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Beer · Premium & Imported Beer

Corona Extra

Name: Corona Extra
Brand: Anheuser-Busch InBev India

The beer that sold a lifestyle — light, cold and best with a lime wedge in the neck

Anheuser-Busch InBev India

Distillery

Mexico

Country

4.50%

ABV

7.8/10

Rating

★★★½★

7.8/10

Mexico City Est. 1925 4.50% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Very pale straw, crystal clear

Nose & Aroma

Light grain sweetness, very mild hops, almost no yeast character — clean and deliberately neutral

Palate & Taste

Extremely light-bodied with a clean, near-neutral character. The lime wedge is not decoration — it genuinely makes this beer taste better by adding the citrus the beer itself lacks. Without lime, Corona is pleasant but simple. With lime it becomes the right beer for the right occasion

Finish

Very short and clean. The lime finishes it

History & Background

Cervecería Modelo created Corona in Mexico in 1925. It was a local beer for decades. The US import push in the 1980s changed that. The clear bottle with a lime in the neck became one of the most replicated beer images in marketing history before social media existed. AB InBev acquired Grupo Modelo and now brews Corona in India under licence. In India it sits as an aspirational casual beer — the choice for pool parties, beach bars and warm evenings.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

Made from malted barley, corn and hops. Very light-bodied by design. The corn adjunct keeps the profile clean and neutral.

Aging & Maturation

Lagered briefly. No significant ageing.

Distillery

Anheuser-Busch InBev India

Founded

1925

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you put lime in Corona?

The lime is a marketing invention that became a genuine ritual. The acidic juice brightens the otherwise neutral flavour of the beer and adds a fresh citrus note the beer alone does not have. Some accounts say lime was originally used to keep flies away from the bottle neck in Mexican bars. Whatever the origin, lime and Corona is now inseparable and genuinely improves the drinking experience.

Corona Extra price in India

Corona Extra 650ml costs around Rs 250 in Delhi, Rs 210 in Goa, Rs 270 in Karnataka and Rs 295 in Mumbai. The 330ml clear bottle — the iconic format — costs around Rs 160 in Delhi and Rs 135 in Goa. The 330ml is widely available at bars and restaurants.

Is Corona brewed in India?

Yes. Corona sold in India is brewed locally by AB InBev India under licence from Cervecería Modelo. Local brewing keeps the price lower than a fully imported product while maintaining consistency.

Corona vs Heineken — which premium beer should I choose?

Corona and Heineken appeal to different occasions. Corona is lighter, more neutral and really designed for the lime-and-cold experience. Heineken has more European lager character — hops, yeast notes, slightly more body. For a poolside drink in the sun, Corona is hard to beat. For a proper lager experience over dinner, Heineken is more satisfying.

Is Corona good with Indian food?

Corona's neutral character makes it inoffensive with most Indian food. It does not clash with spice the way a more bitter beer might. It works best with lighter dishes and grilled preparations. For very spicy food, something with more malt body handles heavy spice better.

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About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

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Last updated: June 2026