The Bellini: Refreshing Contemporary Cocktail
Originating in Venice, Italy in the 1940s, the Bellini is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail made from peach purée and Prosecco sparkling wine. Created by Giuseppe Cipriani of Harry’s Bar fame (the same bar that invented the infamous Bloody Mary), it quickly became popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The name was given to honor Italian painter Giovanni Bellini.
The original recipe calls for equal parts pureed white peaches mixed with Prosecco but nowadays there are many variations of this classic drink. Some use nectarines or even strawberries instead of peaches while others combine sparkling wines other than Prosecco such as Asti or champagne. Still others mix liqueurs like Aperol or Campari into the blend creating a slightly more complex flavor profile.
Although it’s often thought to be only a summertime beverage, over the years its appeal has grown so much that people now enjoy it all year round! Whether you’re throwing a party or just looking for something special to sip on during happy hour, whip up an easy batch of homemade Bellinis at home and make your guests feel extra special.
Bellini
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -2 parts Prosecco
- -1 part peach puree or nectar
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pour the prosecco into a champagne flute.
- Gently pour in the peach puree or nectar, stirring carefully to combine with the sparkling wine.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Glassware
The typical or usual glassware used for a Bellini is a martini or coupe glass. The shape of the martini glass resembles an inverted cone, and it gives the cocktail an elegant presentation. The narrow top also helps to capture the delicious aromas of the drink as you sip it. For serving multiple drinks at once, a pitcher or carafe can be used in combination with individual glasses for each guest.Flavors
The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that originated in Venice, Italy. It is made with prosecco and peach puree. The combination of these two ingredients create a sweet and refreshing drink perfect for summertime sipping. Prosecco has an elegant flavor profile with notes of citrus, melon and apple; while the sweetness of the peach puree adds a delicate balance to the bubbly beverage.
This contemporary cocktail can be enjoyed as an appetizer or after-dinner tipple. Whether served at brunch or during happy hour, its light flavor makes it easy to sip all day long! For extra pizzazz, feel free to garnish your Bellini with fresh fruit such as raspberries or blueberries for added color and texture. So why not give this delightful libation a try? With just two simple ingredients you’ll have everyone raising their glass in cheers!
3 Tips for Making Your Bellini
- Use ripe and juicy peaches for the puree or nectar to get that sweet, succulent flavor.
- Make sure that you chill your Prosecco in advance to ensure it’s nice and cold when you serve it up in the flute glasses.
- Experiment with other fruits like pineapple, blackberry or raspberry to find your favorite flavor combinatio.