History Of Corona Beer | Mental Itch

When you see a beer bottle with a lime wedge tucked into its mouth, you know instantly: it’s Corona. Few brands are as visually iconic. With top-sellers like Corona Extra and Corona Light, Corona is now one of the best-selling beers in the United States and around the globe.

But how did a beer brewed in Mexico become a worldwide symbol of relaxation and good times? Here’s a look at the rich history behind Corona Beer.

Year / Period	Event
1920–1933	U.S. Prohibition drives American beer seekers south, boosting Mexican breweries near the border.
1925	Grupo Modelo is founded in Mexico City and launches Corona as a pilsner-style lager in clear glass bottles.
1930s	Corona becomes one of Mexico’s best-selling beers, marketed as a premium alternative with advanced brewing techniques.
1976	Corona begins official U.S. exports; rapid popularity leads to black-market sales in major cities.
1985	Grupo Modelo acquires the “Corona” trademark in a Puerto Rican brewery bankruptcy auction.
2013	Anheuser-Busch InBev acquires Grupo Modelo; Constellation Brands secures U.S. distribution rights.
Present	Corona is sold in over 150 countries and remains a leading global symbol of relaxation and good times.

The Origins of Corona Beer

Corona’s story began during a critical time in Mexican history. In the early 20th century, Mexico had around 36 active breweries. But the U.S. Prohibition era (1920–1933) gave the Mexican beer industry a major boost.

As Americans crossed the border in search of legal alcohol, Mexican breweries, especially those near the U.S.-Mexico border, flourished. Beer became a massive industry, and breweries grew to cater to both locals and thirsty American tourists.

Grupo Modelo—Corona’s parent company—was founded in 1925. Like many brews of the time, Corona’s original recipe was heavily influenced by German brewing traditions, as German immigrants helped shape Mexico’s beer landscape.

Launched as a pilsner-style lager, Corona quickly set itself apart.

The Decision That Changed Everything: The Clear Bottle

Initially, Grupo Modelo considered using dark glass bottles to preserve flavor. However, in a bold marketing move, they opted for clear glass instead.

This decision showcased Corona’s light golden color and made the beer instantly recognizable. The clear bottle, combined with its refreshing taste, became a cornerstone of Corona’s brand identity.

Today, that transparent bottle remains one of the most recognizable features in the world of beer.

How Corona Got Its Name

The exact origin of the Corona name is a bit of a mystery. Two theories prevail:

• Religious Inspiration: Some believe the name and logo were inspired by the crown (corona) worn by Our Lady of Guadalupe at the cathedral in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

• Business Acquisition: Another account states that Grupo Modelo acquired the “Corona” trademark in 1985 through a bankruptcy auction involving a Puerto Rican brewery.

Regardless of which story you believe, the crown imagery and name meaning “crown” in Spanish solidified Corona’s association with excellence and prestige.

Corona’s Growth and Marketing Innovations

By the 1930s, Corona had already become one of Mexico’s best-selling beers. Grupo Modelo aggressively marketed Corona Extra as a premium quality product, differentiating it from traditional Mexican drinks like pulque, a fermented agave beverage.

The company also invested heavily in modern brewing techniques:

• Advanced pasteurization

• Enhanced refrigeration

• Quality control for consistent flavor

As production scaled, Corona solidified itself as Mexico’s flagship beer.

Corona’s Breakthrough in the United States

In 1976, Grupo Modelo officially began exporting Corona to the United States.

American consumers quickly embraced the light, refreshing beer. In fact, Corona became so sought after that black markets sprang up in cities like New York and Denver, selling imported bottles at a premium.

By the 1980s, Corona Extra had firmly established itself as the top-selling imported beer in the United States—a title it still holds today.

A Truly Global Brand

Today, Corona is distributed in over 150 countries. While the U.S. remains its largest market, Corona also enjoys major popularity in:

• Canada

• Europe (especially Spain and the UK)

• Asia (including China and Japan)

• Latin America

In 2013, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Grupo Modelo. However, in the United States, Corona’s rights are managed independently by Constellation Brands, ensuring that the brand remains strong and consistent for American consumers.

Unique Aspects and Cultural Impact of Corona

Iconic Packaging

Corona’s clear glass bottle defied industry norms. Most breweries avoided clear bottles to prevent light exposure from damaging flavor. Yet Corona turned it into a marketing advantage by linking the golden color to the beer’s refreshing image.

The Famous Lime Wedge

No story about Corona is complete without mentioning the lime wedge tradition.

Originally, bartenders added lime to:

• Keep flies out of the bottle

• Enhance the flavor with a fresh, zesty twist

Today, it’s a global ritual and part of what makes drinking a Corona so distinct.

Branding and Imagery

Corona’s logo features:

• A crown, symbolizing quality

• Griffins—mythical creatures that represent strength and guardianship

• A sun, reinforcing its image as the beer for sunny, relaxed moments

Combined, these elements create one of the most powerful brand identities in the beverage world.

Expanding the Product Range

Corona has diversified its offerings to appeal to evolving tastes:

• Corona Extra – The original, flagship beer

• Corona Light – A lighter, lower-calorie version

• Corona Premier – Ultra-light lager with fewer carbs

• Corona Familiar – A fuller-flavored lager, available in larger bottles

• Corona Refresca – Tropical-flavored malt beverages

• Corona Hard Seltzer – Entering the booming seltzer market

• Corona Non-Alcoholic – A 0.0% ABV option for health-conscious consumers

Each product extension keeps Corona relevant across generations and lifestyles.

Marketing and Sponsorships

Corona’s marketing is another reason for its global success:

• “Find Your Beach” Campaign: Emphasized relaxation, escapism, and the good life.

• Sports Sponsorships: Corona has supported boxing, NASCAR, professional soccer (especially Liga MX), and surfing events.

• Music Festivals: Aligning with lifestyle brands through music partnerships expanded its reach to younger consumers.

The consistent focus on fun, leisure, and outdoor living made Corona more than just a beverage—it became a lifestyle.

Challenges: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

The emergence of COVID-19 presented an unusual public relations challenge due to the name “Corona.” Some speculated it might hurt the brand.

However, thanks to its strong brand equity, Corona sales remained steady during the pandemic, proving the resilience and loyalty of its global fanbase.

Beer Style and Brewing Process

Beer Style and Brewing Process

Corona is brewed in the Pale Lager style, a technique perfected in mid-19th-century Europe.

Key brewing features include:

• Bottom-fermenting yeast (lager yeast)

• Cold fermentation for a crisp, clean taste

• Balanced flavor with mild bitterness and light malt sweetness

Grupo Modelo adapted these traditional methods to Mexican conditions, incorporating local water and ingredients to give Corona its unique, slightly sweet profile.

Quality control remains a top priority for the brand, ensuring consistency across its vast global production.

Final Thoughts

Corona’s journey from a small Mexican brew to a global icon is a story of smart branding, quality brewing, and cultural resonance.

Today, Corona isn’t just a beer—it’s a symbol of relaxation, warmth, and celebration.

So, the next time you pop open a Corona, lime wedge in hand, you’ll not only enjoy the crisp taste but also appreciate the fascinating history behind every sip.