America’s No. 1 imported beer, Corona, is a $7.5 billion operation, according to Forbes’ “The World’s Most Valuable Brands.”
Acolytes would likely argue there is no wrong way to enjoy Corona, while detractors turn their noses up at the stuff. There is, however, an art to consuming la cerveza mas fina — lime flip and all.
1. Store Corona at 53-59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prior to opening, Corona should be kept in a cool, dry, dark area away from bright light. Optimum storage temperature is 53 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
2. Serve Corona ice cold.
“Ice cold is the best way to enjoy Corona!” says a Corona spokesperson. That would technically be 32 degrees, nearly 20 degrees lower than the lowest recommended storage temperature, so we’re taking this to mean straight from the fridge or cold case is ideal.
3. Ditch the glassware.
Corona is most widely available in bottles and cans are widely available, though in some markets you can “find your beach” on draft. If you’re planning to add a lime, though, as well you should (see next item), a bottle is the best vehicle.
4. Use a lime.
There are a lot of stories of how this tradition began. “Everyone has their own way of dropping in the lime — squeeze and drop in; squeeze only; pop in and turn the bottle upside down — there is no wrong way as long as the cerveza is cold,” Corona’s representative tells us.
We advise squeezing as much lime into your bottle as possible, then folding it lengthwise and pushing it as far into the neck of the bottle as possible. Next, put your thumb in the mouth of the bottle to keep any air or liquid from escaping, turn the bottle upside down, and spike your entire beverage with citrus.
5. Drink at your leisure.
Unlike Guinness, which should be consumed in four sips of various sizes, there is no requisite number of gulps here. “As always, we remind our consumers to relax responsibly,” Corona’s representative says, which strikes us as good advice in general.
