The Bellini cocktail brings the taste of Italy to any brunch table. This elegant drink combines fresh peach purée with sparkling Prosecco wine in a 1:2 ratio for a light and refreshing experience.

The drink started at Harry’s Bar in Venice during the 1940s, where bartender Giuseppe Cipriani named it after a famous Italian painter.

The pink-orange color and bubbly nature make this cocktail perfect for special events and celebrations. Many people serve Bellinis at weddings, baby showers, and holiday brunches. The simple recipe means anyone can make this drink at home.

The classic version uses white peaches, though yellow peaches work just as well. Some bars and restaurants add a splash of raspberry purée or grenadine for extra color.

The drink tastes best when served right away while the bubbles are still fresh.

Bellini Cocktail Recipe

A Bellini combines fresh peach purée with prosecco to create a light and fruity sparkling cocktail. This classic drink started at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy in the 1940s.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 ripe peaches peeled and pitted (or 2 oz peach purée)

4 oz chilled prosecco
1/4 oz simple syrup optional
Ice for chilling

Instructions

Peel and pit the peaches.
Cut them into small chunks.
Add peach chunks to a blender and blend until smooth.

Strain the purée through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
Add 2 ounces of the peach purée to a champagne flute.
Top slowly with chilled prosecco.

Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
Serve right away while the prosecco is still bubbly.

Notes

White peaches make the most traditional Bellini, but yellow peaches work too.

Store extra peach purée in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

In winter, good quality frozen peaches can replace fresh ones.

Don’t substitute champagne for prosecco – the Italian sparkling wine has the right flavor profile for this drink.

Skip the simple syrup if the peaches are very ripe and sweet.

Tasting Notes

A classic Bellini delivers bright, fresh peach flavors with a crisp, bubbly finish. The natural sweetness of white peaches blends smoothly with the dry Prosecco.

The texture is light and effervescent. Tiny bubbles dance on the tongue while the peach puree adds a silky smoothness to each sip.

Color ranges from pale pink to light orange, depending on the ripeness of the peaches used. A properly made Bellini should be clear without any pulp or cloudiness.

Key Flavor Notes:

Fresh white peach
Light citrus hints
Gentle floral notes
Clean, crisp bubbles

The drink starts sweet but ends dry, making it perfect for brunch or afternoon sipping. The alcohol content stays mild at around 6-8% ABV.

The best temperature to serve a Bellini is between 38-40°F (3-4°C). This keeps the bubbles lively and the flavors sharp.

Each glass releases a subtle peach aroma that becomes more pronounced as you bring it to your lips. The scent matches the taste perfectly.

Bellini Cocktail Recipe