As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the tradition of drinking Corona with a lime is not as prevalent in Mexico as many people may think. While the lime slice has become an iconic symbol of the brand, the reality is that very few Mexicans actually drink their Corona beer with a lime.
It's important to understand that the addition of a lime to a beer is not a common practice in Mexican drinking culture. In fact, this tradition seems to have originated outside of Mexico and has been perpetuated mainly by tourists and foreigners. Many Mexicans prefer to enjoy their beer without any additional garnishes or additives, allowing the natural flavors of the beer to shine through.
One possible reason for the association of lime with Corona is the belief that it helps to enhance the flavor and mask any potential skunkiness that may arise from the clear glass bottles that Corona is traditionally packaged in. However, it's worth noting that modern brewing techniques and advancements in packaging have significantly reduced the likelihood of beer becoming skunky, making the use of a lime unnecessary for most beer drinkers.
In my personal experience, I have spent a significant amount of time in Mexico and have had the opportunity to observe and interact with locals in various drinking establishments. I have rarely seen Mexicans ordering their Corona beer with a lime, and when they do, it is often because they are catering to the preferences of tourists or are simply trying to recreate the image that has been perpetuated by popular culture.
It's important to remember that drinking preferences can vary greatly among individuals, and there may be some Mexicans who do enjoy their Corona with a lime. However, it is not representative of the overall drinking culture in Mexico. Mexicans take pride in their beer and appreciate the flavors and craftsmanship that goes into brewing, and often prefer to enjoy their beer in its purest form.
While the lime slice has become synonymous with Corona and has been embraced by tourists and foreigners, very few Mexicans actually drink their Corona beer with a lime. The tradition of adding a lime to a beer is not deeply rooted in Mexican drinking culture, and most Mexicans prefer to enjoy their beer without any additional garnishes.