Pizza is a feast for the senses, but what if we told you that your drink choice could take your pizza experience to the next level? Whether you’re grabbing a slice with friends or having a cozy night in, pairing your pizza with the right drink can elevate the entire meal. Here’s the ultimate guide to pairing pizza with drinks — from wine to beer to soda.
1. Classic Margherita Pizza – Pair With: A Crisp White Wine 🍷🍋
For a classic Margherita pizza with its fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil, you’ll want a drink that complements the light, fresh flavors.
Perfect Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonders here. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, while their lightness doesn’t overpower the simplicity of the pizza.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A sparkling water with a twist of lemon is refreshing and perfectly balances the acidity of the pizza.
2. Pepperoni Pizza – Pair With: A Bold Red Wine 🍷🍅
Pepperoni pizza’s spicy, savory flavors need a drink that can stand up to it without being too overwhelming.
Perfect Pairing: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti. The tannins in red wine cut through the grease, while the bold flavors complement the spiciness of the pepperoni.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A cold cola or a chilled iced tea can balance out the richness of the pepperoni with a sweet, refreshing kick.
3. Hawaiian Pizza – Pair With: A Light Beer 🍍🍺
Hawaiian pizza is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory, so you’ll want a drink that balances that flavor combo without clashing.
Perfect Pairing: A light beer like a pilsner or a wheat beer works great. These beers have just enough flavor to complement the sweetness of the pineapple while still letting the savory ham shine.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Try a fruity mocktail with pineapple juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lime for a tropical experience!
4. Vegetarian Pizza – Pair With: A Rosé Wine 🌱🍷
Vegetarian pizzas, often loaded with fresh vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and olives, need a drink that’s fresh and a bit herbaceous.
Perfect Pairing: A dry rosé is the perfect complement to a veggie-loaded pizza. It has enough fruitiness to match the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes, but its crispness pairs nicely with the earthiness of the mushrooms and olives.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A citrusy iced tea or lemonade will work wonders to enhance the lightness of the vegetables without overpowering them.
5. Meat Lovers Pizza – Pair With: A Rich Beer 🍖🍺
With layers of sausage, bacon, and pepperoni, meat lovers pizza is full of bold, rich flavors. A drink that can stand up to this pizza’s heaviness is key.
Perfect Pairing: A rich, malty beer like a porter or stout. The roasted flavors and smooth mouthfeel of these beers complement the meaty toppings while adding depth to the overall flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A dark soda, like root beer or cola, offers that sweet balance to the salty meats without overshadowing the pizza.
6. White Pizza (No Sauce) – Pair With: A Smooth Chardonnay 🍕🥂
White pizza, with its creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and sometimes garlic or spinach, requires a drink that can complement the richness without competing with the mild flavors.
Perfect Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay is ideal here. The wine’s creamy texture enhances the pizza’s cheese while the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A nice apple cider or a sparkling water with a hint of mint will complement the richness while keeping things fresh.
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza – Pair With: A Bold IPA 🍗🍺
BBQ chicken pizza has smoky, tangy flavors, and it calls for a drink that can balance those bold notes.
Perfect Pairing: A hoppy IPA (India Pale Ale) works wonders with BBQ chicken pizza. The bitterness of the IPA contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, while its hoppy profile brings out the flavor of the chicken.
Non-Alcoholic Option: A chilled iced tea with a squeeze of lemon or a fizzy ginger beer can provide the perfect balance to the smoky BBQ sauce.