Holiday Bellini Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays show up, I’m all about keeping things festive but not making life complicated. A Bellini? It just nails it—bright, easy, and honestly, it feels a little fancy without any real effort.

You can whip up a holiday Bellini in minutes, barely any ingredients needed, and somehow it always comes off as special. I mean, who doesn’t want that?

I like serving this cocktail because it looks elegant even though it’s basically foolproof. There’s something about the sparkling wine and fruit puree combo—light, refreshing, and honestly, it fits right in at any holiday get-together.

Let me walk you through how I make it, what you’ll want on hand, and what kind of flavors you can expect. That way, you’re not stuck behind the bar all night, but you still get that celebratory vibe.

Holiday Bellini Cocktail Recipe

I reach for this cocktail when I want something festive but don’t want to fuss. It’s just sparkling wine and fruit, but it somehow feels like more.

Equipment

I really don’t need much for this drink, which is part of the appeal. Just a few basics and you’re set.

• Champagne flute or wine glass – I usually go with a flute; it keeps the bubbles around longer.
• Blender or food processor – This comes in handy if I want the fruit puree super smooth.
• Fine mesh strainer – It’s nice for getting rid of the pulp, just for a cleaner look.
• Measuring jigger or small cup – Helps me keep the portions under control.
• Mixing spoon – For a gentle stir so you don’t lose all that fizz.
• Pitcher (optional) – If I’m making a bunch, I’ll mix the puree in advance.

Ingredients

I stick to simple, fresh ingredients so the flavor stays bright. The fruit and the bubbles do all the work.

• 1 bottle sparkling wine or champagne – Always chilled, seriously, don’t skip that.
• 1 cup cranberry juice – I like unsweetened for a little tartness.
• 1 cup peach puree – Fresh peaches are great, but frozen works if that’s what you’ve got.
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional) – Only if the fruit tastes too tart for my mood.
• Fresh cranberries or peach slices – Just for garnish, but it does make the glass pop.
• Ice (optional) – I don’t usually add it, but I keep everything as cold as possible.

Instructions

I try to keep this process as straightforward as I can. The trick is making sure everything is chilled ahead of time.

• Pop the sparkling wine in the fridge for at least a couple hours.
• Blend up the peaches until smooth, then strain if you want it extra silky.
• Mix the peach puree and cranberry juice together in a small pitcher.
• Taste it—if it’s too tart, stir in a little sugar or honey.
• Pour 2–3 tablespoons of the fruit mix into a champagne flute.
• Top slowly with sparkling wine, tilting the glass so you don’t lose the bubbles.
• Gently stir with a spoon (don’t overdo it).
• Garnish with a cranberry or peach slice before handing it off.

Notes

Super cold ingredients really do make a difference—warm sparkling wine just loses its fizz way too fast. I always make sure it’s nice and chilled.

If I’m in the mood for sweeter, I’ll swap in prosecco instead of dry champagne. Sometimes I even add a splash of soda water for a lighter take.

When I’m hosting, I usually make the puree and juice ahead of time. Then when people show up, it’s just pour, top, and serve. Easy.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright sparkle from the prosecco jumps out at me. It’s crisp and honestly just so refreshing, making the whole drink feel light on the palate.

The fruit puree brings in this soft sweetness that really mellows out the bubbles. Usually, I catch gentle peach notes first—though, if I toss in a seasonal twist, there’s sometimes a little berry hint sneaking in.

There’s something about the smooth texture from the puree that I really enjoy. It just kind of melts in with the fizz, so the drink ends up feeling both silky and lively, which is a fun combo.

The flavor stays clean, never too heavy. I appreciate how it just works alongside sweet or savory holiday snacks without trying to steal the show.

And honestly, the color is part of the whole thing too. That soft golden or even pinkish hue looks pretty festive in the glass, making the cocktail feel a bit extra special for gatherings.