Tecate is the everyday lager of northern Mexico, brewed since 1944 and named after the border town it comes from. It is a clean, light, no-frills Mexican lager built for heat and hard work, the kind of beer you drink cold with a wedge of lime and a pinch of salt. It does not aim high, and that honesty is part of its appeal. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and whether it is worth a spot in your cooler.
Tecate at a glance
| Style | Mexican lager |
| ABV | 4.5% |
| Calories | Around 145 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g 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
Tecate is a straightforward Mexican lager, light and crisp with a clean finish and just a hint of grain sweetness.
The full review
It pours pale gold and clear, with a fizzy white head that fades fast. The aroma is light and grainy with a faint corn sweetness and a whisper of hops, clean and unremarkable in the everyday-lager way.
On the palate it is light and crisp with a soft grain sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. It is a touch fuller than a light beer but still very easy, with nothing sharp or challenging about it. It goes down fast and cold.
This is a working lager, best served ice cold with lime and salt, which is how it is drunk across northern Mexico. On its own it is fine but plain; with a wedge of lime it comes alive. It is refreshment first and everything else a distant second.
Value is good. Tecate is usually cheaper than Corona or Dos Equis and does much the same job, which makes it a sensible cooler beer for a crowd on a hot day.
An honest working lager that asks for a lime and not much else.
- Clean, crisp and very easy to drink
- Cheaper than most imported Mexican lagers
- Great cold with lime and salt
- Widely available in cans and bottles
- Plain and light on character
- Best with a wedge of lime, not on its own
- Flavor thins as it warms
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a cheap, clean Mexican lager for the cooler and the sunshine. If you like this, a Modelo Especial or a Pacifico are natural next pours.
Tecate FAQs
What does Tecate taste like?
Light and crisp with a soft grain sweetness and a clean, gently bitter finish. A plain, easy Mexican lager that comes alive with a wedge of lime.
How strong is Tecate?
It is 4.5% ABV, standard-strength for a Mexican lager.
How many calories are in Tecate?
Around 145 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
How do you drink Tecate?
Ice cold, traditionally with a wedge of lime and a pinch of salt on the can, which is how it is drunk across northern Mexico.
Is Tecate vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Tecate gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Tecate brewed?
In Mexico, by Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, named after the border town of Tecate where it began in 1944.
What is the difference between Tecate and Tecate Light?
Tecate is the standard 4.5% lager. Tecate Light is a lower-calorie, lighter version.
Where to buy Tecate
Tecate is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Tecate is a clean, honest, no-frills Mexican lager that does exactly what a cooler beer should for less than most of its rivals. It is plain on its own and really wants a wedge of lime, but ice cold in the sun it is refreshing and easy, and the price is right. A fair three point two out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
Tecate is one of more than 50 we tasted. Browse the complete ranked list in our top lager beers guide.
See where Tecate lands against its rivals in our Mexican lager guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Tecate?
Tecate is a Mexican lager, at 4.5% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Tecate?
Tecate has an ABV of 4.5%.
How many calories are in Tecate?
Tecate has Around 145 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Tecate gluten free?
Tecate: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Tecate have carbs?
Yes, Tecate 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 Tecate 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 Tecate?
If you can’t find Tecate, Corona Familiar is a close alternative in the same Mexican lager category.
How much does Tecate cost?
Tecate 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 Tecate 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 Tecate?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican lager like Tecate. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
