A go to to a Mexican restaurant could name for a margarita. For those who’re not within the temper for a cocktail, then the subsequent most suitable option could be a chilly beer to pair alongside chips and guac. However which beer pairs completely alongside spicy salsas and flavor-loaded tacos?
The reply on this case is straightforward: a beer, the most typical beer discovered all through the world. Chowhound spoke to Rick Bayless, proprietor of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, and Bar Sótano, who defined additional, “Most Mexican beers are lagers and their brilliant crispness presents a welcome distinction to the meals’ richness and slow-simmered depth of taste.” Lagers are bottom-fermented beers, which implies they’re outlined by the truth that the yeast used within the fermentation course of settles on the backside of the brewing vessel. By way of style, these beers are also known as “straightforward drinkers,” with a clear, crisp taste and typically a delicate contact of sweetness.
When eating at a Mexican restaurant, you will not need to put a lot thought into what beer you order, as most readily provide a wide range of lagers. So why precisely does this beer and meals pairing work? Based on Bayless, “Usually, the antojitos (masa-based snacks) are nice with beer as a result of the richness of tlacoyos, sopes, quesadillas, tamales, and so on. is superbly contrasted by the crispness of Mexican lagers.”
Antojitos can be fried, so you probably have one thing golden, crispy, and a little bit oily, the beverage paired alongside it must be gentle, refreshing, and clear with out overpowering flavors. On this state of affairs, consider the lager as a palate cleanser in between bites of salsas, spices, fried meals, and flavorful meats.
Lagers to pair with Mexican meals
As Rick Bayless mentioned, essentially the most popular Mexican beers are lagers, including Corona, together with Pacifico, Victoria, Modelo Negra, Modelo Especial, and Dos Equis. These beers are mentioned to take inspiration from Vienna-style beer brewing from early Austrian immigrants who settled in Mexico, however are typically lighter in colour and physique, and barely sweeter than the extra concentrated, reddish-brown Austrian lagers. Most Mexican eating places will supply at the very least one among these lagers, ideally served with lime and at a near-freezing temperature of 33 to 40 levels Fahrenheit.
If you wish to get extra detail-oriented, every model of Mexican lager may be extra carefully matched up with numerous dishes. The lightest lagers, like Corona or Pacifico Clara, are a sensible choice alongside ceviche, aguachile, or fish tacos that should not be overwhelmed by a stronger, malty beer. To stability out spicy salsa and assist roasted meats (similar to carne asada tacos), one thing like Modelo Negra is ideal. The sweeter, maltier notes can settle down the spice, and the caramelized tasting notes complement the richness of roasted proteins.
Need one thing greater than a beer, however not fairly within the temper for a full-on cocktail? Order a chelada, a Mexican lager mixed with fresh lime juice and salt. This refreshing drink order enhances most Mexican dishes — however as a result of it incorporates salt, watch out with the amount of tortilla chips you chow down.
