FOOD

Beer
Source: The Mexican Tourism Board

Mexico's claim to fame on the spirits front has always been tequila. What many people do not know, however, is that Mexico is also the world's third-largest beer exporter after Holland and Germany, sending an estimated 229 million gallons a year overseas. And the country's beer exports are likely to increase even further due to skyrocketing demand from the United States, which accounts for 85 percent of export consumption.

Since prehispanic times, Mexicans have made alcoholic beverages out of corn or fermented fruits. Beer, however, was not produced on a large scale until the 19th century, when an influx of German immigrants helped cement the role of beer in Mexican culture.

Benefiting from this windfall are Mexico's two largest beer producers: Femsa and Grupo Modelo. Femsa produces and distributes such recognized brands as Dos Equis and Tecate, as well as Carta Blanca, Superior, Sol, Indio, Bohemia and Nochebuena, a special Christmas brew. Their brewery, Cuauhtemoc-Moctezuma, is the oldest in the nation, founded in 1890 in the city of Monterrey.

Grupo Modelo offers fewer brands than Femsa, but brews the well-known Corona line, the number one imported beer in the U.S., and the leading Mexican brand in North America and the world. Other brands include Modelo Especial, Victoria, Pacifico, Negra Modelo, Leon, Montejo and other regional brands. Some of these brands were virtually unheard of outside Mexico just a few years ago, but are becoming increasingly available as the Mexican population in the United States and Canada continues to grow.

Mexico now produces beer to suit many tastes. Some picks in the ultra-light category are Pacifico, Sol, Superior and Corona. In the light-to-medium category, Dos Equis Lager, Tecate, Pacifico Clara and Carta Blanca are good options. For a stronger brew, Indio or a Bohemia pilsner will do. Mexico also makes an excellent range of full-bodied brews, including the creamy Negra Modelo, to accompany heavier dishes.

Another fun way of enjoying Mexican beer is by taking a tour of a brewery. One option is the Tecate brewery, located in the center of the small, quiet border town of Tecate, 40 miles east of Tijuana. Tours are given on Saturday mornings. The brewery also features a beer garden, which provides visitors with free samples of the company's brew. For more information about the tour, contact Cerveceria Tecate, Calle Hidalgo s/n, Jardin Cerveza, Tecate, Baja California Norte, Mexico, tel.. (011-52-665) 654-9478, e-mail visitas.tecate@ccm.com.mx.

Mexicans drink beer in several ways. Many accompany their brew with a shot of tequila. The most popular beer drink by far is the Michelada, a refreshing blend of beer, lemon, salt and other ingredients. The recipe varies from region to region (and even from bar to bar), with Mexico City bars usually following the basic recipe (salt and lemon only) and establishments in other parts of the country incorporating other ingredients. An expanded recipe follows:

Michelada:
12. oz beer
Juice of 1 lime
1 dash soy sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Salt to taste

Mix lemon, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce with ice. Add beer. Pour into chilled tall glass rimmed with salt and enjoy.

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