Houstonist Bartender: Cinco de Beer-o

Tomorrow is Saturday and Cinco de Mayo. Both are great opportunities to sit back and enjoy a cold beverage. There is no debating that margaritas reign supreme over the Cinco festivities. But, Houstonist gets worn out on the super sweet mixers typically used in the mass produced varieties. Our research suggests that sipping a cold beer can be a satisfying departure from a sweet rita. Last night we corralled five cervezas currently crowding the beer section of your local Stop 'n Rob. Here's our take.

Corona's the old stand by from your Spring Break adventures down at Padre. The ads may inspire you to quit your job; the flavor may leave you inspired to try a different cerveza. Corona is a safe crowd pleaser but more discriminating palates should leave it on the shelf for the kids with funnels.

Dos Equis offers a nice full flavor in a Mexican beer and a bit of a bite. Draft beer fans are in luck as Dos Equis and Dos Equis Amber are typically the only Mexican beers on tap in a market dominated by domestics, microbrews and the UK stable.

Negra Modelo is our favorite cerveza for Cinco de Mayo. Of the five beers tested, this dark ale features the most robust flavor leaving you with a "Damn, that was a good beer" feeling in your mouth instead of "Did I pick up my water by mistake?" Plus, the foil wrapped neck adds a bit of class to the table. Try the Modelo Especial if you're not into dark beer.

Pacifico is a nice light, crisp, full flavored bottle. It's similar to Corona but offers a better all-around taste...and a cooler label. A lime slice will open up the flavor without over powering the beer. Pacifico is also solid base for a michelada, complementing the spicy ingredients

Tecate always seems to be on special at the Shady Mart by our place. Ballin' on a budget? Tecate offers a bit more exotic flair than a domestic without the sticker shock. The flavor isn't bad, but it's not that great either. Consider limes a must have when you opt for Tecate.

What's your favorite beer from south of the border? Light up the Comments and let us know.

Don't be a dumbass. Drink responsibly or take a cab.

---
Photo: flickr users Andrew Coulter Enright, Okie, esther17, shrkflickr & Narisa.