Glasses of beer with bowl of limes

Why Is Mexican Beer Always Served With A Lime?

NEWS

BY NIKITA EPHANOV

Two mugs of beer with limes
While most beers are consumed standalone, Mexican lager often comes with a lime. There are several theories as to why this classic pairing exists.
Bottles of beer sticking out of ice
Some suggest that the lime started as a disinfectant. Others believe it grew out of the practice of using a lime wedge to wipe rust from the bottle mouth.
Corona bottles with lime wedges
As for how the combination rose to prevalence, specifically in the U.S., author Martin Lindstrom posits that a bartender combined Corona and lime as a marketing move in the 1980s.
Man drinking glass of beer
As a mass-produced beer, many find its palate unremarkable, so the lime makes the flavor more broadly appealing. There is also an accessible abundance of limes in Mexico.
Pitcher of beer with tacos and limes
Some suggest this discovery actually occurred in California in 1981, perhaps as a fun trick. What's clear is that the combo has become a marketable sensation across the country.