Sol has been brewed in Mexico since 1899, and the name says it all: this is a beer made for sunshine. It is a light, pale lager in the same crisp, easy mold as Corona, sold in a clear bottle and best drunk ice cold with a wedge of lime. It does not aim for much beyond refreshment, and it hits that mark cleanly. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands among the Mexican lagers.
Sol at a glance
| Style | Mexican pale lager |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Calories | Around 128 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 11g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma (Heineken), Mexico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $8 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Sol is a classic warm-weather lager, light and crisp with a clean finish and just a touch of grain sweetness.
The full review
It pours pale straw-gold and very clear, with a quick white head. The aroma is light and clean, a little grainy with a faint sweetness and barely any hops. It smells like an easy beach beer, which is exactly what it is.
On the palate it is light-bodied, crisp and easy, with a soft grain sweetness and a clean, mild finish. There is very little bitterness and not much depth, but it is smooth and refreshing rather than watery. It goes down fast and cold.
This is a beer for heat and sunshine, plain and simple. It cuts through salty snacks and spicy food, and a wedge of lime suits it well, more so than some of its rivals since there is not a lot of flavor to cover up. On a hot day it does the job.
Value is fair. It is usually a little cheaper than Corona and does much the same thing, which makes it a sensible pick for a cooler when you want light and easy for not much money.
A beer named after the sun, and best enjoyed under it.
- Very light, crisp and refreshing
- Usually cheaper than Corona
- Great cold with lime and sunshine
- Widely available
- Light on flavor and body
- Not one for slow sipping
- Really needs to be ice cold
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, light Mexican lager for the beach or the cooler. If you like this, a Corona Extra or a Tecate are the obvious comparisons.
Sol FAQs
What does Sol taste like?
Light, crisp and clean with a soft grain sweetness and a mild finish. A refreshing, easy pale lager rather than a flavorful one, and it suits a wedge of lime.
How strong is Sol?
It is 4.5% ABV, standard-strength for a Mexican lager.
How many calories are in Sol?
Around 128 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 11g of carbs.
Is Sol like Corona?
Yes, it is a very similar light Mexican pale lager, sold in a clear bottle and usually a little cheaper.
Is Sol vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Sol gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Sol brewed?
In Mexico, by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, part of Heineken, where it has been made since 1899.
Should I put lime in Sol?
A wedge of lime suits it and is the traditional way to serve it, though it is down to personal taste.
Where to buy Sol
Sol is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Sol is a light, crisp, sunny Mexican lager that does refreshment well and not much else. It is thin on flavor and it really needs to be ice cold, but for a cheap beach or cooler beer it is perfectly likable. A fair three point two out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Want to see how Sol stacks up against the rest? See our full best lager beers guide.
Sol is one of many we ranked. Browse the full list in our best Mexican lager guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Sol?
Sol is a Mexican pale lager, at 4.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Sol?
Sol has an ABV of 4.5%.
How many calories are in Sol?
Sol has Around 128 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Sol gluten free?
Sol: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Sol have carbs?
Yes, Sol has Around 11g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Sol 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 Sol?
If you can’t find Sol, Dos Equis Especial is a close alternative in the same Mexican pale lager category.
How much does Sol cost?
Sol typically runs Around $8 to $12 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 Sol 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 Sol?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican pale lager like Sol. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
