5 Beers You Should Drink Instead of Corona

I don't like Corona Extra. There. I said it.

Listen, it's no secret that despite being one of the best-selling summer beers, the Mexican brew has a lot of haters: It's notorious for garnering awful reviews (dotted with phrases like "faded aromas of sulfur," "wet dog," and "faint skunk") and horrible ratings (56 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate and 1 out of 10 on RateBeer.com). Yet the golden cerveza somehow continues to sell incredibly well in warmer months, with sales soaring above all other competitors this year.

If you think about it for a moment, however, the light beer's popularity actually makes complete sense: The name "Corona" is a flood of summery visuals and sun-soaked beach scenes—complete with sandy toes and salt-water waves. I get it—it's all about the marketing and imagery. The Mexican brewing company is so good at its campaign that it has even premeditated a shortage this season.

Courtesy of Corona

But now that glass shards are ruining summer's favorite beer, and my stance on it's inferiority has only grown, I've found the best beers to replace that clear glass bottle—and you won't need a lime to get 'em down.

1. Pacifico

Courtesy of Pacifico

Hailing from Baja coast, this is like Corona's South-of-the-Border big brother. It's got more flavor, less pungency, and it's not bad to look at. Plus, you'll probably impress your friends with its authentic feel.

2. Presidente

Green, Glass bottle, Brown, Yellow, Product, Bottle, Photograph, White, Red, Alcohol,

This crisp American-style lager is brewed in the Dominican Republic, bottled in green glass, and served with a napkin wrapped around the base. It's perfect for time spent in the sun.

3. Toña

Glass bottle, Brown, Beer, Bottle, Alcohol, Beer bottle, Alcoholic beverage, Drink, Barware, Drinkware,

Rheanna O'Neil Bellomo

Made in Nicaragua, this light-bodied lager was born to thrive in the hot climate. It's just barely kissed with hops, corn, and apple notes—an incredibly refreshing combo.

3. Modelo

Liquid, Product, Glass bottle, Yellow, Bottle, Alcohol, Drink, Beer bottle, Alcoholic beverage, Beer,

Courtesy of Crown Imports

Let's be honest: When Corona doesn't taste funky, it tastes like water (aka absolutely nothing). This brew has a bit more depth and bready malt flavor without going overboard.

4. Victoria

Brown, Product, Glass bottle, Bottle, Beer, Drink, Alcoholic beverage, Alcohol, Drinkware, Barware,

This Vienna-style lager has some warm barley and caramel notes but they're balanced by grassy hops. Mexico's original beer (first produced in 1865) is great for summer, but it also carries through year-round.