There’s a good reason why there are over eighty thousand pizza establishments inside the US. It’s because pizza is a culturally appreciated food from Italy that has reached all four corners of the Earth, especially in the US! When you think of pizza for game days, birthday parties, and easy meals for gatherings, you’ll definitely need to think about drinks, too. Forget about just doing classic soda options or plain water; the best way to wash down a great pizza is by pairing it with the perfect wine or beer.
Whether you're indulging in a solo treat, sharing a pie with friends, or throwing a full-blown pizza party, the right beverage can transform your meal from good to unforgettable. In this guide, we'll explore how to match various types of pizza with complementary wines and beers so you can feel like a true pizza/alcohol professional taster.
Understanding the Basics of Beverage Pairing
Before we jump into the specifics of making a pizza and beer pairing, let's cover some fundamental principles of beverage pairing that will help you make the best choices for your pizza. The goal of pairing is to balance the flavors of your food and drink. The most common examples of this are cheese and wine pairings, beer and burgers, and whiskeys or wine with steak. You get the gist. Here are some variables to consider for beverage pairings:
Flavor Profiles: Every type of food has a dominant flavor profile—be it savory, spicy, or sweet (and the newest profile, “umami”). Similarly, wines and beers have their own profiles, ranging from bitter to sweet, rich to light. The key is to match or contrast these profiles in a way that enhances the food you’re pairing it with.
Intensity and Texture: Consider the intensity of the food that is being paired with the drink. In the case of pizza and wine, pizza with bold, hearty toppings like sausage and pepperoni may pair well with equally robust wines (or a full-flavored beer if making a pizza and beer pairing). Lighter pizzas, such as those with veggies or cheese, typically go well with lighter beverages.
Acidity and Fat: There’s a good reason why sodas are often paired with pizza. That’s because acidic beverages can cut through the fat in cheesy or meaty pizzas, refreshing the palate for another slice! For a pizza and beer pairing, a tangy IPA could be a good option, or for a pizza-wine pairing, choosing a crisp white wine can balance the richness of greasy toppings.
By keeping these principles in mind, let’s start experimenting with your own pizza and beer or pizza wine pairings and discover what combinations are the best for your individual taste.
Pairing Pizza and Wine
Italian cuisine calls for Italian wine, right? Not always! Let’s cover reds and whites and how to pick between the two:
Red Wines
- Pairing with Hearty Pizzas: For pizzas loaded with robust toppings like sausage, bacon, or pepperoni, choose a full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the bold flavors. A glass of Merlot or Shiraz pairs almost perfectly, as rich fruit flavors and smooth tannins complement the savory meat on the pizza.
- Example: Try a spicy pepperoni pizza with a glass of Chianti. The wine's acidity and tannins will cut through the fat of the pepperoni, enhancing both the pizza and the wine.
White Wines
- Pairing with Lighter Pizzas: White wines are ideal for pairing with pizzas that feature seafood, white sauce, or fresh vegetables. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay can highlight the freshness of the toppings without overwhelming them.
- Example: A classic Margherita pizza, with its simple toppings of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, goes perfectly with a Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's crispness complements the freshness of the basil and the acidity of the tomatoes, making this our top choice in a pizza and wine pairing.
Mastering Pizza and Beer Combinations
There’s nothing quite like a cold beer with a hot slice of pizza. Here’s how to choose the right beer to complement your favorite pizza:
Ales and IPAs
- Hoppy Beers for Bold Pizzas: The bitterness of hoppy beers like IPAs can be a perfect match for greasy and meaty pizzas. The hops offer a bitterness that cleanses the palate, allowing the flavors of the pizza to shine brightly with each bite.
- Example: For an amazing pizza and beer combo, pair a meat lover’s pizza with a bold IPA. The hoppy notes of the beer will balance the richness of the meat, making for a satisfying combination.
Lagers and Pilsners
- Light Beers for Subtle Pizzas: When your pizza features milder flavors, such as chicken toppings with a white sauce, a light lager or pilsner can be a delightful companion. These beers are less intrusive and won’t overshadow the flavors of pizza.
- Example: You want to pick a pizza and beer that makes sense. If you’re having a non-traditional pizza like a chicken and pesto, this type of ‘za pairs wonderfully with a delicate Pilsner. The light and refreshing nature of the beer complements the subtle flavors of the pesto and chicken without overpowering them.
Experimental and Unique Pairings
Why stick to the basics when you can explore the adventurous side of pairing? Here are some unique combinations that might just surprise you with how well they complement each other:
Hawaiian Pizza with Riesling: There are very few social topics that are as divisive as adding pineapple to pizza. This hot topic has been argued and fought over for many generations and will probably last until the end of time. If you’re pro-pineapple on pizza, you’ll be pleased to know that the sweet pineapple and savory ham on a Hawaiian pizza create a flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet and acidic notes of a Riesling. The wine helps to balance the sweetness of the pineapple while enhancing the salty ham.
BBQ Chicken Pizza with Smoked Porter: Moving on to a more unique pizza style, if you love a good BBQ chicken pizza, try pairing it with a smoked porter. The smoky flavors of the beer echo the smokiness of the BBQ sauce, while the richness of the porter complements the chicken and cheese. Smoky BBQ paired with a smoky beer is a no-brainer!
Veggie Pizza with Saison: For a pizza loaded with vegetables and mushrooms, a Saison can be a perfect match. Saisons are typically light and fruity with a bit of spice, which can enhance the natural flavors of the veggie pizza without overpowering the plant toppings. Veggie pizza usually comes with bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, olives, and a few other toppings - these are often subtle flavors that should be paired with a subtle drink.
Host a Fun Pizza and Beverage Tasting Night with Friends
Hosting a pizza and beverage-tasting night can be a fun and creative way to hang out with your friends and family while exploring everyone’s taste pallets. Pizza and wine nights don’t have to be extravagant, and you can go with an easy hot-and-ready pizza from a local pizzeria or choose a homemade pizza theme for those with culinary wherewithal. Here’s how to make your tasting night a success:
- Variety Makes Tastings Fun: Offer a range of pizza styles and beverage options. Include both traditional and experimental pairings to keep things interesting.
- Preparation and Planning: A good plan usually leads to a good experience. Prepare some pizzas at home or order from various local spots to get a wide range of flavors. Have your wines and beers chilled and ready to serve. Remember to have basics like plenty of napkins and plates; these small details are often overlooked.
- Guided Tasting: At the start of the tasting, take the time to explain each pairing to your guests. Discuss why the flavors work well together and encourage them to think about the tastes and textures they experience.
- Open-ended Feedback Loop: Provide notepads or ask your guests to use their phones to take notes on their favorite pairings. This can spark lively discussions and help you plan even better-tasting events in the future.
- Prep the Ambiance: Create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Good music, adequate seating, and proper lighting can all enhance the tasting experience.
Pizza and wine tasting is supposed to be fun, so let your guests have fun with open-ended discussions, games, and maybe even a contest to vote on which pairing is the best. You can ensure that your pizza and beverage tasting night is an educational experience, but remember that at the end of the day, it's all about spending quality time with friends and family.
Pizza Pairing Party with 7-Eleven
Congratulations! With this ultimate guide, you've unlocked a whole new level of pizza and beer, and/or wine appreciation. Experiment with different combinations, explore unique pairings and get exceptional pizza from 7-Eleven.
We have Italian-inspired pizza for your next tasting, from classic pepperoni, cheese, and meat lovers to our signature breakfast pizza. Start the party with 7-Eleven and download our app to find your nearest location today!
