Enjoying a cold Corona on the beach in Mexico

It's always fun to drink local beers when you travel. Below is a list of the most common beers brewed in Mexico. Next time you're on the beach in Cancun or strolling the streets of Guadalajara, you'll be more prepared when you duck into a cantina for a break from the sun.

Bohemia. Served in a dark bottle with gold foil on the neck, Bohemia is a bit more expensive than other beers, but it has a robust taste and is a bit of a status symbol.

Bohemia Dark. Introduced in 2008, this darker cousin of Bohemia offers a richer head and creamier, almost stout-like finish.

Corona. Though it's brewed in Mexico, it seems to be more common in the States. Some travelers are surporsed to learn that not all bars carry it, so if you're normally a Corona drinker, it may be time to expand your horizons. Usually served with a slice of lime.

Dos Equis. Dos Equis (XX) comes in lager (green bottle) and amber (tinted bottle). The lager is much more common and goes better with lime.

Indio. This rich amber beer is made by the same Monterrey-based brewery as Sol. It's got a thick head and robust flavor.

Leon Negra. A bit of a microbrew, this dark and flavorful beer is brewed in Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán. Can be hard to find outside the Yucatan area.

Modelo Especial. Sold by the bottle or in single cans in the convenience stores, this light-bodied lager is favored by many locals and goes nicely in a cooler at the beach.

Montejo. Crafted at the same Mérida brewery as Leon Negra, this beer adds a touch of class to your bar visit. Not always available, though.

Negra Modelo. A dark beer sometimes sold at a slightly higher price than other beers. It's normally served in a glass and goes great with steak.

Noche Buena. From the makers of Bohemia, this dark seasonal brew is only available in the winter holiday season. The name means, essentially, "Christmas Eve."

Pacifico.  Brewed in Mazatlan, this beer is most popular on the Pacific coast and in the bars around Los Cabos. The dark bottle and yellow label are easy to spot from far away.

Sol. Commonly found at beach bars and nightclubs, Sol is what most Corona drinkers opt for when their usual beer is not on the menu. Frequently served with lime.

Superior. Served in a dark tinted bottle, which helps keep it from getting skunked in a cooler on a sunny day, this full-bodied beer is sold at a discount in grocery stores and is available mostly at bars favoring locals.

Tecate. Most commonly served in cans, Tecate is best enjoyed with plenty of salt and lime. Popular at sports bars.

Victoria. Brewed by Grupo Modelo, the same company that makes Corona and other local favorites, this is a hoppy pilsner that is not generally exported, so it's fun to see it and try a few.

     More: The editor's Mexico travel blog, work in Mexico.