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15 must-try pairings for pizza night

29/01/2025
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Pizza is one of the world’s most loved foods, but the right drink pairing can transform it from a simple meal into something unforgettable. While certain beers, red wine and fizzy drinks may dominate pizza menus around the world, there’s a whole world of pairing possibilities beyond the usual suspects. With so many styles of wine, beer, spirits, and even sake to choose from, the possibilities are endless. 

At WSET, we’re all about experimenting with flavour, and pizza offers the perfect playground for pairing. Whether you’re working with a rich tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, or spicy toppings, the right drink can elevate the experience, bringing out bold flavours or creating perfect balance. 

To inspire your next pizza night, we’ve pulled together some expert-approved pairings from our colleagues around the world. Happy pairing!  

Want to take your food and drink pairing knowledge further? Check out the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Barbera with pepperoni pizza 

Barbera, a red wine from Italy, pairs beautifully with the classic pepperoni pizza. Its high acidity and bright red fruit flavours cut through the pepperoni's richness, making each bite more enjoyable. 

American-style lager with sausage and onion pizza 

A go-to comfort pairing, sausage and onion pizza shines alongside an American-style lager. The lager’s crisp carbonation and subtle maltiness cut through the richness of the sausage while enhancing the sweetness of the caramelised onions. 

Cool-climate Syrah and a meat lover's pizza 

A meat lover's pizza, loaded with toppings like bacon, spicy pepperoni, ham, or sausage, pairs perfectly with a cool-climate Syrah. The wine's peppery and fruity notes complement the rich and savoury flavours of the meat. 

Junmai sake with Margherita pizza 

Margherita pizza’s balance of creamy mozzarella, umami-rich tomato, and fresh basil pairs beautifully with sake. A light, slightly dry Junmai sake enhances the lactic richness of the cheese and the tomato’s natural sweetness. 

Blanc de Blancs Champagne with a white clam pizza 

Few things feel as indulgent as pairing a white clam pizza with a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The briny, garlicky bite of the pizza is beautifully lifted by the wine’s bright acidity and fine bubbles. 

Rauchbier with nduja and mozzarella pizza 

The fiery heat of nduja meets the creamy richness of mozzarella in this flavour-packed pizza. A Rauchbier, made with malted barley dried over an open flame, mirrors the smoky depth of the nduja while balancing its spice with a smooth, malty finish. 

Plum porter with Stilton and fennel salami pizza 

The bold flavours of Stilton cheese and fennel salami are perfectly matched with a plum porter. The dark, fruity beer enhances the cheese's tanginess and the salami's spiciness. 

Aligoté with a cream sauce pizza with chanterelles, king oyster mushrooms, fennel, and sausage 

A luxurious cream sauce pizza topped with chanterelles, king oyster mushrooms, and fennel sausage deserves an elegant wine pairing. Aligoté, a white wine from Burgundy, offers bright acidity and subtle fruit flavours that complement the earthy mushrooms and rich cream sauce. 

Pale lager with nduja and honey pizza 

For a sweet and spicy combination, try nduja and honey pizza with a pale lager. The pale lager's light and crisp profile balances the heat of the nduja and the sweetness of the honey. 

Bourbon with Hawaiian pizza 

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza has earned its place in the world of bold flavours. Pair it with bourbon, and even skeptics might be swayed. The bourbon's caramel richness complements the pineapple’s sweetness, while its smoky undertones echo the savoury ham, creating a surprisingly harmonious match. 

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape with prosciutto, blue cheese, and pear pizza 

For a sophisticated and unique pizza like prosciutto, blue cheese, and pear on a thin sourdough base, a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an excellent choice. This Rhône Valley wine offers rich, full-bodied flavours that complement the salty prosciutto, tangy blue cheese, and sweet pear. 

Dirty martini with white sauce truffle pizza 

The savoury and umami-rich flavours of a white sauce truffle pizza are elevated by a dirty martini. The cocktail's briny olive notes and crisp gin cut through the richness of the truffle. 

Rye whiskey with spicy diavola pizza 

A spicy diavola pizza, topped with spicy salami and chili peppers, pairs excellently with rye whiskey. The whiskey's spicy and robust character matches the heat of the pizza, creating a bold and exciting combination. 

Cabernet Sauvignon with slow-cooked lamb and aubergine pizza 

For a hearty and flavourful pizza, a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect match. Its bold tannins and dark fruit flavours enhance the savoury lamb and smoky aubergine. 

Negroni with prosciutto and rocket pizza 

Salty prosciutto and peppery rocket find their match in the Negroni’s bold, bitter orange and herbal complexity. This pairing plays on contrast, with the cocktail’s sharp edge lifting and balancing the pizza’s savoury flavours 

Struggling to decide? Any pizza with Verdicchio

When in doubt, Verdicchio is your ultimate pizza companion. This Italian white wine boasts bright citrus notes, a subtle almond finish, and refreshing acidity that cuts through creamy cheeses, balances rich toppings, and complements tomato-based sauces. Whether you’re diving into a classic Margherita or something adventurous with spicy sausage or seafood, Verdicchio’s versatility makes it a reliable and delightful choice for nearly any slice. 

Time to experiment!

Pairing pizza with the right drink can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Whether you prefer beer, wine, or something sparkling, there's a perfect match for every pizza. Try these pairings at your next pizza night and discover new flavour combinations that will delight your taste buds. Of course, as one colleague said, his favourite pairing is pizza and friends, regardless of drink pairings or toppings :)  

Looking for more inspiration? Master the art of beer and food pairing