
A Classic Bellini Cocktail is made with fresh fruit puree and Prosecco. They are decadently delicious and a long time tradition in Venice, Italy
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 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 cocktail perfect for brunch or just an easy afternoon sipper!
Most great classic cocktails have a story and the Bellini is no exception. Giuseppe Cipriani named the Bellini after Venetian artist 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. We think it’s a “must stop” for any trip to Venice.
What is a Classic Bellini Cocktail?
A classic Bellini consists of just 3 main ingredients:
- White peach puree
- Italian sparkling wine called Prosecco
- The original Harry’s Bar recipe adds a bit of raspberry or cherry to obtain that historic and famous pink glow
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 wine growing area.
View at Harry’s Bar Vineyards in the Veneto, Italy
How to make a Bellini Cocktail
Making a Bellini is a simple process. With just 3 ingredients you can easily serve this cocktail at your next event. It’s great for brunch!
Ingredients Needed:
- 4 white peaches for the puree
- 1/3 cup of raspberries or pitted cherries
- A chilled bottle of Italian Prosecco
- White peach slices for the garnish
Bellini ingredients Bellini fruit purees
How to make peach puree for Bellini’s
- Peel the skin off the peaches with a paring knife, cut in pieces and remove the pit
- Puree the skinned peaches in a blender until very smooth and no small chunks remain
- Remove puree from blender and chill, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use. The puree can be kept, sealed, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but be sure to shake well before using again
- Blend raspberries or cherries until completely pureed and then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds
How to make a Classic Bellini Cocktail
- In a Champagne 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
- Stir gently with a teaspoon to combine all of the ingredients together
- Add a small slice of peach for the perfect garnish
- Serve cold and enjoy!
White peach puree Adding Raspberries Adding Prosecco
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 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.
Bellini layers Stir Bellini
Looking for more great cocktails? Jump over to these refreshing mixes:
- Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Cucumber Mint Cocktail
- Blackberry Champagne Cocktail
- Blueberry Vodka Cocktail
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
What to serve with a Bellini Cocktail:
Bellinis and brunch are a marriage made in heaven. Here are some of our favorite brunch ideas and recipes to compliment this amazing drink.
- 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.
Classic 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!
Kathy Absher
I can attest to the tastiness of this drink. It’s excitingly refreshing and beats a mimosa. It’s delish, 2nd’s please.
Jovita
I know what I’ll have this weekend! I’ve heard about this cocktail before but I have never had a chance to taste it or try at home. Thank you for the recipe!
Elizabeth
I LOVE Bellinis, and am so excited for peaches to get ripe again so I can enjoy this! Thanks for the tip about raspberry puree-I’ll give that a go next time!
Deb Hoage
That sounds so good right now!! Perfect summer drink
Mahy
It’s been a while since I last made this cocktail, so I can’t wait to make it again some time soon!
Emmeline
Such a great bellini recipe! I loved that you added raspberries!
Whitney
This looks heavenly! I can’t even believe it’s summer right now after being cooped up in the house. This will definitely be a patio drink to try this summer!