Corona Light Review: The Light Mexican Lager, Tested

3.1/5
Mexican light lager, 4.1% ABV, 99 calories. A lighter, lower-calorie Corona that keeps the easy, sunny character.

Corona Light is the low-calorie version of the world-famous Corona, aimed at drinkers who want the same easy, beachy character with fewer calories. At 99 calories it undercuts the regular Extra while keeping the clean, mild, lime-friendly profile Corona is known for. It is light on everything, including flavor, but that is the point. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it is worth choosing over the Extra.

Corona Light at a glance

StyleMexican light lager
ABV4.1%
Calories99 per 12 fl oz
Carbs5g per 12 fl oz
OriginGrupo Modelo, Mexico
IngredientsWater, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast
VeganYes
Gluten freeNo, it is brewed from barley
Typical priceAround $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing

How it tastes, by the numbers

Corona Light is built to be as light as possible, so nearly every flavor dial sits low with the crispness turned up.

Body
1/5
Bitterness
1/5
Malt sweetness
2/5
Crispness
4/5
Roast
1/5
Our tasting scores, 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Corona Light poured and ready to drink

The full review

It pours very pale gold and clear, with a quick white head. The aroma is faint and clean, a little grainy with a soft sweetness, recognisably Corona but lighter still.

On the palate it is very light and crisp, with a whisper of grain sweetness and almost no bitterness. It is even thinner than the regular Extra, which is saying something, but it stays clean and refreshing rather than turning watery, and the finish is quick and dry.

It does the Corona job on a diet: ice cold with a wedge of lime, it is light, easy and refreshing in the sun. The lime helps here more than ever, since there is so little flavor of its own to get in the way. Judged as a light beer, it is fine.

Value is the weak spot. It sits at import prices for a very light lager, so you are paying a premium for the low calorie count and the Corona name rather than for the beer itself.

Corona with the lights dimmed even further.
Pros
  • Only 99 calories
  • Clean, crisp and very easy to drink
  • The familiar sunny Corona character
  • Lime-friendly and refreshing
Cons
  • Very light on flavor and body
  • Import price for a light beer
  • Low 4.1% ABV

Who it is for

Corona drinkers watching calories who still want the beachy character. If you want a smoother low-carb option, a Corona Premier or a Michelob Ultra are worth a look.

A close look at Corona Light

Corona Light FAQs

What does Corona Light taste like?

Very light and clean with a faint grain sweetness and almost no bitterness. Recognisably Corona, but thinner, and it takes well to a wedge of lime.

How many calories are in Corona Light?

99 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 5g of carbs.

How strong is Corona Light?

It is 4.1% ABV, on the lighter side for a lager.

What is the difference between Corona Light and Corona Premier?

Both are lighter Coronas, but Premier is lower in carbs at 2.6g and a touch smoother, while Light is 99 calories and a little thinner.

Is Corona Light vegan?

Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.

Is Corona Light gluten free?

No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.

Is Corona Light a light beer?

Yes, it is a Mexican light lager built for lower calories.

Where is Corona Light brewed?

In Mexico, by Grupo Modelo.

A cold Corona Light

Where to buy Corona Light

Corona Light is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.

The verdict

Corona Light is exactly what it says: a lighter, lower-calorie Corona that keeps the sunny, lime-friendly character with even less flavor. At 99 calories it does the job for calorie-watchers who love the Corona style, though you pay import prices for a very light beer. A fair three point one out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.

Final score3.1 / 5

If you are still deciding what to drink, our best lager beer guide guide ranks every one we have reviewed.

See where Corona Light lands against its rivals in our Mexican lager guide guide.

FAQs

What kind of beer is Corona Light?

Corona Light is a Mexican light lager, at 4.1% ABV.

How much alcohol is in Corona Light?

Corona Light has an ABV of 4.1%.

How many calories are in Corona Light?

Corona Light has 99 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.

Is Corona Light gluten free?

Corona Light: No, it is brewed from barley.

Does Corona Light have carbs?

Yes, Corona Light has 5g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.

How can I make Corona Light 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 Light?

If you can’t find Corona Light, Corona Premier is a close alternative in the same Mexican light lager category.

How much does Corona Light cost?

Corona Light typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.

How do I open Corona Light 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 Light?

A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican light lager like Corona Light. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.

Dan Smullen Beer is my life profile

Hi, I'm Dan, founder of BeerIsMyLife. I've been an avid homebrewer for over ten years, and beer is my true passion. I've traveled all over the world, visiting breweries, tasting beer, as well as making my own batches. I set up this blog to share that experience with you.