A Refreshing Classic: The Bellini Cocktail Recipe

The Bellini is a quintessential Italian cocktail known for its refreshing blend of Prosecco and peach purée. Born in Venice, this iconic drink captures the essence of summer with its light, fruity, and effervescent flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking to elevate a simple gathering, the Bellini is a sophisticated yet approachable choice that has become a staple in the world of cocktails.

The Origin of the Bellini

The Bellini was created in the 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice. The cocktail was named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, whose works often featured a warm, peachy hue—reminiscent of the drink’s vibrant color. Originally a seasonal drink made during the peach harvest, the Bellini has grown to be enjoyed year-round thanks to modern innovations like frozen peach purée.

Ingredients for the Perfect Bellini

The Bellini is a simple cocktail with only two main ingredients. To create the perfect Bellini at home, you’ll need:

Ingredients:

2 oz (60 ml) white peach purée (or fresh, ripe white peaches)

4 oz (120 ml) Prosecco (chilled)

Ice (optional, for serving)

Optional Garnishes:

A slice of fresh peach

Mint sprig

Step-by-Step Bellini Recipe

Prepare the peach purée – If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and pit two ripe white peaches. Blend the peaches in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth purée. If peaches are out of season, you can use a store-bought white peach purée or frozen peaches that have been thawed and blended.

Chill your glass – Bellinis are best served cold, so place your champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes to ensure it’s nicely chilled.

Combine the ingredients – Pour 2 ounces of the peach purée into the chilled champagne flute. Slowly top with chilled Prosecco, pouring gently to prevent the drink from foaming too much.

Stir gently – Use a long spoon to give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine the Prosecco and peach purée without losing too much of the bubbles.

Garnish and serve – If you’d like, garnish your Bellini with a thin slice of peach or a sprig of mint for a touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A Few Tips for the Perfect Bellini

Use white peaches: The original Bellini recipe calls for white peaches, which have a more delicate, floral flavor compared to yellow peaches. While yellow peaches can be used in a pinch, white peaches offer a more authentic taste.

Chill your Prosecco and glasses: This cocktail is best when served very cold, so be sure to chill both the Prosecco and your glassware in advance.

Quality of Prosecco matters: The Bellini is made with only two ingredients, so the quality of each ingredient shines through. Choose a high-quality Prosecco that has a nice balance of sweetness and bubbles.

Frozen peaches as a substitute: If fresh peaches aren’t available, frozen peaches work well too. Simply thaw and blend them for a quick and convenient alternative.

Variations on the Bellini

While the classic Bellini recipe remains a favorite, there are several delicious variations you can try:

Raspberry Bellini: Substitute peach purée with fresh raspberry purée for a tart, vibrant twist on the classic.

Mango Bellini: For a tropical flavor, swap the peach purée with mango purée. This version adds a unique sweetness to the drink.

Bellini Martini: Mix peach purée with vodka and a splash of Prosecco for a more potent take on the original.

Frozen Bellini: Blend the peach purée with ice and Prosecco for a refreshing frozen version—perfect for hot summer days.

Conclusion

The Bellini is a light, refreshing cocktail that combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the crisp, sparkling taste of Prosecco. Whether you enjoy it during brunch, at a celebration, or as a simple afternoon treat, the Bellini is a delightful drink that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. Its simplicity, versatility, and vibrant flavors make it a must-try for cocktail lovers everywhere.