Pizza-flavored snacks have been around for years — Combos, Cheez-Its, Ritz Bits.
So why not pizza beer?
And where better to pull it off than Long Island?
In a collaboration that’s intentionally very 516, Oyster Bay Brewing Company and King Umberto in Elmont are teaming up to create a pizza-inspired craft beer — brewed with actual slices.
The mashup is part of Nassau County’s second annual 516 Day celebration, which continues to spotlight local businesses and homegrown flavors.
After last year’s run of custom brews, this year’s concept leans even further into Long Island identity.
Yes, pizza will be part of the process. Plain slices from King Umberto will be mixed in with the grains during brewing — though don’t expect your pint to taste like a pizzeria.
“There won’t be nearly enough pizza in there to change the taste,” Oyster Bay Brewing co-founder Ryan Schlotter told Greater Long Island. “While the flavor won’t taste anything like pizza, it will be mixed in and it’s a nod to another one of Long Island’s staples.”
Instead, the beer is expected to land on the lighter side — something closer to a pilsner — easy-drinking and built to pair, naturally, with a slice.
“You won’t taste any mozzarella cheese or sauce in your beer, but it’ll have a nice taste that everyone can enjoy and it will pair great with pizza,” Schlotter said.
The idea, he added, was to tap into something instantly recognizable to locals.
“If we are looking to showcase the best of what Nassau has to offer, it’s the perfect combination,” he said. “We could’ve done bagels, or bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, but we went with King Umberto’s pizza.”
Brewing begins Thursday, March 19, with the finished product set to debut on May 16 — 516 Day — at Oyster Bay Brewing Company, King Umberto and select locations across Nassau County.
Top: The King Umberto beer mashup will be available come May 16 at Oyster Bay Brewing Co. at 36 Audrey Ave. in Oyster Bay and King Umberto in Elmont, and other select Nassau locations. (Credit: Oyster Bay Brewing Co./Facebook/GLI graphic)
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
