Corona Extra 18Pk

Corona Extra 18Pk is an 18-pack of the iconic Mexican pale lager brewed by Grupo Modelo at 4.6% ABV in 12 oz bottles. A Silver Medal winner at the 2024 World Beer Awards, Corona Extra remains one of the world's most recognized and widely consumed imported beers, distinguished by its light body, subtle citrus character, and signature clear glass bottle.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.6%  |  Origin: Mexico  |  Style: Pale Lager  |  Brewery: Grupo Modelo

Production & Heritage

Grupo Modelo has brewed Corona Extra since 1925, making it nearly a century-old brand and Mexico's most exported beer. The brewing process follows a traditional lagering method: mashing at 62–68°C, lautering, a 60–90 minute boil, then cool fermentation at 10–12°C for seven to ten days. The grain bill combines barley malt with corn as an adjunct — a deliberate choice that lightens the body and produces the crisp, clean finish the brand is known for. Hops are used with restraint, keeping bitterness moderate and allowing the malt and adjunct character to drive the profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fruity-honey notes lead, supported by a light touch of pale malt and a faint grassy quality from the hops. The nose is clean and uncomplicated, with no off-putting yeast or sulfur notes.

Taste: The entry is light and effervescent, with a subtle malt sweetness appearing mid-sip. The palate stays firmly on the malt side of the spectrum, with a relatively neutral grain character yielding to a grassy hop bitterness that provides balance without dominating. A gentle citrus hint rounds out the flavor.

Finish: Clean, crisp, and short, with lingering carbonation that refreshes the palate. There is a mild malt sweetness that fades quickly, leaving a dry and drinkable close.

How to Drink Corona Extra

The classic serve is straight from the bottle with a fresh lime wedge pushed into the neck — a ritual that adds a bright citrus accent and has become inseparable from the brand itself. Poured into a chilled glass, the beer reveals a pale golden color with moderate white foam. Corona Extra also works well in several beer-based mixed drinks: a Michelada, where its light body carries the tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce without clashing; a Beergarita (beer margarita), blending an inverted Corona into a frozen margarita for an effervescent twist; and a simple Chelada with lime juice and salt, which amplifies the beer's existing citrus lean.

Best For

• Summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential
• Beach days, poolside sessions, and warm-weather entertaining
• Watching sports with friends who prefer a familiar, approachable lager
• Stocking a home cooler for casual weekend hosting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Corona Extra taste like? Corona Extra delivers a light, crisp profile led by subtle malt sweetness, a hint of fruity honey, and a touch of citrus, finishing clean and dry with moderate hop bitterness.

How does Corona Extra compare to Modelo Especial? Both are brewed by Grupo Modelo in Mexico, but Modelo Especial has a slightly fuller body and more pronounced malt sweetness, while Corona Extra is lighter and drier with a more neutral grain character. Corona leans more heavily on its adjunct-driven crispness, whereas Modelo Especial offers a touch more depth on the palate.

Is Corona Extra good for beginners? Corona Extra is one of the most approachable lagers available, with a mild flavor profile and low bitterness that makes it a natural entry point for anyone exploring beer.

Where is Corona Extra made? Corona Extra is brewed by Grupo Modelo in Mexico, a brewery founded in 1925 that operates multiple production facilities across the country. It is exported to over 180 countries worldwide.

What foods pair well with Corona Extra? Fish tacos work exceptionally well, as the beer's crispness cuts through the richness of battered fish. Ceviche mirrors the citrus character already present in the lager. Grilled chicken with lime and cilantro echoes the classic lime-wedge serve. Nachos with jalapeños benefit from the carbonation and light body that cleanse the palate. Fresh guacamole and chips complement the beer's mild, neutral base without competing for attention.

What sizes does Corona Extra come in? Corona Extra is widely available in 12 oz bottles and cans, as well as 24 oz single cans; multipacks include 6-packs, 12-packs, 18-packs, and 24-packs depending on market availability.

Is Corona Extra worth the price? Corona Extra positions as a mainstream imported lager, priced slightly above domestic American lagers but well within the accessible tier of Mexican imports — the 18-pack format offers solid value for social occasions and regular consumption.

Why Corona Extra?

Corona Extra earned a Silver Medal at the 2024 World Beer Awards, confirming that the recipe Grupo Modelo has refined over nearly a century still holds up against global competition. The use of corn adjunct alongside barley malt is a deliberate brewing decision that produces a distinctly lighter, crisper body than all-malt Mexican lagers. The 18-pack format is built for the way most people actually drink Corona — shared with others in relaxed, social settings where consistency and refreshment matter more than complexity. Few imported beers have maintained this level of global recognition while staying true to a single, straightforward recipe.