Although pizza and juice might be a time-honored combination, those who favor non-alcoholic beverages recognize that the right drink choice can lift a pizza meal to impressive new levels. At CalmMeadow, in partnership with local drink experts, we've crafted non-alcoholic drink suggestions to flawlessy accompany our pizza offerings. Whether you're joining us at our restaurant or savoring your meal at home, these pairings will assist you in selecting the perfect beverage for your preferred pizza.
Classic Margherita: Sparkling Grape Juice or Non-Alcoholic Pinot Noir
The Margherita pizza's modest combo of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil requires a beverage that complements rather than overwhelms these fine flavors. A bubbly grape drink provides a lively acidity to match the tomatoes and enough structure to balance the cheese's richness. On the other hand, a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir offers an elegant fruitiness that elevates the tomato's sweetness and the basil's aromatic quality.
Our specific recommendation: We suggest coupling our Margherita with a non-alcoholic Chianti-style grape juice or a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir from a local producer.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Non-Alcoholic Red Blend or Montepulciano Juice
Hearty pizzas covered in cured meats like pepperoni, sausage, or prosciutto call for robust drinks that can match their intense flavors. A non-alcoholic red blend, bursting with fruit flavors and spice, competes favorably against the savory meats. For an Italian twist, Montepulciano juice, with its dark fruit nuances and smooth finish, can nicely counterbalance the richness of various meats.
Our specific recommendation: Our patrons enjoy a well-blended non-alcoholic red or an Italian-style Montepulciano juice when ordering our Meat Lovers' pizza.
Mushroom and Truffle: Non-Alcoholic Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir
The earthy tones distinctive to mushrooms and truffles request drinks with analogous characteristics. A non-alcoholic Nebbiolo, known for its soft floral and earthy bouquet, wonderfully matches the fungi flavors, while its acidity ensures a nice balance. An aged non-alcoholic Pinot Noir also pairs beautifully, as it acquires complex earthen aromas that reflect those found in the pizza.
Our specific recommendation: For our Wild Mushroom pizza, we recommend a non-alcoholic Nebbiolo or a non-alcoholic Pinot Noir from a colder region.
Seafood Pizza: Non-Alcoholic Vermentino or Non-Alcoholic Albariño
Crust-topped pizzas with seafood like prawns or clams go perfectly with crisp, non-alcoholic white drinks that have a mineral essence. A non-alcoholic Vermentino suggests a sea breeze aroma that supports the seafood's taste, plus zesty notes that freshen the palate. The non-alcoholic Albariño is another exceptional pick, with its fresh acidity, peachy flavor, and hint of salinity that don't overshadow the seafood.
Our specific recommendation: Our Mediterranean Seafood pizza marries particularly well with a non-alcoholic Vermentino or an aromatic non-alcoholic Albariño.
Vegetable Supreme: Non-Alcoholic Grüner Veltliner or Soave
Veggies bring a plethora of tastes that favor adaptable, herbaceous non-alcoholic white beverages. A non-alcoholic Grüner Veltliner with its signature peppery spice and vegetable notes enhances the flavors from bell peppers, artichokes, and other veggies. Soave made without alcohol, from the Garganega grape, offers a light nuttiness and medium body that suits the various vegetable textures without domination.
Our specific recommendation: A sip of non-alcoholic Grüner Veltliner or a non-alcoholic Soave Classico form an ideal ensemble with our Garden Harvest pizza.
Four Cheese Pizza: Non-Alcoholic Chardonnay or Lambrusco
A pizza laden with four cheeses calls for either a harmonious or contrasting beverage partner. A gently-oaked non-alcoholic Chardonnay presents buttery, creamy notes that resonate with the cheeses' flavor. For an opposite effect, choose a sparkling non-alcoholic red Lambrusco whose bubbliness and bite cut the richness, with fruitiness playing off the savory cheese.
Our specific recommendation: A non-alcoholic Chardonnay or a non-alcoholic Lambrusco Reggiano add a lively touch to our Quattro Formaggi pizza.
Spicy Pizzas: Non-Alcoholic Riesling or Gewürztraminer
When it comes to pizzas with chili flakes, spicy sausage, or fiery honey, slightly sweet white non-alcoholic beverages provide a cooling effect. A German-style non-alcoholic Riesling, lightly sweet, refreshes the senses in between bites with its effervescence. Similarly, a non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer, known for its notes of lychee and rose petal and mild sweetness, stands up to the spice and adds a fascinating aromatic layer.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza pairs delightfully with a sweet non-alcoholic Riesling or a flavorful non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer.
Dessert Pizza: Non-Alcoholic Late Harvest Drink or Non-Alcoholic Port Style
For those adventurous enough to try our Nutella and fruit dessert pizzas, sweet non-alcoholic drinks are indispensable. Non-alcoholic versions of Sauternes or Tokaji blend well with fruit toppings, while a non-alcoholic Ruby Port style drink can harmonize exquisitely with chocolate-hazelnut flavors. The key is making sure the drink is just as sweet, if not sweeter, than the pizza.
Our specific recommendation: A non-alcoholic Tokaji or a non-alcoholic Ruby Port style drink makes an ethereal match with our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza.
Tips for Pizza and Drink Pairing
- Concentrate on the most prominent taste on the pizza, beyond just the crust or sauce
- High-acid drinks usually pair nicely with tomato-centered pizzas due to the natural sourness of tomatoes
- Sparkling beverages like non-alcoholic Prosecco adapt to almost any pizza type
- Don't shy away from trying new combinations—unexpected matches can often result in remarkable flavors
At CalmMeadow, we've broadened our drink selection to feature many of these expert-endorsed pairings. Our staff is more than willing to recommend the perfect beverage to go with your pizza choice. Additionally, we offer drink flight options letting you try various non-alcoholic beverages with your meal.
Bear in mind, while these tips can direct you towards pleasing pairings, your own taste should always lead the way. The most satisfying beverage to accompany your pizza is the one that you most enjoy!