Modelo is interesting to me in that it’s the number one selling beer in the US. I don’t drink it that often. Though I do enjoy it with friends in Oregon after a hard day’s work on the farm counting grapes in wine country. Okay okay, that was just one time. But still…..it was great fun. Even with the controversy surrounding Budweiser, it boggles my mind that it beat out Bud Light. I’ve just always thought it would hold the top spot. Plus there are so many other beers that could take the top place that Bud Light used to hold. Why not Coors Light? Or Pabst Blue Ribbon? Why Modelo?

Why Is Modelo So Popular?

According to some articles I’ve found across the web, it has been on a steady rise for the past decade. It’s stated that while some people might attribute the fall of Bud Light to recent controversies, sales have actually been declining for quite a while. More people are into import beers. The Bud Light/Coors Light crowd is aging out so sales are declining in that way. Also, the beer market in general is declining.

Modelo is doing things right. They’re advertising campaigns are attracting a younger more diverse audience, specifically Latino. But they’re not ONLY seeking out the Latino drinker which expands their audience as they’re hitting a wide range of people. A majority of the population of beer drinkers are also choosing import over domestic. Modelo is filling the desire of the young, diverse, import driven beer drinkers!

At The Bar

I only recently found out how popular Modelo is in the US. I was sitting at one of the bars that I used to frequent when I was working on the North Shore of Oahu. Chatting with the general manager Al at Haleʻiwa Beach House we were discussing what they had on tap. I was laughing because everything was a Hawaiian beer with the exception of Modelo. When I asked why, he said that the Hawaiian beers cater to the tourists and Modelo because it’s their best selling beer in the restaurant.

I mean, I’m all about it. Modelo is great. I know what to expect from it and living in Hawaii I really just need a light, crisp, refreshing beer that is inexpensive enough and doesn’t taste like shit! Not the best review, but I totally enjoy it. With an ABV of 4.4% it’s a perfect session beer for a long day on the beach or a round of golf.

Modelo In A Cocktail

There are so many cocktail recipes out there that use it, but I think the one that I like best is super simple. In Spanish, Chelada roughly translates to “my ice cold beer”. I can get on board with Chelada. Everyone seems to make theirs differently but the easiest and what I think is the tastiest is the recipe that I’ve attached below. Enjoying your ice cold beer with a little extra on a hot summer day will make everything right with the world.

Chelada

A Chelada is a refreshing hot weather drink that's easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces Modelo Especial or other lager style beer
• 1-2 Limes (about 3 tablespoons)
• Ice (optional)
• Salt

Instructions

 

• Combine lime juice and Modelo
• Add ice to cup if desired
• Salt the rim of the glass and add a lime garnish