International Beer and Pizza Day
Pairing a frothy brew with a slice of heaven, creating a dynamic duet of refreshment and satisfaction that's hard to resist.
It would be hard to find something that makes a day as glorious as finishing it off with that perfect combination of beer and pizza. The foamy head on top of a glass of amber-colored joy seems to be tailor-made to go with the rich and cheesy texture of that favorite of treats, pizza.
It is a little wonder that these two go together so well, with the salty savory buttery crust of the pizza that is reminiscent of that other favorite bar treat, the pretzel.
International Beer and Pizza Day reminds everyone to take a moment to indulge in this delightful combo, and remember the good things in life!
How to Celebrate International Beer and Pizza Day
It’s not hard to get creative with a variety of ways to celebrate International Beer and Pizza Day! Try these ideas on for size, or come up with some other fun ways to enjoy the day:
Enjoy Beer and Pizza Together
Well, folks, those people who have to be encouraged or cajoled to head down to their favorite pizza parlor and get a slice and a frothy glass of beer may not be the people that this day was made for! Pizza is amazing and comes in a huge variety of flavors.
Grab some friends and head over to a tasty pizza place and get ready to have some fun! Some places even have specialty beers that they specifically recommend to pair with pizza.
Experts suggest that veggie pizzas might be more happily paired with pale ales or Pilsners, while a meatier pizza could be better enjoyed with something darker like a stout or a porter.
But no matter what, just be sure to get a slice of any kind and a pint–and get on with enjoying the day!
Try Making Homemade Pizza
Sure, some people might want to celebrate by going out for pizza and beer. But for a real culinary experience, try making pizza at home to enjoy with a favorite beer!
Making the crust from scratch is easy, with just four, yeast, warm water, and perhaps a bit of sugar. (Or, for those who don’t want to make their own, refrigerated pizza crust is a quick and fast solution.)
Add some spiced tomato sauce, delightful toppings such as meats and veggies, as well as a pile of cheese, and then bake it until it is a delicious golden brown. This is a great way to make up a pizza exactly to the preferences and specifications of everyone in the family!
Try Making Handcrafted Beer
A little bit of a slower process than making pizza, home brewing beer is another option that could be tried in celebration of International Beer and Pizza Day!
Homebrewing a batch of beer requires a little bit of equipment, such as a pot, a bucket, an airlock fermentation bucket, a hydrometer, thermometer, a syphon and a few other smaller items. For those who want to get started easily, brewing kits are available online and they’ll come with everything that’s needed.
Brewing the beer requires a few different steps such as steeping the grains, malting, adding hops, mashing, creating wort, and chilling. Then, once the brewing process is complete, the fermentation process will last for a couple of weeks.
After this, bottling takes place. Wait a couple more weeks to let the beer carbonate and then this delicious hand-crafted beer is ready to drink!
Try Pizza Beer
Believe it or not, there’s even a bottled version of this holiday, it’s called Pizza Beer and it almost has to be as amazing as the label suggests!
The flavor of this beer is strong on oregano and basil, and the scent is those plus garlic and tomato as well.
Share International Beer and Pizza Day by tagging your social media posts with #beerandpizza or #pizzaandbeer, and head on over to beerandpizzaday.com to find local celebrations!
History of International Beer and Pizza Day
The history of International Beer and Pizza Day is the history of two amazing substances that traveled the long and winding roads of culinary antiquity to ultimately come together on tables and in hearts.
Beer is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man and has occupied an important part of the culinary past as both a liquid food source as well as a semi-safe way of imbibing water.
After all, with all the diseases that occupied the water in the past, and with no knowledge of where those illnesses came from, it’s hardly surprising that beer was considered one of the safest drinks around!
The Ancient Egyptians included beer in every level of their food chain, and it was a favorite drink of the slaves building the pyramids as it gave them the calories and protein needed to make it through the hard workdays.
Pizza, on the other hand, heralds back to 997 AD in Gaeta, Italy, though of course, it didn’t have any tomato sauce on it in the beginning.
Tomatoes didn’t come to Europe until the discovery of the New World, and when Italians discovered tomatoes they pretty much never looked back! The first place tomatoes went when found? Their favored food, Pizza!
Finally, after thousands of years, these two amazing things came together to be celebrated in International Beer and Pizza Day!
Not that long ago, back in 2016, International Beer and Pizza Day came into existence when it was the brainchild of a website designer, Nick Saulino. Saulino, a lover of pints and slices, decided that the combination deserved a day of its own, so he advocated for International Beer and Pizza Day to be born!
International Beer and Pizza Day FAQs
How did the combination of beer and pizza become popular?
The pairing gained traction in post-World War II America. Returning soldiers brought back a taste for Italian cuisine, and pizzerias began offering beer to complement their pies.
The duo’s popularity soared, becoming a staple in American dining culture.
How did Prohibition in the U.S. impact the beer and pizza culture?
During Prohibition (1920-1933), many pizzerias operated speakeasies, clandestinely serving beer with pizza.
This period reinforced the association between the two, solidifying their combined appeal in American culture.
Are there any superstitions or myths associated with beer and pizza?
In some cultures, it’s believed that sharing a pizza and beer with someone strengthens bonds and fosters good fortune. This tradition underscores the communal nature of this pairing.
How do different countries incorporate local flavors into beer and pizza pairings?
In India, spicy paneer-topped pizzas are often paired with mild lagers to balance the heat. This fusion showcases how local tastes influence beer and pizza combinations.
Is there a scientific reason why beer and pizza taste so good together?
Yes, the carbonation in beer enhances the flavors of pizza by cleansing the palate, while the bitterness of hops balances the richness of cheese and toppings.
Have any artists or musicians paid tribute to beer and pizza?
Several bands have written songs celebrating the duo, and artists have depicted beer and pizza in pop art, highlighting their iconic status in modern culture.
Are there health-conscious ways to enjoy beer and pizza?
Yes, opting for whole-grain pizza crusts with vegetable toppings paired with light beers can offer a more balanced indulgence. This approach caters to health-aware individuals without sacrificing enjoyment.
How has the digital age influenced beer and pizza culture?
Online platforms have popularized virtual beer and pizza tasting events, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to share experiences and pairing suggestions in real-time.
Are there any records related to beer and pizza consumption?
While specific records for combined consumption are scarce, individual records for the largest pizza and beer collections exist, reflecting the global enthusiasm for both.
How do seasonal beers influence pizza pairings?
Seasonal beers, like pumpkin ales in autumn or citrusy brews in summer, inspire unique pizza pairings, encouraging culinary creativity during different times of the year.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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