Pacifico Clara comes from Mazatlan on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where it has been brewed since 1900 and picked up a devoted following among surfers and beach drinkers. It is a pilsner-style Mexican lager, crisp and clean but with a touch more grain character than Corona, which is why a lot of people quietly rate it above its more famous cousins. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it deserves the cult status.
Pacifico Clara at a glance
| Style | Mexican pilsner-style lager |
| ABV | 4.4% |
| Calories | Around 146 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Grupo Modelo, Mazatlan, Mexico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Pacifico is crisp and clean like the other Mexican lagers, but with a little more grain and hop definition than Corona.
The full review
It pours pale gold and clear, with a quick white head. The aroma is clean and grainy with a light sweetness and a faint hop note, a touch more present than you get from a Corona.
On the palate it is light, crisp and dry, with a soft grain sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. There is a little more definition here than in the softer Mexican lagers, which gives it a satisfying snap without adding weight.
It is built for heat, and it drinks best ice cold in the sun. It cuts cleanly through spicy food and salty snacks, and while a wedge of lime suits it, it has enough character to hold up without one. That is where its cult following comes from.
Value is fair for an import. It costs about the same as Corona and Dos Equis but gives you a slightly crisper, more defined beer, which is why plenty of people reach for it first.
The Mexican lager that quietly outdrinks its more famous cousins.
- Crisp, clean and genuinely refreshing
- More grain and hop definition than Corona
- Great with spicy food and sunshine
- Well-priced for an import
- Still light on body and malt
- Not a beer for slow sipping
- Flavor thins as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who likes Mexican lagers but wants a bit more crispness and character than Corona. If you like this, a Dos Equis Especial or a Modelo Especial are the obvious comparisons.
Pacifico Clara FAQs
What does Pacifico taste like?
Light, crisp and dry with a soft grain sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. A touch more defined and hoppy than Corona.
How strong is Pacifico?
It is 4.4% ABV, on the lighter side for a lager.
How many calories are in Pacifico?
Around 146 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Is Pacifico a pilsner?
It is a Mexican pilsner-style lager, crisp and clean with a little more hop and grain character than a standard Mexican lager.
Is Pacifico vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Pacifico gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Pacifico brewed?
In Mazatlan, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, where it has been made since 1900.
Is Pacifico better than Corona?
Many drinkers prefer it. Pacifico is a touch crisper and more defined, while Corona is softer and lighter. It comes down to taste.
Where to buy Pacifico Clara
Pacifico is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Pacifico Clara is one of the better Mexican lagers on the shelf: crisp, clean and just a little more characterful than the big names, without costing any more. It is still a light beer and it will not reward slow sipping, but for sunshine, spicy food and easy drinking it is hard to fault. A strong three point six out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Pacifico Clara is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our guide to the best lagers guide.
For more like this, see our guide to the best Mexican lagers.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Pacifico Clara?
Pacifico Clara is a Mexican pilsner-style lager, at 4.4% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Pacifico Clara?
Pacifico Clara has an ABV of 4.4%.
How many calories are in Pacifico Clara?
Pacifico Clara has Around 146 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Pacifico Clara gluten free?
Pacifico Clara: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Pacifico Clara have carbs?
Yes, Pacifico Clara has Around 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Pacifico Clara 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.
How much does Pacifico Clara cost?
Pacifico Clara typically runs Around $9 to $13 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 Pacifico Clara 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 Pacifico Clara?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican pilsner-style lager like Pacifico Clara. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
