Bellini
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 7% ABV ∙
The Bellini is an Italian sparkling cocktail of Prosecco and white peach purée, stirred and served in a flute. Delicate and fruity, the peach purée gives it a soft, velvety body against the Prosecco's crisp bubbles, finishing dry — an easy brunch aperitif.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour Peach purée 50 ml into the mixing glass with ice, add Prosecco extra dry 100 ml
- Stir gently and pour into the chilled flute glass
- Note: Puccini – fresh mandarin orange juice; Rossini – fresh strawberry puree; Tintoretto – fresh pomegranate juice
Tips
- Chill both the Prosecco and peach purée to near-freezing beforehand so no ice is needed and the flute stays cold without dilution.
- You can also build the Bellini directly in the flute: pour the chilled peach purée into the glass first, then slowly top with cold Prosecco to preserve carbonation and prevent excessive foaming over the rim.
- Stir with a single gentle motion using a bar spoon rather than shaking, keeping the mousse-like effervescence intact instead of flattening it.
- Use a ripe white peach purée strained smooth so no fibrous pulp clogs the flute or dulls the wine's natural sparkle.
History
The Bellini was created at Harry's Bar in Venice by its founder, Giuseppe Cipriani, generally dated to 1948, though some accounts place its creation as early as 1934. Cipriani mixed Prosecco with white peach puree and named the drink after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, whom he felt the cocktail's pink hue evoked. The drink began as a seasonal specialty tied to the short white peach harvest before a Frenchman began shipping puree to Harry's Bar and its New York counterpart, allowing it to be served year-round. This IBA-listed version follows Cipriani's original build of Prosecco stirred with white peach puree, codifying the Harry's Bar recipe as the official international standard.
FAQ
What is a Bellini cocktail made of?
A Bellini is made of Prosecco extra dry and white peach purée, gently stirred and served in a flute glass. The build is Prosecco-forward, with the peach purée adding body and pale color rather than dominating the glass.
What kind of alcohol is in a Bellini?
The only alcohol in a Bellini is Prosecco extra dry, an Italian sparkling wine; there is no added spirit or liqueur. That keeps the drink light, at around 7% ABV per this recipe.
Is a Bellini just a peach mimosa?
No, a Bellini uses Prosecco and white peach purée, while a Mimosa is made with Champagne and orange juice. The peach purée also gives the Bellini a thicker, smoother texture than the thinner citrus juice in a Mimosa.
Is a Bellini very alcoholic?
No, a Bellini is a light, low-alcohol drink at around 7% ABV, since it is built entirely from Prosecco with no added spirit. It is closer in strength to a glass of sparkling wine than to a spirit-based cocktail.
How do you make a Bellini at home?
Stir chilled white peach purée with chilled Prosecco extra dry directly in a flute glass and serve immediately. No shaking or ice is needed; the drink relies on serving it cold and drinking it fresh before the bubbles fade.
