With an increasing number of breweries offering non-alcoholic beers, consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to finding delicious and refreshing alcohol-free alternatives.
Some of the best non-alcoholic Mexican beers on the market include Cerveza Atletica, a light copper lager with a blend of organic German Vienna and Munich malts, and Corona Sunbrew, a beer enriched with 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Both of these options provide a unique drinking experience for those looking to enjoy a taste of Mexico without the alcohol content.
History of Mexican Non-Alcoholic Beer
European Influence
The history of beer in Mexico can be traced back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. While Mesoamerican cultures were familiar with fermented alcoholic beverages, European-style beer brewed with barley was a new introduction by the Spanish invaders, particularly by the conquistador Hernán Cortés.
Mexican Beer Industry
Beer production in colonial Mexico remained limited primarily due to the importation of barley from Europe. However, after Mexico gained its independence, the beer industry experienced growth as new breweries were established. In the 20th century, several Mexican beer companies emerged as dominant players, including Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma.
As the beer industry expanded, it evolved to cater to different tastes and preferences. This led to the development of various beer styles, such as light lagers and ales. Over time, Mexican beers gained popularity not only in Mexico, but also internationally.
Modern Times
With the increase in health-conscious consumers and growing awareness about the potential risks of alcohol, the demand for non-alcoholic beers in Mexico started to rise. This prompted Mexican breweries to develop and innovate their product offerings to include non-alcoholic options.
Some notable non-alcoholic Mexican beers include Sol Cero, Coba Maya, Corona Cero, and Corona Sunbrew 0.0%. Initially, non-alcoholic Mexican beers were mainly limited to the domestic market, but their popularity has grown, and they are now available in several countries.
In recent years, Mexico’s non-alcoholic beer scene has witnessed further progress with the emergence of new brands, each bringing their unique flavor profiles and brewing techniques to cater to a diverse audience.
Top Non-Alcoholic Mexican Beers
Non-alcoholic Mexican beers have gained popularity in recent years, with various options available for those looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol content. This section will cover some top non-alcoholic Mexican beers, including Sol Cero, Corona Cero, Corona Sunbrew 0.0%, Cerveza Atletica, and Coba Maya.
Sol Cero
Sol Cero is the first non-alcoholic beer produced in Mexico. The brewer asserts that the beverage maintains its flavor but with fewer carbohydrates and no alcohol. An interesting variation is Sol Limon y Sal, a pre-prepared version of Sol Cero that comes “ready mixed” with lime juice and salt for a unique twist on a classic.
Corona Cero
Corona Cero offers a non-alcoholic alternative to the well-known Mexican beer. It has a refreshing taste and light, crisp flavor that makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a beer-like experience without the alcohol content.
Corona Sunbrew 0.0%
Corona Sunbrew 0.0% is another non-alcoholic option from the Corona brand. This beer offers 330 mL of the energizing flavor of beer along with 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D. It has a light, refreshing taste that is perfect for enjoying in the sun.
Cerveza Atletica
Athletic Brewing Company’s Cerveza Atletica is a standout addition to the non-alcoholic beer landscape in North America. This Mexican-style lager offers a well-balanced taste and has been highly praised for its flavor and quality, making it an excellent non-alcoholic alternative for beer enthusiasts.
Coba Maya
Coba Maya offers a twist on non-alcoholic Mexican beer with only 0.5% alcohol content and just 3 calories. Containing Hersbrucker Hallertau hops, this beer offers a fruity and spicy flavor that is both enjoyable and light on the palate.
Sunbrew 0.0%
Sunbrew 0.0% is another great option for those looking for a Mexican non-alcoholic beer. With a light and refreshing taste, this beer offers a pleasant drinking experience for those who prefer to avoid alcohol.
International Collaborations
Athletic Brewing Company
Athletic Brewing Company, an innovative brewery based in the United States, has ventured into the Mexican non-alcoholic beer market with their product, Cerveza Atletica. The inspiration behind Cerveza Atletica was to create a refreshing Mexican-inspired light copper beer, suitable for summertime refreshment.
This unique non-alcoholic beer combines Vienna and Munich malts, yielding a rich copper hue with a delicate bread crust aroma. German Hersbrucker hops add subtle spicy and floral notes to the brew. Cerveza Atletica exemplifies Athletic Brewing Company’s dedication to producing high-quality non-alcoholic craft beers while remaining true to diverse flavors and cultural inspirations.
Big Drop Brewing
Big Drop Brewing, another prominent player in the non-alcoholic beer industry, has also explored collaborations which infuse the essence of Mexican flavors into their brews, primarily through their Coba Maya Cerveza mexican-style non-alcoholic beer.
With a focus on creating unique, bold, and enjoyable non-alcoholic beverages, Big Drop Brewing continues to experiment with different brewing techniques and ingredients to cater to the diverse tastes of their consumers.
Flavors and Aromas
Floral
Mexican non-alcoholic beers often feature floral notes in their aroma and flavor profile, thanks to the use of specific hop varieties. For instance, beers containing Hersbrucker Hallertau hops are known for their spicy and floral characteristics. These delicate, yet distinct floral aromas and flavors help create a refreshing and enjoyable drinking experience for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Fruity
Alongside floral elements, some non-alcoholic Mexican beers also exhibit fruity flavors. These can result from the fermentation process or the inclusion of specific hop varieties that contribute to such characteristics. Citrus, tropical fruits, and even a slight hint of apple can be noticed in certain beers, providing a pleasant and balanced taste that complements the overall profile of these beverages.
Vanilla
Though not as common as floral and fruity notes, some non-alcoholic Mexican beers may possess subtle hints of vanilla in their flavor profile. This is usually achieved through the careful selection of malts or through the aging process involving wooden barrels. The presence of vanilla adds a delicate touch of sweetness to the beer, enhancing its complexity and creating a unique tasting experience for the consumer.
Beer Types and Styles
In the realm of Mexican non-alcoholic beers, there are a variety of types and styles to choose from. Some of the most popular options include lagers and pilsners, each offering its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
Lagers
Lagers are a type of beer that is brewed using a bottom-fermenting yeast, which produces a clean and crisp flavor. This beer style is popular in Mexico, as it typically offers a light and refreshing taste, making it perfect for summertime enjoyment. Non-alcoholic versions of Mexican lagers are crafted to maintain this character, allowing consumers to enjoy the beer’s essence without the alcohol content.
One notable non-alcoholic Mexican lager is Cerveza Atletica, a Light Copper Lager made with an exclusive blend of organic German Vienna and Munich malts. This lager boasts a rich copper hue and a bread crust aroma, perfect for sipping on the beach or any other relaxing location.
Pilsners
Pilsners, another popular beer style in Mexico, originated in Czech Republic and are known for their light body, straw-gold color, and distinctive hoppy aroma. Mexican pilsners tend to have a slightly maltier profile than their Czech counterparts. In the realm of non-alcoholic beers, pilsners present a pleasant alternative for those seeking a crisp, refreshing beverage.
Although non-alcoholic Mexican pilsners are less commonly found, brands like Estrella Galicia 0.0% and Big Drop’s Coba Maya offer low-calorie, non-alcoholic variants of the traditional Mexican pilsner style. Both beers are crafted to maintain the familiar balance of malt and hops typical to pilsners, providing an enjoyable experience for those seeking alcohol-free options.
Notable Ingredients and Hops
In the world of Mexican non-alcoholic beers, some key ingredients help to create distinct flavors and profiles. This section will focus on two important hops used in the brewing process: German Hersbrucker Noble Hop and Hersbrucker Hallertau Hops.
German Hersbrucker Noble Hop
The German Hersbrucker Noble Hop is known for its distinct characteristics that contribute to a beer’s aroma and taste. This hop variety is often used in non-alcoholic Mexican beers, creating a delicate blend of spicy and floral notes.
Some of its prime characteristics include:
- Aroma, which is mild and pleasant
- Floral and spicy notes, which add complexity to the beer
- Low alpha acid content, meaning it contributes more to the aroma than bitterness
Overall, the German Hersbrucker Noble Hop is a popular choice for brewers looking to create flavorful and aromatic non-alcoholic beers that still offer complexity on the palate.
Hersbrucker Hallertau Hops
Similar to the German Hersbrucker Noble Hop, Hersbrucker Hallertau Hops are another essential ingredient in brewing non-alcoholic Mexican beers. This hop variety is known for its fruity and spicy flavors, which add depth to the beer’s profile.
Key attributes of the Hersbrucker Hallertau Hops include:
- A unique balance of fruitiness and spiciness
- Low alpha acid content, similar to the Hersbrucker Noble Hop
- Perfect for imparting a subtle yet flavorful character to non-alcoholic beers
Examples of non-alcoholic Mexican beers that use these hops include Coba Maya, a beer featuring a fruity and spicy flavor profile, thanks to the Hersbrucker Hallertau Hops. This beer also comes in at a low calorie count, just 37 calories per 12 oz serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a flavorful yet lighter option.
In Summary: Mexican Non-Alcoholic Beer
Mexican non-alcoholic beers have their roots in the rich brewing history of the country, dating back to the 1500s with the introduction of European-style barley beers. These beers have evolved over time and have incorporated modern alcohol removal techniques to create a variety of options for beer lovers who prefer zero or low-alcohol beverages.
One of the top choices for non-alcoholic Mexican beers is Cerveza Atletica, which is inspired by traditional Mexican light coppers. Made with a unique blend of organic Vienna and Munich malts from Germany, this beer showcases a rich copper hue and is balanced with light spicy and floral notes from the noble hop, German Hersbrucker.
In recent years, Mexican non-alcoholic beers have gained popularity among beer aficionados looking for a lighter, refreshing option that still captures the distinct flavors of traditional Mexican lagers. As the market continues to evolve, beer enthusiasts can expect to see even more innovative offerings from Mexican breweries, providing a diverse range of non-alcoholic beers to satisfy a variety of palates.
