: The most iconic way is to serve it directly in the bottle with a fresh wedge of lime or lemon pushed into the neck. Squeezing some juice in before drinking is common. Glassware (Optional): While often drunk from the bottle, if using a glass, a simple pint glass or pilsner glass works well. Occasion: Ideal for sunny days, barbecues, beach trips, parties, or alongside Mexican and other light cuisines.  

• Mexican Cuisine: Tacos (especially fish or chicken), nachos, ceviche, quesadillas, guacamole.
• Seafood: Grilled fish, shrimp, calamari.
• Light Meats: Grilled chicken, salads with chicken.
• Spicy Foods: Its crispness cuts through spice well (e.g., spicy Thai or Latin dishes).

Corona Extra is a global phenomenon for a reason. It delivers a consistently light, crisp, and refreshing drinking experience that is highly approachable and sessionable, especially in warm weather. While it may lack the complex flavours sought by craft beer aficionados, its genius lies in its simplicity, iconic branding, and the transportive feeling it evokes. It excels as a social lubricant and a thirst quencher, perfectly fulfilling its role as the quintessential "beach beer."   Sources and related content