What do a mimosa, a Bloody Mary, and an espresso martini have in common? They’re all delicious alcoholic drinks you’ll find on brunch menus around the world, but there’s one more you should know about: the Bellini. The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that’s popular at brunch because it’s refreshing, fizzy, and fruity. It’s also surprisingly easy to make at home, since it only requires two ingredients. A traditional Bellini is made with peach puree and prosecco, says cocktail recipe developer and author Amy Trainor. A must-have book for barsBut any sparkling white wine that’s not too sweet is fine, Trainor points out.
While the Bellini is as popular today as it was when it was created, its history dates back to 1948 in Venice, Italy. It is said to have been invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the world-famous Harry’s Bar. Inspired by the Venetian countryside, Cipriani created the Bellini using the fresh white peaches and excellent sparkling wines of the region. The result is a delicious drink that tastes as vibrant as it looks – a nod to the bold colors found in the works of Venetian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, from whom the drink takes its name.
Peach Bellinis are great all year round, but are especially popular during the warm summer months when white peaches are in season. Here’s how to make a Peach Bellini to take a trip to the Italian coast or impress guests at your next brunch party.
- Pre-chilling your champagne glasses will help your drink stay cold for longer.
- If you buy peach puree, make sure it’s one without added sugar, as it can overwhelm the flavor of your cocktail.
- Bellinis are traditionally made with Prosecco, but you can also use a not-too-sweet sparkling white wine such as Cava, or even a dry sparkling rosé wine.
