Modelo Clone Recipe That Tastes Just Like The Original

There’s something magical about enjoying a cold, refreshing Modelo beer on a sunny afternoon or alongside a delicious meal. If you’re a fan of this classic Mexican lager and have ever wished you could recreate that exact flavor at home, you’re in luck!

Today, we’re diving into a detailed Modelo clone recipe that allows you to brew your very own version of this beloved beer. Whether you’re an experienced homebrewer or just starting out, this recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps so you can craft a crisp, balanced lager with the perfect malt and hop profile.

Not only will you save money by brewing at home, but you’ll gain a new appreciation for the art and science behind beer-making. Plus, sharing your homemade Modelo with friends and family is sure to impress.

So grab your brewing gear and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that captures the essence of a classic Mexican beer with a personal twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Modelo clone recipe is designed to be approachable yet authentic. It captures the light, crisp, and slightly sweet malt character of the original beer, balanced by subtle hop bitterness and a clean finish.

You’ll enjoy a beer that’s smooth enough for casual sipping but flavorful enough to pair with a variety of dishes.

Brewing this beer at home also allows you to experiment and adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a rewarding project that teaches you about the brewing process from start to finish.

Whether you want to impress guests at your next barbecue or simply enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own beer, this recipe is a perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 6.6 lbs (3 kg) Pilsner malt extract (liquid or dry)
• 1 lb (450 g) Flaked corn – for that signature light body and sweetness
• 1 oz (28 g) Hallertau hops – for mild bitterness and aroma
• 0.5 oz (14 g) Saaz hops – for subtle spicy, earthy notes
• 1 tsp Irish moss – to clarify the beer
• 1 packet lager yeast (such as Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager or White Labs WLP830 German Lager)
• Priming sugar (for bottling, approximately 3/4 cup corn sugar)
• Water – enough to make a 5-gallon batch

Equipment

• 5-gallon brew kettle – for boiling your wort
• Fermentation vessel (carboy or food-grade bucket)
• Airlock and bung – to seal your fermenter and allow CO2 to escape
• Siphoning tubing – for transferring beer without contamination
• Sanitizer (such as Star San)
• Bottles and caps – for packaging your beer
• Hydrometer – to measure specific gravity
• Thermometer – to monitor fermentation temperatures
• Stirring spoon (preferably stainless steel or food grade plastic)

Instructions

1. Sanitize all your equipment. This is critical to avoid contamination and spoilage. Use a no-rinse sanitizer and follow the instructions carefully.
2. Heat 2.5 gallons (9.5 L) of water in your brew kettle to about 160°F (71°C). Add the flaked corn and steep for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This extracts the starches and sweetness that give Modelo its character.
3. Remove the grain bag (if using one) and bring the wort to a boil. Remove the kettle from heat once boiling starts to prevent scorching.
4. Stir in the Pilsner malt extract completely. Return to a boil, then add 0.5 oz of Hallertau hops.
5. Boil for 45 minutes, then add the 0.5 oz Saaz hops and Irish moss. Continue boiling for another 15 minutes. This hop schedule provides a gentle bitterness and aroma.
6. Cool the wort quickly. Use a wort chiller or an ice bath to bring the temperature down to about 50°F (10°C) as fast as possible to prepare for yeast pitching.
7. Transfer the cooled wort to your sanitized fermenter. Top up with water to reach 5 gallons (19 L) total volume.
8. Pitch your lager yeast. Gently stir or shake to aerate the wort, which helps the yeast start fermentation effectively.
9. Ferment at 50-55°F (10-13°C) for about 2 weeks. Maintain a stable temperature to ensure a clean lager profile.
10. Perform a diacetyl rest. Raise the temperature to about 65°F (18°C) for 2-3 days to allow the yeast to clean up any off-flavors.
11. Cold crash the beer. Lower the temperature to near freezing (35-40°F / 2-4°C) for 3-5 days to help clarify the beer.
12. Siphon the beer into sanitized bottles, adding priming sugar. Cap the bottles and store at room temperature for carbonation, about 2 weeks.
13. Refrigerate and enjoy! Pour carefully to avoid sediment, and savor your homemade Modelo clone.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when brewing lagers. Controlling fermentation temperature ensures a clean, crisp finish.”

Using flaked corn is essential for mimicking Modelo’s light body and subtle sweetness, but you can experiment with rice flakes as an alternative adjunct if desired. For a stronger hop aroma, add a small dry hop addition of Saaz hops after fermentation.

If you prefer a slightly maltier profile, increase the malt extract by 0.5 lb (225 g). Conversely, to lighten the beer further, reduce the malt or adjunct proportionally.

Always keep detailed notes so you can tweak your brew next time.

Don’t rush the lagering (cold storage) phase — the longer you can store the beer cold, the smoother and more refined the flavor will become.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Modelo clone pairs wonderfully with classic Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and grilled carne asada. The light malt sweetness and refreshing finish complement spicy and savory flavors perfectly.

For a casual snack, serve alongside chips and guacamole or a fresh ceviche. It’s also a great choice for barbecues and summer gatherings where a crisp, easy-drinking beer is essential.

Serve chilled in a tall glass to showcase its golden color and delicate carbonation. Garnish with a lime wedge for a traditional touch that enhances the beer’s bright character.

Conclusion

Brewing your own Modelo clone is a rewarding way to enjoy this iconic Mexican lager without leaving your home. This recipe captures the crisp, light, and balanced flavor that Modelo is famous for, while allowing you to tailor the process to your preferences.

With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginner homebrewers can achieve impressive results.

As you gain confidence, feel free to experiment with hop varieties, adjuncts, and fermentation techniques to make the beer uniquely yours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or relaxing on a weekend afternoon, your homemade Modelo clone will be a delicious testament to your brewing skills.

Cheers to great beer and happy brewing!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Modelo Clone Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A refreshing homemade beer inspired by Modelo Especial. Brew your own crisp and light lager with this easy recipe.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT60M”, “totalTime”: “PT90M”, “recipeYield”: “5 gallons”, “recipeIngredient”: [“9 lbs Pilsner malt”, “1 lb Flaked corn”, “1 oz Saaz hops (60 minutes)”, “1 oz Saaz hops (15 minutes)”, “1 tsp Irish moss”, “Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager yeast”, “1 cup corn sugar (for priming)”, “Water (enough to make 5 gallons)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat 3.5 gallons of water to 152\u00b0F and mash in grains.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Hold mash at 152\u00b0F for 60 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sparge with enough water to collect 6.5 gallons of wort.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring wort to boil and add 1 oz Saaz hops; boil for 45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add 1 oz Saaz hops and Irish moss; boil for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool wort to 50\u00b0F and pitch yeast.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Ferment at 50\u00b0F for 2 weeks.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Raise temperature to 65\u00b0F for 3 days to finish fermentation.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bottle with priming sugar and condition for 3 weeks.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “1.2g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “13g”}}