If you order "a beer" anywhere in Costa Rica, chances are you'll get an Imperial — and nobody will complain. Imperial is the country's top-selling and most iconic beer, so woven into local life that Ticos simply call it la cerveza de Costa Rica. Spot the black-eagle crest on the label and you'll know you've found the real thing. Here at www.jacobeachchef.com, it's the first beer we reach for when a cold one hits the table at your villa.
A Costa Rican classic since 1924
Imperial was first brewed back in 1924 at the historic Cervecería Ortega, and it's been pouring ever since. Today it's made by Cervecería Costa Rica (part of FIFCO) and has been the backdrop to a century of festivals, soccer matches, beach days, and family dinners. Its friendly nickname is las águilas — "the eagles" — a nod to the eagle on the label that's become a symbol of Costa Rican pride.
What it tastes like
Imperial is a pale, American-style lager at around 4.5% ABV — light, crisp, and refreshing, with just enough body to feel satisfying. That easy-drinking profile is exactly why it works so well in Costa Rica's tropical heat: it's cold, clean, and goes down smooth after a day of surf, sun, or exploring. If you like a little variety, you'll also find Imperial Silver (a crisper, lighter take) and Imperial Light on most shelves.
Where to drink it in Jacó
You won't have to look hard. Imperial is everywhere in Jacó — beach bars, local sodas, restaurants, and every supermarket and corner store. Order it bien fría (nice and cold), and if you want the full experience, grab one from a cooler and sip it right on the sand while the sun drops into the Pacific. It pairs perfectly with the casual, barefoot vibe of a Jacó beach day.
The perfect pairing: fresh food at your villa
An ice-cold Imperial is even better next to a plate of fresh-caught fish or a wood-grilled dinner. When you book a private chef through www.jacobeachchef.com, we bring restaurant-quality meals right to your villa — fresh ceviche, grilled mahi mahi, a Costa Rican casado, or a full group feast — so all you have to do is crack open a cold one and enjoy. Add our bartending service and we'll keep the Imperials flowing all night.
Cheers — pura vida
So next time you're in Jacó and someone raises a glass, you'll know what's in it. Imperial is more than the top beer in Costa Rica — it's part of the pura vida lifestyle. When you're ready to plan the food side of your Jacó trip, send us a WhatsApp message and we'll take care of the rest. ¡Salud!