The Bellini is a perfect long drink for the summer. It’s part of the family of sparkling cocktails, made with fresh white peaches mixed with sparkling brut wine or Prosecco. A refined and delicious Italian cocktail, the structure and freshness of the sparkling wine blend perfectly with the flavor and aroma of the peaches.
As for the proportions, the ratio of ingredients is 1 to 2: there must be double the amount of sparkling wine compared to peach nectar. This is especially important if you have to prepare jugs of cocktails for summer parties.
The birth of the Bellini
The Bellini was invented in 1948 by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani at the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, declared national heritage by the Italian Minister of Culture in 2001.The long drink was prepared in honor of the painter Giovanni Bellini on the occasion of his exhibition. It is said that the pink color of the cocktail was inspired by the color of the habit of a saint painted by Bellini. Originally, in fact, the drink was prepared with champagne, white peach nectar and a bit of raspberry purée that gave the cocktail a pink color. The Bellini then became famous, not only because of its fruity and sweet taste, but also thanks to the artists who frequented Harry’s Bar and spread it around the world.
Bellini cocktail's recipe
½ cup Prosecco
¼ cup fresh white peach purée
For the peach purée
Peel 1 pound of white peaches and gradually place them in 1 cup of water with 1/8 cup lemon juice.
Blend the mixture with 4 ice cubes and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to balance the sugar content of the fruit.
Add 2 raspberries to get the typical color (if the peaches aren’t pink enough).
Complete the Bellini
Pour the white peach purée into flutes and slowly add the Prosecco.
Stir gently using a bar spoon.