Do you love pizza? Of course, you do. That’s why we have listed down all of the best beers that you can chug down while enjoying a piping-hot slice of your favorite Italian fare. These beers either enhance the flavors of pizza or cut down the acidic flavors of the tomato sauce or the richness of the mozzarella cheese. Soda may be fantastic, but beer will further enhance your pizza-chomping experience.
To create this list, we sought the opinions of some of our colleagues. This includes Italian food experts or pizza experts, pizza-makers, pizzeria owners, professional chefs, cooks, as well as brewery owners, brewery workers, and beer enthusiasts. This is basically anyone who loves a combination of pizza and beer – Either at the same time or at least one of the two. So if you are curious to find out which beers these are, then keep on reading.
What Types of Beers Are Better for Pizza?
It is often said that beer and pizzas go hand-in-hand, but did you know that each type of beer tastes even better when paired with a specific flavor or style of pizza? Pizza and beer are two of life’s simplest pleasures, and finding the best-suited beer type for your favorite pizza will make the experience better.
1. Coopers Pale Ale
How about a cheese pizza for starters? A classic yet simple pizza flavor deserves a classic yet simple beer type, such as a pale ale. The typical pale ale has a restrained yet pungent flavor from the hops, while the bitterness from the taste cuts down the richness of the cheese.
2. Brooklyn Brewery Brown Ale
A brown ale is the best when partnered with a slice of pepperoni pizza, especially brands that have a light flavor and a caramel-based sweetness. Brown ales are also the best for this flavor of pizza, as the beverage is rich in malt, while the spiciness of the pepperoni goes well with the malt flavor.
3. Crouch Vale Brewers Gold
Golden ale is a beverage that is light-bodied with a fantastic citrus hop – Which is why it goes well with a slice of the sometimes-controversial Hawaiian pizza. The flavors of the golden ale work to accentuate the acidity of the pineapples, as well as the rich sweetness of the ham or bacon used.
4. 1809 Berliner Style Weisse
Something briny such as seafood pizza, is best paired with a Berliner Weiss. Weiss beers are known for being super tart, with an acidic aftertaste to it. The heavy citrus-tasting beers will enhance the flavor and place a wonderful finish on shrimp, octopus, scallops, or clams on pizza.
5. Monkish Foggy Window
A margherita pizza comes with crisp, clean, and simple flavors. These work best with a mug of unfiltered lager – As the taste of the beer complements the sweet tomato sauce, as well as the typically-brick oven-charred crust of the margherita.
6. Rauchbier Marzen
A smoky-flavor beer goes perfectly with the robust flavors of a meat-lovers pizza. Sometimes even just one slice of a meat lovers’ pizza can be overwhelming due to the amount of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and meatballs on it. The beer gives the meats a smokier backbone.
7. Harpoon Sweet Spot
A summertime Kolsch, with its crisp and bright finish and fruity aromas, pairs up nicely with a delicate pizza flavor like vegetables or vegetarian pizza. The flavors of the beer do not overwhelm the veggies at all – In fact, it serves to accentuate the taste of the veggies.
8. Fremont Brewing Company Coffee Cinnamon B-Bomb
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is known for being heavy on the stomach and pretty much impossible to finish. The hops of a strong ale brand will elevate the smokiness of the bell peppers and the pepperoni in the filling, while the malt handles the cheese and the sauce nicely.
What Beers to Avoid for Pizza?
Although the following beer brands are delicious, and you can drink them at any time, they’re just not a good match when it comes to the strong flavors of pizza. Some beers on this list are also too light and will be immediately overwhelmed by just the tomato sauce’s acidity alone.
1. Mamma Mia Pizza Beer
The idea might seem silly, but a pizza-flavored beer paired with actual pizza just does not go together at all, as the flavors of both might overwhelm you too much. It’s a beverage that comes with plenty of herbs and spices, while other flavors include tomato, oregano, basil, and garlic.
2. Prairie Sundae Service Imperial Stout
This beverage tastes exactly like a hot fudge sundae, filled with flavors of bourbon. And not only that, it’s also been brewed with the flavors of fudge, vanilla, caramel, cherries – And even candy sprinkles. You’ll love the slight nuttiness of the beer, which also comes with hints of frosting and fudge.
3. Pabst Blue Ribbon
An American-style lager brewed using the finest quality hops, this beer is perhaps better as an ingredient in making pizza dough fluffier and chewier, which can come in handy when you’re making this at home. Ingredients include the aforementioned hops and a hefty amount of barley.
FAQ About the Best Beers for Pizza
Why Do Pizza and Beer Taste So Good Together?
That’s because they can enhance or contrast the flavors that come with pizza, which also comes in so many varieties. The idea of pairing alcoholic drinks with grilled or roasted food is nothing new, but there’s just something so special when it comes to eating pizza and drinking beer together – And the best part is that you can enjoy them at any time without any needed occasion.
Wrapping up the Best Beers for Pizza
A slice of pizza with any kind of beer or alcohol is always great, but of all the choices listed above, we may have to go with Coopers Pale Ale. Not only is this beer very simple yet flavorful, but it can also enhance the taste of a beloved dish like pizza – No matter what flavor you choose. As mentioned, soda with beer is great, but a pale ale with pizza is greater.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
