Though traditionally, pizza is often accompanied by certain fizzy beverages, those enthusiastic about juices will attest that a well-selected juice can greatly enhance the pizza experience. At CalmQuarter, we've worked in partnership with esteemed local drink experts to bring you impeccable juice suggestions tailored to our menu. Whether eating out or ordering in, these advice pieces will aid in discovering the perfect juice for your chosen style of pizza.
Classic Margherita: Tomato Juice or Pomegranate Juice
For a Margherita pizza, characterised by fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, you need a juice that respects the subtle nature of these ingredients. A Tomato juice with its deep umami flavors complements the tanginess of the tomatoes without dominating the mozzarella. Alternatively, Pomegranate juice introduces sweet and tart notes that bring out the sweetness in the tomatoes and pair well with the basil.
Our specific recommendation: We're fans of combining our Margherita with an organic Tomato juice or a pure Pomegranate juice from local producers.
Pepperoni and Meat Lovers: Grape Juice or Cherry Juice
For pizzas brimming with cured meats such as pepperoni or sausage, it's ideal to pick a juice with enough boldness and a hint of spice. A full-bodied Grape juice, rich in fruity notes, complements the salty and spicy notes of the meat. If you prefer something different, Cherry juice, with dark fruit notes and a hint of sweetness, pairs well against the robust flavors of the meats.
Our specific recommendation: For our meat-packed pizzas, we suggest a blend of Grape juice or a tart Cherry juice.
Mushroom and Truffle: Apple Juice or Cranberry Juice
The distinctive earthy tones of mushrooms and truffles are well suited to juices that share these characteristics. An Apple juice, particularly when made from green apples, offers a pleasant acidity that contrasts the savory truffle flavors. Cranberry juice, with its tartness and slight bitterness, also complements the intense umami of these ingredients.
Our specific recommendation: For a perfect match, use our Wild Mushroom pizza with a high-quality, cloudy Apple juice or a tart, unsweetened Cranberry juice.
Seafood Pizza: Lemonade or Peach Juice
Seafood-topped pizzas go best with light, zesty drinks. Fresh Lemonade, with its bright and citrusy notes, brings out the fresh flavors of seafood. Peach juice is another excellent choice, offering a natural sweetness and fragrant aroma that does not overshadow the delicate seafood flavors.
Our specific recommendation: Try our Seafood pizza paired with homemade Lemonade or pure Peach juice.
Vegetable Supreme: Carrot Juice or Cucumber Lime Juice
For pizzas dressed in vegetables, you need a versatile juice with a touch of herbiness. Carrot juice, with its sweet, earthy flavor, and a subtle hint of spice, ties in with the natural flavors of bell peppers, artichokes, and other greens. Cucumber lime juice offers a refreshing and crisp taste that complements the array of vegetable toppings without overpowering them.
Our specific recommendation: Our Garden Harvest pizza is well suited to a vibrant Carrot juice or a cool Cucumber lime juice.
Four Cheese Pizza: Apple cider or Sparkling water with lemon
The creaminess of a four-cheese pizza can either be matched or contrasted with your beverage choice. A crisp apple cider provides a complementing sweetness and effervescence that cuts through the cheese's richness, while sparkling water with a splash of lemon offers a refreshing zest and a clean palate between bites.
Our specific recommendation: Our Quattro Formaggi is delightful with an artisanal apple cider or sparkling water with a fresh lemon twist.
Spicy Pizzas: Ginger beer or Sweet Lemonade
Pizzas featuring chili, spicy sausage, or fiery sauces pair perfectly with beverages that offer a cooling sensation. Ginger beer delivers a peppery kick that stands up to the spice while providing a soothing effect, whereas sweet Lemonade brings a refreshing sweetness to mellow out the pizza's heat.
Our specific recommendation: Our Spicy Diavola pizza is best enjoyed with a robust ginger beer or a freshly-made, sweet Lemonade.
Dessert Pizza: Sparkling Grape Juice or Iced Tea
For those indulging in a dessert pizza, select a sweet drink to accompany it. The sparkling Grape juice complements fruit toppings while a lush, sweetened Iced tea can enhance chocolate and hazelnut spreads. Be sure that the drink is equally as sweet, if not sweeter, than your dessert to balance the flavors.
Our specific recommendation: Our Nutella and Strawberry Dessert Pizza is a treat with a sparkling, muscat-flavored grape juice or a rich, sweetened black Iced tea.
Guidelines for Pizza and Juice Pairing
- Focus on the primary taste profile of the pizza, rather than the crust or sauce alone
- Acidic juices generally pair well with tomato-based pizzas due to their shared acidity
- Lively drinks like Sparkling water are adaptable and suit nearly any type of pizza
- Feel free to try out different combinations—unexpected duos can offer delightful surprises
Here at CalmQuarter, we've broadened our juice menu to include many of these pairing suggestions. Our team is eager to assist in selecting the flawless juice for your pizza. We also feature juice tasting flights that let you sample various juices with your meal.
Keep in mind, while these recommendations aim to guide you towards the most agreeable combinations, personal taste is paramount. The finest juice for your pizza is, in the end, the one that brings you the most enjoyment when sipped alongside.