Bellini Cocktail Recipe

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Bellini Nutrition Facts

Calories:163

Fat:0g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:7%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Bellini cocktail was created in the 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the famous Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. It was named after the Italian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, as the drink's pink hue reminded Cipriani of the colors in Bellini's paintings. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among celebrities and tourists visiting Venice.

  • Harry's Bar opened in 1931 and is still in operation today
  • The Bellini is traditionally served in a champagne flute
  • The cocktail is especially popular during brunch and summer events

How Bellini Tastes?

The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.

Interesting facts about Bellini

  • The original Bellini recipe used white peaches, which are sweeter and more delicate than yellow peaches
  • The Bellini is often considered a 'breakfast cocktail' due to its light and fruity nature
  • In 2011, a world record was set for the largest Bellini ever made, containing 1,000 liters of Prosecco and 333 liters of peach puree

Ingredients

  • Peach puree: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Prosecco: 4 oz(120ml)
  • Optional garnish: Peach slice

Peach Puree

Made from the sweet, juicy flesh of peaches, the puree is a star in this cocktail. It gives the Bellini its signature fruity flavor and delightful color. Without it, you’d miss the heart of the drink - it's like having a car without an engine. If you use too little, the Prosecco overpowers the delicate peach; too much and it’s a peaches-only show.

Mary Mitkina

Prosecco

This Italian sparkling wine brings the party to your glass with its effervescence and dryness, creating a refreshing counterbalance to the sweet peach puree. Skimp on the Prosecco and you'll have a syrupy drink; too much and you'll drown the fruit in a sea of bubbles. The 2:1 ratio remains the gold standard for harmony in flavor.

Alex Green

Optional Garnish: Peach Slice

A fresh peach slice is the crowning jewel, adding an aesthetic touch while hinting at the drink's main flavor. It's like the cherry on top - nice but not necessary. Yet, it invites the eye and the palate to anticipate the lush peachiness awaiting in the flute.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Bellini Drink

  1. Chill the ingredients: Ensure both the peach puree and Prosecco are well-chilled before making the cocktail
  2. Prepare the peach puree: If using fresh peaches, peel and pit them, then blend until smooth. Alternatively, use store-bought peach puree
  3. Assemble the cocktail: In a champagne flute, pour 2 oz of peach puree
  4. Top with Prosecco: Slowly pour 4 oz of Prosecco into the flute, allowing the ingredients to mix gently
  5. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the cocktail with a fresh peach slice

Pro Tips

  • Use Fresh Peaches: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe peaches when they are in season
  • Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer
  • Slow Pour: Pour the Prosecco slowly to avoid it mixing too quickly with the peach puree and losing its bubbles

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Bruschettas: The fresh, crisp notes of the Bellini complement the tomato, basil, and garlic flavors.
  • Prosciutto Wraps: A salty contrast to the sweet peach, pairs delightfully with the bubbly texture.
  • Fruit Platters: Enhances the fruitiness in the cocktail with a mix of berries and melon.

Meals

  • Seafood Pasta: Light sauces and fresh seafood harmonize without overpowering the Bellini.
  • Grilled Chicken Salad: The brightness of the vinaigrette and the fresh greens echo the lightness of the drink.

Desserts

  • Cheesecake: A creamy dessert to counter the fizz and the fruit in the cocktail.
  • Panna Cotta: Again, creamy textures work well, especially with a berry coulis that plays on the fruit theme.

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What you could change in Bellini

  • Peach Schnapps: If you can't find peach puree, peach schnapps can be used as a substitute
  • Champagne: If Prosecco is not available, a dry champagne can be used instead

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Raspberry Bellini

  • Ingredients: Replace peach puree with raspberry puree
  • Recipe: Follow the standard Bellini recipe, substituting with raspberry puree
  • Flavor Change: Expect a tarter, more robust berry profile, a vivid pink hue, and a playful twist on the classic

Bellini Royale

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur on top
  • Recipe: Construct the Bellini as usual and add Chambord
  • Flavor Change: Enhances sweetness and adds depth with the raspberry undertones of the liqueur

Tropical Bellini

  • Ingredients: Mix mango puree with a hint of coconut cream
  • Recipe: Use the mango-coconut mix instead of peach puree
  • Flavor Change: You'll sail away to a tropical island with this exotic and irresistible flavor combo, turning the traditional into a vacation in a glass

In case you forgot basics how to make Bellini

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bellini

Can I use any kind of peach for the Bellini?

Yes, but the flavor might differ. The original Bellini recipe uses white peaches for their sweet and delicate flavor. However, yellow peaches can be used if white ones are not available.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Bellini cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute the Prosecco with soda water or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.

Why is it called a Bellini?

The cocktail was named after the 15th-century Italian painter Giovanni Bellini because its pink color reminded its creator of the colors in Bellini's paintings.

Can I serve the Bellini over ice?

It's not traditional to serve a Bellini over ice as it can dilute the flavors. It's typically served in a chilled champagne flute to keep it cool.

What other cocktails can I make with Prosecco?

Prosecco can be used in many cocktails including Mimosas, Spritz Veneziano, Negroni Sbagliato, and Rossini. It's a versatile sparkling wine that pairs well with a lot of flavors.

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