Alcohol Content 101: How Much Alcohol Is In Corona?

how much alcohol is in corona
Joe | Last Updated: November 19, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

In this post, we’re turning our spotlight to an ever-popular player in the beer world. Corona.

Often seen graced with a wedge of lime, this iconic beer from Mexico has had many of us wondering: “How much alcohol is in Corona?

It’s a surprisingly common question and one that’s asked to bartenders all around the world every single day, which is why it’s our duty to provide the answers.

We’re going to delve into the specifics of this sunny beer today, shedding light on its alcohol content and what it means for you as a server, drinker, or seller.

So whether you’re simply curious about the alcohol content of Corona and want to scrub up on your knowledge or perhaps you’re an avid Corona drinker and want to be more aware of your alcohol consumption, this post is for you.

Let’s get into it…

How Much Alcohol Is In Corona?

In the United States, a standard 12 fl. oz (355 ml) bottle of Corona Extra contains 4.6% alcohol by volume (ABV).

The reason I specify the US is that the alcohol content in beers, including Corona, can vary by country due to a number of factors.

For example, in the United Kingdom, the same brand – Corona Extra – has an alcohol content of 4.5% ABV.

While this difference might seem minor, it’s essential to understand these variations, especially if you’re a professional in the drinks industry or a beer enthusiast who wants to keep their information precise.

how much alcohol is in corona
Photo by Tomasz Modzelewski

In some other countries, there are regulations on the maximum alcohol content allowed in beers sold in supermarkets or certain retail outlets.

Brewers might adjust their recipes to meet these regulations. Also, brewers may tweak their beer’s alcohol content to suit the tastes and preferences of a particular market.

It’s also important to consider that this percentage can vary slightly depending on the specific version of Corona you’re drinking.

For example, Corona Light has a slightly lower alcohol content, around 3.7% ABV.

>> Read more: How much alcohol is in Smirnoff Ice?

Is Corona High In Alcohol?

As far as beers go, Corona is considered to be of average alcohol content.

As mentioned earlier, in the United States, it contains 4.6% alcohol by volume (ABV), and in the United Kingdom, it’s at 4.5%.

These levels are pretty standard for most mainstream lagers globally. For context, the alcohol content in beer generally ranges from about 3% to 15%, with most types of beer falling in the 4% to 7% range.

This positions Corona as a middle-of-the-road option when it comes to alcohol strength in the world of beer.

On one end of the spectrum, you have light beers, often with an alcohol by volume (ABV) around 3% to 4%.

These beers are designed to be lower in both alcohol and calories, making them a go-to choice for those watching their figure or seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption.

In contrast, some specific types of beer can be quite high in alcohol content.

Belgian ales, barley wines, and certain stouts and IPAs can climb into the double digits, with ABVs reaching up to 12% or higher.

six pack of corona with a lime
Image by Jan-Willem Reusink

These beers are typically sipped slowly and savored, much like one would with a glass of wine or spirits.

There’s also a new wave of craft beers that push these boundaries even further.

Brews like Scotland’s Sink The Bismarck by BrewDog, which holds a whopping 41% ABV, are more similar to hard liquors than traditional beers.

>> Read more: How much alcohol is in Coors Light?

How Strong Are Coronas?

The “strength” of a beer, which is typically defined by its alcohol content, places Corona Extra in the middle of the spectrum compared to other beers.

One or two bottles of Corona likely isn’t going to have you seeing double, but it does contain a moderate amount of alcohol which is why it’s still important to watch your intake.

The thing about tasty beers like Corona is that it’s often much easier to indulge and consume more than intended, as their lighter flavor profiles can sometimes mask their alcohol content.

This is especially true if you’re enjoying them over a long social event or on a hot day, as it’s easy to lose track of how many you’ve had.

That’s why it’s crucial to practice mindful drinking. This includes paying attention to the number of drinks you’ve consumed, how fast you’re drinking, and ensuring that you’re also hydrating with water – particularly in warm weather.

>> Read more: How much alcohol is in Heineken?

How Many Bottles Of Corona Does It Take To Get Drunk?

It’s important to note that how quickly a person becomes intoxicated can vary greatly based on many factors.

These factors include body weight, tolerance, medication, metabolism, the speed of consumption, and whether or not they’ve eaten recently.

Based on moderate drinking guidelines, the “average” person might start to feel the effects of alcohol after drinking around 2-3 standard beers in an hour.

how much alcohol is in corona
Photo by Isi Parente

That being said, “feeling the effects” is not the same as being drunk, which typically involves a higher level of impairment.

I can drink around 4 or 5 Coronas before I start to feel drunk, but I’m a 5ft 11, 190-pound male.

Some people might start to feel drunk after just 1 or 2 beers, while others might be able to drink more than 4 beers before they start to feel drunk.

This is why it’s important to know your limit and always drink in moderation.

>> Read more: How much alcohol is in Budweiser beer?

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, the alcohol content of Corona in the United States is 4.6% ABV.

While it may not be the strongest beer out there, it’s important to remember that its easy-drinking nature can sometimes make it easier to consume more than intended.

This golden nectar is one of the world’s most popular beers, but each person’s reaction to alcohol varies, and what might take one person four bottles to feel drunk could take another person just one or two.

It all depends on a multitude of factors including body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and whether they’ve eaten recently.

So the next time you pop open a Corona, whether you’re behind the bar or on the beach, take a moment to be mindful of the alcohol content and enjoy it responsibly.

Catch you in the next one!