A method for the continuous production of esters of thermally unstable acids by the esterification, with or without a catalyst, of the acids with alcohols is provided. The method involves esterification at temperatures of approximately 80.degree. C. to approximately 130.degree. C., essentially in a single reaction zone, to which the acid and an excess of alcohol are continuously supplied and from which a vapor stream containing alcohol and water produced by the esterification reaction are removed, while at the same time removing an ester-rich liquid reaction mixture from the single reaction zone, from which the ester is obtained.