Pizza is a universally loved food, but the right beverage pairing can elevate your pizza experience from great to extraordinary. Whether you prefer craft beers, fine wines, or non-alcoholic options, finding the perfect match for your favorite pizza style can enhance flavors and create a more complete dining experience. In this guide, we'll explore the science of food pairing and offer specific recommendations for different pizza styles.
The Science Behind Food and Drink Pairings
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's helpful to understand the basic principles that make certain foods and drinks work well together:
Complementary Flavors
Drinks that share flavor compounds with foods often pair well together. For instance, the earthiness in mushroom pizzas pairs nicely with similarly earthy red wines.
Contrasting Elements
Sometimes, opposites attract. The acidity in certain drinks can cut through rich, fatty foods like cheese, cleansing the palate between bites.
Regional Pairings
Foods and drinks from the same region often complement each other. This is why Italian wines naturally pair well with pizza – they've evolved together over centuries.
Intensity Matching
Delicate foods pair best with delicate drinks, while bold foods need bold drinks. A robust meat-lovers pizza might overpower a light white wine but would stand up perfectly to a bold red.
Beer and Pizza: A Classic Combination
Beer and pizza might be one of the most iconic food and drink pairings in existence. The carbonation in beer helps cleanse the palate between bites, while the malted grains complement the pizza crust.
The carbonation in beer makes it an ideal companion for pizza
Pizza and Beer Pairing Guide
| Pizza Style | Beer Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pepperoni | American Pale Ale | The hop bitterness cuts through the fat while the malt sweetness complements the tomato sauce. |
| Margherita | Pilsner or Lager | Light, crisp beers won't overpower the delicate flavors of fresh mozzarella and basil. |
| Meat Lovers | Brown Ale or Porter | The roasted malt flavors complement the caramelized meat flavors without being too heavy. |
| BBQ Chicken | Amber Ale | The caramel notes in amber ales harmonize with sweet BBQ sauce while providing enough body to stand up to the chicken. |
| Hawaiian | Hefeweizen | The fruity banana and clove notes in this wheat beer complement the sweetness of pineapple. |
| Veggie Supreme | Saison or Farmhouse Ale | The herbal, earthy qualities of these beers enhance the fresh vegetable flavors. |
| Spicy Pizza (Buffalo, Jalapeño) | India Pale Ale (IPA) | The intense hop flavor and bitterness stand up to the heat while the alcohol content helps soothe the burn. |
Local Craft Beer Spotlight
Many of our Freshslice locations offer a selection of local craft beers that pair beautifully with our pizzas. Here are a few regional favorites:
- Vancouver Region: Stanley Park Noble Pilsner, Parallel 49 Craft Lager
- Toronto Area: Steam Whistle Pilsner, Amsterdam Blonde
- Montreal Locations: Dieu du Ciel Rosée d'Hibiscus, Unibroue Blanche de Chambly
Wine and Pizza: An Elevated Experience
While beer might be the most common pizza companion, wine can create surprisingly sophisticated pairings that highlight different aspects of both the pizza and the wine.
Pizza and Wine Pairing Guide
| Pizza Style | Wine Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheese or Margherita | Pinot Grigio or Dry Prosecco | Light, crisp whites complement the creamy mozzarella without overwhelming the simple flavors. |
| Pepperoni or Sausage | Chianti or Sangiovese | The acidity cuts through the fat, while the moderate tannins complement the spiced meat. |
| Mushroom | Pinot Noir | The earthy notes in both the wine and mushrooms create a harmonious pairing. |
| White Pizza (no tomato sauce) | Unoaked Chardonnay or Soave | The buttery notes in these wines enhance the richness of white pizzas with ricotta or Alfredo bases. |
| BBQ Chicken | Zinfandel | The fruit-forward qualities and hint of sweetness stand up to tangy BBQ sauce. |
| Mediterranean (olives, feta) | Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino | The herbal notes complement Mediterranean herbs while the acidity balances briny olives. |
| Meat Lovers | Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah | Bold, full-bodied reds can stand up to the intense flavors of multiple meats. |
Pro Tip:
When in doubt about wine pairing, Italian wines are a safe bet with pizza. Look for Chianti, Barbera, or Montepulciano for reds, and Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Prosecco for whites.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Beyond Soda
Don't drink alcohol? No problem! There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages that pair wonderfully with pizza, and they go far beyond the typical cola options.
Craft sodas and specialty drinks can enhance your pizza experience
Pizza and Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairing Guide
| Pizza Style | Beverage Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Any Classic Pizza | Italian Sparkling Water (e.g., San Pellegrino) | The bubbles cleanse the palate similarly to beer, while the minerality enhances flavors without competing. |
| Pepperoni or Spicy Pizza | Lemonade or Sparkling Lemonade | The acidity and sweetness balance heat and fat while refreshing the palate. |
| Mediterranean Pizza | Iced Tea with Mint | The subtle bitterness and mint notes complement Mediterranean herbs and spices. |
| BBQ Chicken Pizza | Cherry or Pomegranate Juice Spritzer | Fruity flavors enhance the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. |
| Margherita or Veggie | Cucumber-Lime Agua Fresca | The light, refreshing quality complements fresh vegetables without overwhelming them. |
| Hawaiian Pizza | Pineapple-Coconut Sparkler | Enhances the tropical notes in the pizza while adding refreshing effervescence. |
| Any Pizza | Non-Alcoholic Beer | Provides the same palate-cleansing properties and malt flavors without the alcohol. |
Craft Soda Spotlight
Artisanal sodas have come a long way and can provide sophisticated flavor profiles that work beautifully with pizza:
- Dry Craft Cola: Less sweet than commercial brands, with complex spice notes that complement tomato sauce
- Ginger Beer: The spiciness cuts through rich cheese and provides a zingy contrast
- Blood Orange Soda: Provides acidity similar to wine with fruity notes that enhance most pizzas
- Craft Root Beer: The vanilla and spice notes complement the yeasty flavors in pizza crust
Pairing With Freshslice Signature Pizzas
Looking for the perfect pairing with your favorite Freshslice pizza? Here are our expert recommendations:
Freshslice Deluxe
Toppings: Pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese
Beer Pairing: Amber Ale
Wine Pairing: Chianti Classico
Non-Alcoholic: Craft Cola
Mediterranean Veggie
Toppings: Tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, onions, and fresh herbs
Beer Pairing: Belgian Witbier
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Non-Alcoholic: Mediterranean Herb Iced Tea
Canadian
Toppings: Bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese
Beer Pairing: Brown Ale
Wine Pairing: Syrah/Shiraz
Non-Alcoholic: Maple Cream Soda
Spicy Hawaiian
Toppings: Ham, pineapple, jalapeños, and spicy sauce
Beer Pairing: Hefeweizen or IPA
Wine Pairing: Off-dry Riesling
Non-Alcoholic: Pineapple-Mint Lemonade
Hosting a Pizza and Drink Pairing Party
Want to put these pairings to the test? Consider hosting a pizza and drink pairing party! Here's how to make it a success:
- Keep it simple: Choose 3-4 different pizza styles and their recommended pairings.
- Create tasting cards: Print cards explaining why each pairing works to guide your guests.
- Serve in flights: Start with lighter pizzas/drinks and move to heavier options.
- Proper glassware: Use wine glasses for wine (of course), but also consider tulip glasses for craft beer to capture aromas.
- Temperature matters: Serve red wines slightly cooled (60-65°F), white wines well-chilled (45-50°F), and craft beers at their recommended serving temperatures (usually around 45-50°F).
- Include palette cleansers: Provide water and plain breadsticks between tastings.
A pizza pairing party is a fun way to experiment with different flavor combinations
The Bottom Line
The perfect beverage can transform your pizza experience, highlighting flavors you might otherwise miss and creating a harmonious balance that elevates both the food and drink. While these guidelines provide a starting point, don't be afraid to experiment with your own combinations.
Remember that personal preference ultimately trumps any "rules" of food pairing. If you enjoy a particular combination, that's what matters most. At Freshslice, we believe pizza should be a joyful experience, and finding your perfect pairing is part of that journey.
"The beauty of pizza and drink pairings is that they're accessible to everyone. You don't need to be a sommelier or cicerone to appreciate how the right beverage can make a great slice even better." — Alex Thompson, Food & Beverage Specialist
Ready to try these pairings with your favorite Freshslice pizza?
Order Now
Comments (3)
Jason R.
May 15, 2023I never thought about pairing wine with pizza before reading this! Tried the Chianti with pepperoni pizza last night and it was fantastic. Thanks for opening my eyes to a whole new world of pizza enjoyment!
Emma T.
May 12, 2023The non-alcoholic pairing suggestions are really appreciated! I'm pregnant and miss being able to have a glass of wine with dinner, so these alternatives are perfect. The sparkling lemonade with my spicy pizza was delicious.
Marcus L.
May 11, 2023Great article! I'm hosting a pizza night this weekend and will definitely be using these suggestions. Question: for a dessert pizza with Nutella and strawberries, what would you recommend pairing it with?
Alex Thompson (Author)
May 11, 2023Great question, Marcus! For a Nutella and strawberry dessert pizza, I'd recommend a Ruby Port or a Brachetto d'Acqui (a sweet, lightly sparkling red from Italy). If you prefer non-alcoholic, try a high-quality hot chocolate or a coffee-based drink like a mocha. The chocolate notes will complement the Nutella beautifully!
Leave a Comment