Bellini cocktails combine fresh peaches with sparkling Prosecco for a refreshing summer treat. The Bellini is a timeless cocktail that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the sparkling effervescence of Prosecco. Known for its light and refreshing taste, it’s a cocktail that instantly brings to mind sunny afternoons and special celebrations. Its simplicity makes it ideal for both casual gatherings and more formal events.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches

• 1 bottle chilled Prosecco

Directions

1. Peel, slice, and blend peaches until smooth.

2. Chill the peach purée for at least 30 minutes.

3. Pour purée into glasses and top with Prosecco. Garnish with peach slices.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~150 per serving

• Fat: 0g

• Carbs: 20g

• Sugars: 18g

• Protein: 0g

Category

Drinks (Cocktail)

The History of the Bellini

The Bellini is widely regarded as one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. It was first created by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, in the 1940s. Cipriani was inspired by the vibrant colors of the Venetian sunsets and sought to recreate that beauty in a glass. He used fresh peach purée and Prosecco to craft a drink that was both sweet and effervescent, mimicking the colors of the sunsets that he adored.

The cocktail was named after the 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini, whose paintings often featured soft, delicate colors, much like the soft pink hue of the drink. Initially, the Bellini was a local favorite, but it quickly became famous worldwide, especially after it gained popularity among the elite of Venice. Over time, the drink spread to other parts of the world, particularly New York City, where it became a staple at Cipriani’s Harry’s Bar in Manhattan.

In the years since its creation, the Bellini has remained a classic cocktail, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple, yet refined, taste. It is often served at high-profile events, weddings, and celebrations due to its elegant appearance and light, fruity flavor.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bellini

The beauty of the Bellini lies in its simplicity. To make the perfect Bellini, all you need are two key ingredients: ripe peaches and Prosecco.

Peaches

The first essential component of the Bellini is the peaches. Fresh, ripe peaches are preferred over canned or bottled purées for their natural sweetness and fresh flavor. The peaches should be peeled, pitted, and blended to create a smooth purée. The purée serves as the base of the drink, giving the Bellini its characteristic flavor and soft, fruity texture. While white peaches are often recommended for their delicate flavor, yellow peaches can also be used, depending on availability and personal preference.

Prosecco

Prosecco is the sparkling wine that gives the Bellini its effervescence. It is a light, dry, and slightly fruity wine, typically from the Veneto region of Italy, which complements the sweetness of the peach purée. While Prosecco is the traditional choice, other sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Cava, can be substituted. However, it’s important to choose a dry sparkling wine to balance out the sweetness of the peaches and prevent the drink from becoming overly sugary.

Making the Perfect Bellini

Creating the perfect Bellini requires only a few simple steps. The key is to use fresh ingredients and ensure that the Prosecco is chilled before serving. The peach purée should be made ahead of time and refrigerated, as this allows the flavors to develop and the purée to chill before being combined with the sparkling wine.

The process begins by peeling and pitting ripe peaches, then blending them until smooth. If you prefer a slightly more textured purée, you can blend the peaches less thoroughly. After refrigerating the purée for at least 30 minutes, it’s ready to be served. To make the drink, simply pour the peach purée into glasses and top with Prosecco. The Prosecco should be added slowly to preserve its bubbles and maintain the drink’s effervescence. A gentle stir is all that’s needed to mix the two ingredients together.

Serving and Presentation

The Bellini is best served in a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. The glass should be chilled beforehand to maintain the drink’s temperature and effervescence. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the Bellini with a slice of fresh peach or a small edible flower. The garnish adds a visually appealing element to the drink while also enhancing its fruity aroma.

The Bellini can be served as an aperitif before a meal, as a celebratory drink at special occasions, or simply as a refreshing summer beverage. Its light and effervescent nature make it an ideal choice for brunches, garden parties, or weddings. Its delicate flavor profile pairs wonderfully with seafood, fresh salads, light pasta dishes, and even charcuterie boards.

Variations of the Bellini

While the classic Bellini is made with peaches, there are many variations of this cocktail that use other fruits to create unique and refreshing twists. Some popular variations include:

• Raspberry Bellini: Swap out the peaches for fresh raspberries for a tart and vibrant alternative. Raspberry purée pairs beautifully with Prosecco, creating a fruity, slightly tangy cocktail.

• Strawberry Bellini: Fresh strawberries can be blended into a purée to create a sweeter, berry-forward version of the Bellini. The sweetness of strawberries adds a pleasant contrast to the dry sparkling wine.

• Mango Bellini: For a tropical twist, use ripe mangoes to make a smooth purée. Mangoes lend a rich, velvety texture and a sweet, exotic flavor to the cocktail.

• Apricot Bellini: Apricots provide a subtle, slightly tangy flavor that complements the effervescence of Prosecco beautifully. This variation is perfect for those looking for something a little more complex.

Each variation maintains the same basic structure of the Bellini, but the fruit swap allows for different flavor profiles and adds an element of customization.

Conclusion

The Bellini cocktail is a timeless and elegant drink that combines the best of both worlds—sweet, ripe peaches and sparkling Prosecco. It’s simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough to be served at any special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer gathering, a brunch with friends, or a formal celebration, the Bellini offers a refreshing and effervescent escape.