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Modelo Especial is the top-selling beer in the United States and one of the most interesting Mexican lager clones to brew because it sits slightly richer and more malt-forward than Corona, the corn adjunct proportion and slightly higher ABV give it more character than a purely neutral adjunct lager. I’ve brewed this clone multiple times and it’s one of the most satisfying hot-weather session beers in my recipe collection.
Modelo Especial clone recipe (5 gallon / 19L batch)
Target stats: OG 1.048, FG 1.009, ABV ~5.0%, IBU 18, SRM 3–4, pale golden. Grain bill: 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) North American 2-row pale malt or Pilsner malt, Modelo uses North American barley rather than European Pilsner; American 2-row produces a slightly crispier, cleaner malt character that’s appropriate for the style. 1.75 lbs (794g) flaked corn, the corn adjunct is central to Modelo’s character; it provides fermentable sugars with minimal protein contribution, lightening body while adding a subtle corn sweetness that distinguishes Modelo from all-malt lagers. 0.25 lb (113g) dextrose, boost fermentability and dry the finish. Rice hulls 0.5 lb (no sugar contribution) for mash efficiency with flaked corn. Hops: 0.5 oz Saaz (60 min), 10 IBU. 0.5 oz Galena (60 min), 8 IBU. 0.25 oz Saaz (10 min), 3 IBU late flavor. Total IBU: 18–20. Modelo has more perceptible hop character than Corona, a mild Saaz spiciness is detectable in the finish, and the slightly higher IBU level (18 vs Corona’s 12) reflects this. Yeast: White Labs WLP940 Mexican Lager Yeast, the most appropriate yeast for Mexican lager clones, producing the specific clean, dry fermentation character of the Mexican commercial lager tradition. Fermentis Saflager W-34/70 is a reliable dry alternative. Ferment at 10°C (50°F). Water: Soft, low mineral, calcium 40 ppm, sulfate 30 ppm, chloride 70 ppm. Monterrey (Modelo’s production location) water is soft; soft water lets the subtle corn sweetness and mild Saaz character come through without mineral interference. Process: Step mash for the corn-heavy grain bill: 50°C (122°F) protein rest for 15 minutes, 63°C (145°F) for 45 minutes (high fermentability saccharification), 72°C (162°F) for 15 minutes, mash out at 76°C (169°F). 90-minute boil with North American Pilsner malt. Add dextrose at 10 minutes from end of boil. Ferment 2 weeks at 10°C (50°F). Diacetyl rest at 17°C (63°F) for 48 hours. Lager at 1–2°C (34–35°F) for 5–6 weeks. Fine with gelatin. Carbonate to 2.6–2.7 volumes CO2. Serve at 4–6°C (39–43°F).
Common Questions
Why did Modelo surpass Bud Light as America’s top-selling beer?
Modelo Especial surpassed Bud Light in dollar sales in May 2023, a milestone driven by several converging factors that the recipe and product quality alone don’t fully explain. The primary driver is demographic: the US Hispanic population has grown substantially over the past two decades, and Modelo has maintained strong brand identity within Mexican-American communities as an authentic cultural beverage rather than an imported novelty. This core consumer base expanded as Modelo’s mainstream visibility increased through sports sponsorships (particularly boxing and UFC). Simultaneously, Bud Light faced a significant sales decline following a marketing controversy in April 2023 that accelerated Modelo’s path to the top position. Modelo’s product positioning as slightly more premium than Bud Light without the full premium price point of Heineken or Stella has allowed it to capture consumers trading up from mainstream domestics without committing to full import pricing. For the homebrewing context: Modelo’s success reflects that consumers genuinely find its flavor profile preferable to standard domestic lagers, the mild corn adjunct sweetness and slightly more perceptible Saaz hop character give it enough distinction to be memorable. This clone captures that distinction: it’s a more characterful beer than a Corona or Bud Light clone while remaining firmly in the accessible, refreshing lager category.
