Cheese and wine pairing is so passé…

Let’s talk pairing pizza with proper cocktails!

Hamish Goonetilleke – founder of Baby Driver, Beneath Driver Lane, and Rum Diary Spiced Rum – shares his spirited wisdom.

What cocktail goes with a Pepperoni Pizza?

What drink can hold its own against a punch of pepperoni? “It’s a little bit spicy, so I reckon the heat and sweet of a Negroni would go perfectly with pepperoni,” says Hamish.

What cocktail goes with a Prawn or Seafood Pizza?

Hamish basically takes the squeeze of citrus that you’d typically spritz over prawns and puts it straight in your glass for this one: “For me, it has to be either a Daiquiri or a South Side.” You know it just makes sense – both the rum and gin in those classics have seafaring pasts.

What cocktail goes with a Cheese Pizza?

“That’s super rich,” says Hamish. “I’m going to go for something boozy, like a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned. So, something with a nice stiff booze to cut through the richness.” Someone please invite us over for this late night combination.

What cocktail goes with a Sausage Pizza?

This one differs to pepperoni, not as much spice, a lot of fat to contend with still. Perhaps something not so serious, but still delicious? “You know what, made well, a Long Island Iced Tea is awesome.”

Let’s switch it up: what pizza goes with a classic Dry Martini?

Hamish “Ooh, I’d say a lighter seafood. Something like clams; just super, super fresh. Perfect!” Gin or vodka martinis both would work equally well here.

–

9MILE pizza takes over at Baby Driver bar until May 2026. They are dishing up “Detroit-style” pies to go alongside a tipple or two. And now you know exactly what to order. Expect extra fluffy deep bases, caramelised crispy cheese crusts, and toppings all the way to the edge. The “Lose Yourself” pizza is DrinkMelbourne’s pick. It’s blue cheese, provolone, more cheese, chilli, honey and chives – recommend asking Baby Driver to make you a round of Manhattans to go with it.