Corona Extra is less a beer and more a vacation in a bottle. It is a very light, very crisp Mexican pale lager that lives or dies on being served ice cold, and it is famously paired with a wedge of lime. Judge it as a refreshing warm-weather beer rather than a flavor bomb and it makes complete sense.
Corona Extra at a glance
| Style | Mexican pale lager |
| ABV | 4.6% |
| Calories | 148 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 13.9g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Grupo Modelo, Mexico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Corona is all about crispness and lightness, with the flavor deliberately kept faint so it stays refreshing.
The full review
It pours very pale gold with high carbonation and a light body, sold in that iconic clear bottle. The aroma is faint, a little grain and a touch of corn sweetness, and there is not much more to it than that.
The taste is extremely light and crisp: mild grain, a slight sweetness and almost no bitterness, finishing clean and quick. On its own it is very mild, which is exactly why the lime is such a fixture. A wedge brightens it, trims the light sweetness and turns it into something genuinely refreshing.
Best ice cold on a hot day, where its delicate, easy character is the entire appeal rather than any complexity. Warm, it does not have much to fall back on. For more easy-drinking options see our best lagers guide.
It is not built to impress in a tasting, it is built for a beach and a lime.
- Extremely light, crisp and refreshing ice cold
- The lime pairing genuinely works
- Easy to drink in the sun by the case
- Instantly recognizable and available everywhere
- Very little flavor without the lime
- Clear bottle means it can pick up a skunky note
- Higher carbs than its light body suggests
- Falls flat as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a light, refreshing beer for the beach, the pool or a hot afternoon, ideally with a lime. If you want more malt and body, a Modelo Especial is the better Mexican lager.
Corona Extra FAQs
What does Corona Extra taste like?
Very light and crisp, with mild grain, a slight sweetness and almost no bitterness. On its own it is subtle, which is why it is so often served with a lime.
Why do you put a lime in Corona?
The lime brightens the beer, cuts the light sweetness and adds a fresh citrus note. It became part of the ritual and the marketing, but it genuinely suits the beer.
How many calories are in Corona Extra?
About 148 calories and 13.9g of carbs per 12 fl oz. For a lighter option, Corona Premier or Corona Light have fewer.
Is Corona Extra gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What is the alcohol content of Corona Extra?
4.6% ABV, slightly below the 5% of many lagers. You can check any beer with our ABV calculator.
Is Corona Extra vegan?
Yes, Corona Extra is listed as vegan-friendly.
Why does Corona come in a clear bottle?
It is part of the brand’s look, showing off the pale golden color. The downside is that clear glass lets in light, which can give it a skunky note, so keep it cold and out of the sun.
What kind of beer is Corona Extra?
A Mexican pale lager, very light and crisp, designed to be drunk ice cold.
Where is Corona made?
It is brewed in Mexico by Grupo Modelo. In the United States it is distributed by Constellation Brands.
What are the best Corona alternatives?
For similar light Mexican lagers try Pacifico, Sol, Modelo Especial or Tecate Light.
Where to buy Corona Extra
Corona Extra is stocked just about everywhere, and you can have it delivered too. Grab some limes while you are at it. Use the button above to check the price.
The verdict
The definitive beach beer. Extremely light and crisp, made to be drunk ice cold with a lime, and it does that one job better than almost anyone. Not a beer for a tasting, but perfect in the sun. A fair three and a half out of five. Browse our other beer reviews for more.
For more like this, see our guide to the best Mexican lagers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Corona Extra?
Corona Extra is a Mexican pale lager, at 4.6% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Corona Extra?
Corona Extra has an ABV of 4.6%.
How many calories are in Corona Extra?
Corona Extra has 148 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Corona Extra gluten free?
Corona Extra: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Corona Extra have carbs?
Yes, Corona Extra has 13.9g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Corona Extra taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Corona Extra?
If you can’t find Corona Extra, Sol is a close alternative in the same Mexican pale lager category.
How much does Corona Extra cost?
Corona Extra typically runs About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Corona Extra without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Corona Extra?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican pale lager like Corona Extra. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
