The History of Pizza: From Naples to Your Neighbourhood

TL;DR: From classic Italian cocktails like the Negroni to crisp spritzes and regional wines, we explore the best drinks to enjoy alongside your pizza — with simple, at-home recipes to try.

Whether it’s a Friday night feast or a casual lunch with friends, pizza always hits the spot. But the right drink? That’s what turns a good slice into a great experience. In this article, we dive into the best beverages to pair with your pizza — from bittersweet Italian aperitifs to effervescent spritzes and iconic regional wines. We’ve also included easy-to-follow instructions for making these drinks at home. Salute!

🍸 The Cocktail Hour – Italian Aperitifs and Spritzes

Negroni

Bold. Bitter. Balanced. The Negroni is an iconic Italian cocktail with roots in Florence, originally crafted as a stronger alternative to the Americano. Its deep flavours stand up to rich tomato sauces and charred crusts, making it a classic pizza pairing.

How to make it:

• 25ml Gin
• 25ml Campari
• 25ml Sweet Vermouth
  Stir with ice, strain into a tumbler over ice, and garnish with an orange slice or peel.

Negroni Bianco

A crisp, lighter cousin of the original, the Negroni Bianco swaps in dry vermouth and a gentler bitter liqueur like Suze or Luxardo Bitter Bianco. It pairs wonderfully with white pizzas, creamy cheeses, or delicate toppings like mushrooms and truffle oil.

How to make it:

• 25ml Gin
• 25ml Dry Vermouth
• 25ml Bitter Bianco (or Suze)
  Stir and serve in a chilled glass with a lemon twist.

Limoncello

Limoncello is a bright, zesty lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast — perfect as a post-pizza digestivo. Sweet, fragrant, and usually served ice cold, it’s like liquid sunshine in a glass.

How to make it (simplified version):

• Zest of 6–8 lemons
• 500ml vodka
• 250g sugar + 250ml water (syrup)
  Infuse the zest in vodka for 7 days, then strain and mix with cooled sugar syrup. Store in the freezer.

Limoncello Spritz

A fresh twist on the classic spritz, the Limoncello Spritz is fruity and fizzy — perfect for garden parties or summer pizza nights.

How to make it:

• 50ml Limoncello
• 75ml Prosecco
• Splash of soda water
  Serve over ice with a lemon slice.

Limoncello and Tonic

Simple, refreshing, and just the right amount of bite.

How to make it:

• 50ml Limoncello
• 100ml Tonic Water
  Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Aperol Spritz

The classic Italian aperitivo that’s taken over patios worldwide. Its bittersweet flavour and bubbly finish are a great match for salty pizza toppings like olives or cured meats.

How to make it:

• 75ml Prosecco
• 50ml Aperol
• 25ml Soda Water
  Build over ice in a wine glass and garnish with orange.

Elderflower Spritz

Floral, delicate, and a great non-bitter option for pizza lovers who prefer a softer profile.

How to make it:

• 50ml Elderflower Liqueur (like St-Germain)
• 75ml Prosecco
• Splash of soda
  Garnish with mint or cucumber.

Cynar Spritz

For those who enjoy bold, herbal flavours, the Cynar Spritz is a revelation. Cynar is an artichoke-based amaro with deep, earthy notes that pair surprisingly well with smoky or wood-fired pizzas.

How to make it:

• 50ml Cynar
• 75ml Prosecco
• Splash of soda water
  Serve over ice with an orange wedge.

🍺 Italian Classics – Regional Beers and Wines

Birra Moretti

A staple lager across Italy, Birra Moretti is light, crisp, and built to pair with pizza. It doesn’t overpower the flavours — instead, it refreshes the palate between bites.

Tip: Try it with a classic Margherita or a spicy Diavola pizza.

Neapolitan Wine

Hailing from the home of pizza itself, wines from Naples and Campania — like Falanghina (white) or Aglianico (red) — offer bold character and minerality. They’re perfect with rich cheeses or San Marzano tomatoes.

Lambrusco

Often misunderstood, this sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna is fruity, effervescent, and low in alcohol. A chilled glass of Lambrusco cuts through the fat of cheesy pizzas and complements charcuterie-style toppings.

Ideal for meat-lovers or indulgent four-cheese slices.

Final Thoughts

Pizza is universal, but the drink that goes with it can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re sipping a classic Negroni on a Friday night or enjoying a spritz on the balcony, these pairings are about more than just flavour — they’re about culture, celebration, and bringing people together.