A great pizza deserves a great beverage to accompany it. The right drink can complement your pizza's flavors, enhance your overall dining experience, and turn a simple meal into something memorable. At Freshslice Pizza, we believe that finding the perfect pairing for your favorite slice is part of the pizza enjoyment journey.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best beverages to pair with different pizza styles and toppings. Whether you prefer alcoholic or non-alcoholic options, we've got recommendations that will elevate your next pizza night.
The Art and Science of Food and Beverage Pairing
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's helpful to understand a few basic principles of food and beverage pairing:
- Complementary Flavors: Beverages with flavor profiles that harmonize with the pizza's ingredients often create successful pairings.
- Contrasting Elements: Sometimes, contrasts work beautifully—like how a sweet beverage might balance a spicy pizza.
- Cleansing the Palate: Carbonated drinks and beverages with acidity can refresh the palate between bites of rich, cheesy pizza.
- Regional Pairings: Traditional combinations from the same geographic region often work well together (think Italian wine with Italian pizza).
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best pairing is one that you enjoy!
With these principles in mind, let's explore the best beverage pairings for different pizza styles.
Beer and Pizza: A Classic Combination
Beer is perhaps the most popular beverage to pair with pizza, and for good reason. The carbonation helps cut through the richness of cheese, while the malty sweetness complements tomato sauce. Different styles of beer pair wonderfully with different pizza varieties:
Classic Pepperoni Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: American Pale Ale or Amber Lager
The hoppy bitterness of a pale ale contrasts beautifully with the spicy, fatty qualities of pepperoni. The caramel notes in amber lagers complement the slightly charred edges of pepperoni while standing up to its bold flavor.
Cheese Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: Pilsner or Blonde Ale
The clean, crisp nature of these lighter beers won't overpower the subtle flavors of a cheese pizza. Their gentle carbonation refreshes the palate after each cheesy bite.
Veggie Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: Wheat Beer or Saison
The light, sometimes citrusy notes of wheat beers and saisons complement the fresh vegetable toppings. These beers have enough character to stand up to the variety of flavors without overwhelming them.
Meat Lover's Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: Brown Ale or Porter
The rich, malty backbone of these darker beers stands up to the robust flavors of multiple meats. Their subtle sweetness can also balance the saltiness of cured meats like bacon and sausage.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: IPA or Brown Ale
The bold hoppiness of an IPA cuts through the sweetness of BBQ sauce, while a brown ale's maltiness complements the smoky flavors.
Hawaiian Pizza
Best Beer Pairing: Kölsch or Fruit Lambic
Light, slightly fruity beers enhance the sweetness of pineapple while balancing the saltiness of ham.
Different beer styles complement various pizza toppings
Wine and Pizza: An Elevated Experience
While beer might be the more common choice, wine and pizza can create sophisticated and delicious pairings. The key is matching the wine's body and acidity with the pizza's characteristics:
Margherita or Cheese Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Prosecco
Light, crisp white wines complement the fresh mozzarella and don't overpower the simple flavors. Prosecco's bubbles provide a cleansing effect similar to beer.
Pepperoni or Sausage Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Chianti, Sangiovese, or Zinfandel
Medium-bodied reds with good acidity cut through the fat of the meats while complementing the tomato sauce.
Mushroom Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo
These medium-bodied reds with earthy undertones mirror and enhance the umami qualities of mushrooms.
White Pizza (no tomato sauce)
Best Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Soave
Richer white wines stand up to the creamy, buttery flavors of white pizzas without tomato sauce.
Veggie Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner
These herbaceous whites complement the garden-fresh flavors of vegetable toppings.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Best Wine Pairing: Syrah/Shiraz or Malbec
Bold, fruit-forward reds with smoky notes complement the sweet and tangy BBQ flavors.
"Pizza and wine might seem like an unusual pairing to some, but Italians have been enjoying this combination for centuries. The key is finding the right balance between the wine's characteristics and the pizza's flavors."
Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Beyond Beer and Wine
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and sometimes you just want something different. Here are excellent non-alcoholic options that pair wonderfully with pizza:
Soft Drinks
Cola's sweetness and acidity balance the savory, salty nature of most pizzas. The carbonation helps cut through the richness, making it a classic pairing. Root beer pairs particularly well with BBQ chicken pizza, while lemon-lime sodas complement lighter pizzas like Margherita.
Iced Tea
Unsweetened iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to pizza's richness without adding competing flavors. Sweet tea can work well with spicier pizza varieties, with the sweetness balancing the heat.
Sparkling Water
For those who prefer no sweetness or additional flavors, sparkling water provides the palate-cleansing carbonation without any competing tastes. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a hint of acidity that helps cut through the richness.
Craft Sodas
Craft ginger beers pair wonderfully with spicy pizzas, while craft cola or root beer can elevate a classic pepperoni. Look for less sweet options that won't overwhelm the pizza's flavors.
Non-Alcoholic Beer
With the quality of non-alcoholic beers improving dramatically in recent years, these can provide the same pairing benefits as regular beer without the alcohol.
Regional Pairing Traditions
Different regions have developed their own traditional pizza and beverage pairings over the years:
Italian Tradition
In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, it's common to enjoy pizza with beer, mineral water, or local wines like Aglianico or Falanghina. Italian table wines are designed to complement food rather than stand out on their own.
American Pairing Culture
In North America, the beer and pizza combination reigns supreme, particularly with craft beers becoming increasingly popular. Cola is also a mainstay of American pizza culture.
Canadian Twists
In Canada, regional craft beers are popular pizza pairings. In wine-producing regions like the Okanagan Valley and Niagara Peninsula, local wines are increasingly paired with gourmet pizzas.
Pairing with Freshslice Specialty Pizzas
At Freshslice Pizza, we offer a variety of specialty pizzas. Here are our recommendations for pairing beverages with some of our most popular creations:
Classic Pepperoni
Best Pairings: Amber Ale, Chianti, Cola
Vegetarian Delight
Best Pairings: Wheat Beer, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Water with Lemon
BBQ Chicken
Best Pairings: IPA, Zinfandel, Root Beer
Mediterranean Veggie
Best Pairings: Saison, Pinot Grigio, Unsweetened Iced Tea
Canadian Pizza
Best Pairings: Canadian Lager, Cabernet Franc, Ginger Ale
Tips for Hosting a Pizza Pairing Party
Want to explore these pairings with friends? Here's how to host a fun pizza and beverage pairing party:
- Offer Variety: Order 3-4 different types of pizza from Freshslice (you can easily do this through our online ordering system).
- Select Beverages: Choose 4-6 different beverages based on our recommendations above.
- Create Pairing Stations: Set up stations with small slices of each pizza and tasting portions of each beverage.
- Provide Notes: Create simple cards explaining why each pairing works.
- Encourage Experimentation: Invite guests to try unexpected combinations and discuss what works and what doesn't.
- Offer Palate Cleansers: Provide water and plain bread to cleanse the palate between tastings.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Pizza Pairing
The perfect beverage pairing can elevate your pizza experience from good to extraordinary. While we've provided numerous suggestions based on culinary principles and traditions, remember that personal preference is the ultimate guide. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover your own perfect pizza pairing.
At Freshslice Pizza, we're committed to providing delicious, affordable pizza for Canadians to enjoy with their favorite beverages. Whether you're pairing our pizzas with craft beer, fine wine, or your favorite soft drink, we hope this guide enhances your next pizza night.
What's your favorite beverage to enjoy with Freshslice Pizza? Do you have a unique pairing that works surprisingly well? We'd love to hear about your discoveries!
Next time you order from Freshslice Pizza through our website or mobile site, consider trying one of these pairings to enhance your pizza experience. Cheers to finding your perfect pizza companion!
