The Brew Times

Cinco de Mayo Uncapped: History, Homebrew, and Flavorful Pairings

Let's be honest—when you hear "Cinco de Mayo," your brain probably jumps straight to tacos, tequila, and really cold beer. And hey, we're not here to stop you. But if you're going to celebrate with a pint in hand, why not also know what you're raising that glass to? Many people don't realize it's not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates something very different—and it just so happens to pair perfectly with a crisp, homebrewed Mexican lager. Let's break it down. So...What is Cinco De Mayo? In Spanish, "Cinco de Mayo" translates to the Fifth of May, and it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862. During this battle, a scrappy and outnumbered Mexican army defeated French forces in the city of Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza. It was a symbolic victory; even though France would later return and take Mexico City, but the Battle of Puebla became a point of national pride, especially in the state of Puebla. Wait, Why Is This a Beer Holiday? Starting in the 1980s, American beer companies recognized an opportunity to tie Cinco de Mayo to beer sales. Through clever and persistent marketing campaigns, they successfully associated the holiday with Mexican beers like Corona and Modelo. Today, for many Americans, Cinco de Mayo is as much about enjoying tacos and cervezas as it is about honoring Mexican history. What Is a Mexican Lager? Ask 10 brewers to define "Mexican lager" and you might get 10 different answers, but most agree it refers to crisp, easy-drinking lagers often brewed with adjuncts like corn or rice. These ingredients lighten the body and smooth out the finish, making Mexican lagers especially refreshing in warm weather. Historically, the style was shaped by 19th-century European immigrants, particularly Germans and Austrians, who brought lager-brewing traditions to Mexico. Brewers adapted these styles using local ingredients and climate conditions. Over time, Mexican lagers evolved into the pale, clear, and highly drinkable beer we know today. Whether you prefer a light-bodied cerveza clara like Corona or a darker, richer Vienna-style lager like Negra Modelo, Mexican lagers have become a staple of Cinco de Mayo parties across the U.S. How to Brew a Mexican Lager at Home Ready to get brewing? Cinco de Mayo is the perfect reason to try your hand at creating a Mexican-style lager. Whether you want to replicate a popular style or experiment with your own spin, you'll need to focus on key ingredients like pilsner malt, flaked corn, and a clean lager yeast. Don't forget temperature control, lager fermentation requires cooler temps for that signature crisp profile. Looking for inspiration? Here are three different variations of Mexican lagers you can brew at home using Mr. Beer kits: 1.) Aztec Mexican Cerveza Standard Refill: A light, clean, and crisp lager base with a subtle malt sweetness and a smooth finish. Perfect on its own or as a starting point for custom recipes. 2.) El Gordito Mexican Lager: A fuller-bodied Mexican lager with added malt richness and a touch more strength, while still keeping that crisp, refreshing character. 3.) Rio Negro Black Lager: A richer take with malty flavors, while still maintaining that crisp and refreshing body. Perfect for fans of Modelo Negro. Want to kick things up a notch? Try turning your lager into a Michelada—a bold, spicy beer cocktail, made with lime juice, hot sauce, and other zesty add-ins. →Get the full Michelada recipe on our blog Tips for Pairing Your Lager on Cinco de Mayo Once your beer is brewed and chilled, it's time to enjoy it with some traditional Mexican fare. Here are a few pairing ideas that bring out the best in your homebrew: Tacos al pastor with a light Mexican lager: the beer's crispness balances the spicy-sweet pork. Carne Asada with an amber or Vienna lager: the maltiness complements grilled meat perfectly. Ceviche or shrimp tacos with a corn-forward lager: bright and citrusy flavors match the clean finish. Cinco Deals You Don't Want to Miss We're not just here to talk beer, we're here to help you brew it, too. For Cinco de Mayo, enjoy 15% off site-wide, including brewing kits, ingredients, and accessories. Even better? The celebration doesn't end on May 5th. Our cinco sale rolls right into National Homebrew Day on Wednesday, May 7th, aka a second holiday for homebrewers. But wait, there's more—we couldn't celebrate National Homebrew Day without something big, literally. Introducing our brand new recipe: Big Blimpin Barleywine. This beast is bold, boozy, and loaded with rich, malty character. Ready to Brew, Pair, and Celebrate? Cinco de Mayo is about more than just beer, it's a celebration of resistance, culture, and community. But if you're raising a glass this May 5th, why not make a glass of your own homemade Mexican lager? Brewing your own beer lets you join in the festivities with a personal touch, and maybe even start a new tradition of your own. Feliz Cinco de Mayo! ¡Salud!