Brunch often features the Mimosa, but the Bellini cocktail is a sweet contender not to be missed. While both drinks have a simple two-ingredient recipe, I believe the Bellini stands out for its complexity and flavor. Moreover, it’s effortlessly scalable for serving a crowd at your next brunch.
Origin of the Bellini
The Bellini traces its roots back to the 1940s at Harry’s Bar in Venice, where bartender Giuseppe Cipriani created it. Inspired by the seasonal availability of white peaches, Cipriani introduced it as a menu item. The cocktail later gained popularity at Harry’s Bar in New York once peach pulp became available year-round. The name "Bellini" was inspired by the blush color in Giovani Bellini’s paintings, achieved by adding raspberry juice or blending peaches with skins for a pink hue.
Using Peach Nectar
While the original Bellini highlights fresh peaches, peach nectar is a great alternative. However, using nectar might result in a more yellow than a rosy drink.
Maximizing Peach Flavor
To get the best flavor from your peaches:
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No need to peel: Blend peaches with their skins for smooth puree without the hassle of peeling.
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Use freshly frozen peaches: Avoid freezer burn by making your own frozen peach slices.
- Understand nectar vs. juice: Nectar is thicker and sweeter than plain peach juice.
Prosecco: The Magic Ingredient
A Bellini’s sparkle is provided by Prosecco, a sparkling wine from Northern Italy. While various sparkling wines exist, Prosecco is the traditional choice.
Serving Bellinis
You can make a Bellini batch just before serving to guests. Mix the peach puree or nectar with Prosecco in a pitcher. Don’t prepare the mixture too far in advance, as it will separate and lose its bubbles over time. Serve immediately in flute glasses.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) peach puree (from about 5-6 ripe peaches)
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Prosecco
Instructions:
- Make the peach puree: Chop peaches into cubes and blend until smooth. Add water if needed.
- Combine ingredients: Mix peach puree with Prosecco in a large pitcher and stir gently.
- Serve: Immediately pour into flute glasses.
Enjoy this refreshing cocktail, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you love it!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 111
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and should be verified based on specific ingredients used.
