The origin of the Bellini dates back to the 1940’s. Around that time the founder of the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, Giuseppe Cipriani, first served the classic Peach Bellini cocktail thus the classic Bellini Cipriani was born!
Sitting at Harry’s Bar is where I first fell in love with this enchanting cocktail. Using fresh peach puree is key! It allows the sweetness to come directly from the fruit and is better than any sweetened nectar.
The peach puree makes this refreshing drink one of the most popular brunch cocktails especially on Mother’s day. They are a big hit at bridal or baby showers and make the perfect summer cocktail sipper!
Most great classic cocktails have a story and the Bellini is no exception. Giuseppe Cipriani named the Bellini after Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini who painted a pink shirted saint. Harry’s Bar is right off the famous St. Mark’s Square on the Grand Canal. Next time you find yourself in the city of canals stop by and enjoy one of these Italian cocktails. We think it’s a “must stop” for any trip to Venice.
What is a Peach Bellini Cocktail?
A classic Bellini consists of just 3 main ingredients:
- White peach puree- you can also use yellow peaches
- Italian sparkling wine called Prosecco
- The original recipe at Harry’s Bar recipe adds a bit of raspberry or cherry juice to obtain that historic delicious flavor and famous pink color, it even glows
The Italian wine Prosecco that is used to make Bellini’s is produced in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. The Veneto is also home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and is a gorgeous Italian white wine growing area.
How to make a great Peach Bellini Cocktail
Making bubbly peach Bellini’s is a simple process. With just 3 simple ingredients you can easily serve this classic cocktail at your next event. It’s great for brunch on a hot summer day!
Ingredients for this perfect cocktail
- 4 fresh white peaches for the puree- If you can find white peaches you can use yellow peaches. If it’s not peach season you can use frozen peaches
- 1/3 cup of raspberries or pitted cherries
- A chilled bottle of Italian Prosecco
- A white or yellow fresh peach slice for the garnish
How to make peach puree for Bellini’s
- Peel the skin off the fresh peaches with a paring knife or vegetable peeler, cut in pieces and remove the pit
- Puree the skinned peaches in a blender or food processor until very smooth and no small chunks remain
- Remove puree from blender and chill, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use. Make the puree ahead of time, it can be kept n a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to shake well before using.
- Blend raspberries or cherries until completely pureed and then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds
How to make a Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
- In a Champagne flute or fluted glass add 2 ounces of prepared cold white peach puree
- Then add 1 teaspoon of raspberry puree
- Add 4 ounces of chilled Prosecco – We like to use a bottle of Prosecco from Italy
- Stir gently with a teaspoon to combine all of the ingredients together
- Add a small slice of fresh peach for the perfect garnish
- Serve cold and enjoy this Classic drink!
How to serve a Bellini:
When serving Bellini’s use a Champagne or fluted glass. Serve them straight up with no ice. It’s important to use cold ingredients. Make sure that the Prosecco is very cold before making the drinks, and helpful if the puree has been refrigerated before using.
What is the difference between a Bellini and a Mimosa?
The difference is in the fruit type. A traditional Bellini is made with fresh fruit puree whereas Mimosa’s are made with fruit juice. Our friends rave about this recipe and love to indulge in this recipe over a relaxing weekend brunch.
The fact that it’s only 170 calories doesn’t hurt either.
Looking for more great cocktails?
- Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Cucumber Mint Cocktail
- Blackberry Champagne Cocktail
- Blueberry Vodka Cocktail
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Classic Kir Royale
What to serve with a Bellini Cocktail:
Bellini’s and brunch are a marriage made in heaven. Here are some of our favorite brunch ideas and recipes to compliment this simple cocktail.
- Homemade Belgian Waffles
- Baked French Toast with Raspberries
- Crustless Mini Quiche with a variety of fillings
- Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
- Fresh Cherry Almond Muffins
We would like to give a high five to friends Kathy and Linda for assisting with the photos and Bellini enjoyment for this post.
Peach Bellini Cocktail
Equipment
- Blender, mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 4 whole White Peaches
- 4 tsp Raspberry or Cherry puree
- 16 ounces Prosecco
- 4 slices White peach, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the skin off the peaches with a paring knife.
- Puree the skinned peaches in a blender. Remove puree from the blender and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. Puree can be kept for 3 days, tightly sealed, in the refrigerator.
- Blend raspberries until pureed, then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
- In Champagne or fluted glasses add 2 ounces of white peach puree to each glass
- Then add 1 teaspoon of raspberry or cherry puree
- Add 4 ounces of Prosecco to each glass
- Stir gently with a teaspoon and add a slice of peach to each glass for garnish
- Serve and enjoy!