While much attention is given to selecting the perfect pizza toppings, the beverage you choose to accompany your pie can make or break the overall dining experience. The right drink can complement flavors, cleanse the palate, and elevate your pizza night from good to extraordinary. In this guide, we'll explore ideal beverage pairings for different pizza styles, from classic beer matches to unexpected options that might surprise you.
The Classic: Beer and Pizza
There's a reason beer and pizza have been inseparable companions for generations. The carbonation helps cut through the richness of cheese and oil, while the malty sweetness complements tomato sauce. However, not all beers work equally well with all pizzas. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
Classic Pepperoni
The spicy, savory profile of pepperoni
American Pale Ale
The hop bitterness cuts through the fat while complementing the spice
Margherita
Simple, fresh flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil
Pilsner or Lager
Clean, crisp profile doesn't overwhelm the delicate flavors
Meat Lover's
Rich, heavy combination of multiple meats
Brown Ale or Amber Ale
Caramel notes complement the meat while providing enough body to stand up to the richness
BBQ Chicken
Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce with chicken
Wheat Beer or Hefeweizen
Slight sweetness matches the BBQ sauce while the light body doesn't overpower the chicken
White Pizza (no tomato sauce)
Creamy, cheesy, often with garlic
Belgian Witbier
Citrus notes cut through the richness while the subtle spices complement the garlic
Pro Tip
Local craft breweries often create beers specifically designed to pair with food. Ask about pizza-friendly options when buying beer for your next pizza night.
Wine and Pizza: An Elevated Pairing
While beer might be the traditional choice, wine can offer sophisticated and complementary pairings with pizza. The key is matching the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the pizza toppings:
Classic Cheese or Margherita
Simple, tomato-forward with fresh mozzarella
Chianti or Sangiovese
Medium-bodied Italian reds with bright acidity complement tomato sauce perfectly
Pepperoni or Sausage
Spicy, fatty cured meats
Syrah/Shiraz or Zinfandel
Bold, spicy red wines stand up to the spice and fat
Mushroom
Earthy, umami-rich fungi
Pinot Noir
Earthy notes complement the mushrooms while the acidity cuts through cheese
Hawaiian
Sweet pineapple with salty ham
Riesling (off-dry)
Slight sweetness matches the pineapple while the acidity balances the ham
White Pizza with Seafood
Delicate seafood flavors with creamy base
Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp whites complement seafood without overwhelming it
"Pizza is like wine—there are many styles and varieties, and finding the perfect match is a delightful journey of exploration."
Beyond Beer and Wine: Alternative Pairings
Don't limit yourself to the traditional options. Here are some other beverages that pair surprisingly well with pizza:
Craft Cider
Especially with pork toppings like ham, bacon, or sausage, a semi-dry apple cider provides refreshing acidity and subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements. Try it with a pizza that has caramelized onions for a delightful sweet-savory combination.
Kombucha
For a non-alcoholic option, a ginger or berry kombucha offers effervescence similar to beer but with probiotic benefits. The slight tanginess works especially well with veggie pizzas.
Cocktails
A classic Negroni or Aperol Spritz makes an excellent pizza companion. The bitterness and herbal notes cut through richness while stimulating the appetite. For spicy pizzas, try a Paloma—the grapefruit complements the heat wonderfully.
Sparkling Water
Don't underestimate the cleansing power of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. It's the perfect palate cleanser between bites and lets the pizza flavors shine.
Cola
There's a reason this classic pairing endures—the sweetness and acidity of cola balance the savory, salty aspects of pizza, while the carbonation refreshes the palate.
Regional Pairings: Honoring Traditions
Different pizza styles have traditional beverage pairings in their regions of origin:
- Neapolitan Pizza: In Naples, a light Italian beer like Peroni or a glass of Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio (a local wine) are traditional choices.
- New York Slice: A cold fountain soda or a local lager like Brooklyn Lager embodies the authentic experience.
- Chicago Deep Dish: The richness of deep dish stands up well to a malty porter or stout.
- Detroit Style: The caramelized cheese crust pairs beautifully with a Michigan craft IPA.
- California Style: With its innovative toppings, California pizza often pairs well with local wine country offerings—think Sonoma Chardonnay or Napa Cabernet.
Pairing Based on Occasion
The perfect pairing also depends on the setting and occasion:
Game Night
Pizza: Classic pepperoni or supreme
Drink: Pitcher of cold lager or amber ale
Date Night
Pizza: Gourmet options like prosciutto and arugula
Drink: Bottle of Chianti or Prosecco
Family Dinner
Pizza: Half cheese for kids, half specialty for adults
Drink: Craft sodas or Italian sodas for kids, wine or beer for adults
Lunch Break
Pizza: Personal size with light toppings
Drink: Sparkling water or iced tea
Creating Your Own Perfect Pairing
The best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most. Here are some principles to guide your experimentation:
- Match intensity with intensity: Bold, heavy pizzas need bold drinks; delicate pizzas need lighter options.
- Consider contrasting elements: Acidic or bitter drinks cut through rich, fatty pizzas.
- Regional pairings often work well: Italian wine with Italian-style pizza makes sense for a reason.
- Carbonation is your friend: Bubbles help refresh the palate between bites.
- Trust your preferences: If you love a particular combination, that's all that matters!
At Pizza Depot, we offer a selection of beverages specifically chosen to complement our pizzas. Next time you order, ask about our recommended pairings for whatever pizza you choose—our staff is always happy to suggest the perfect match to enhance your meal.
What's your favorite drink to enjoy with pizza? Have you discovered any unexpected pairings that work surprisingly well? Share your experiences in the comments below!
