Bellini
The Bellini is one of the most famous champagne cocktails in the world and originated in Venice, Italy. The cocktail was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, sometime between 1934 and 1948.
The Bellini cocktail is named after Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, a master of the Italian Renaissance, not because of a direct connection to the painter, but rather because of the drink’s unique color.
Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice and the inventor of the Bellini cocktail, was inspired by the delicate colors Giovanni Bellini used in his paintings. Specifically, there was a painting with a gown of a particular shade of pink that reminded Cipriani of the color of the cocktail when properly mixed with ripe white peaches and Prosecco.
In tribute to the famous painter and in recognition of Italian history and culture, Cipriani decided to name his creation after Giovanni Bellini. Thus, the cocktail became not only a symbol of Italian elegance and taste, but also a tribute to the country’s rich artistic heritage.
The recipe for a Bellini is simple and highlights the fresh flavors of peach and champagne.
Ingredients for the Bellini
- 60 ml of peach puree
- 90 ml Champagne
Preparation
- Puree fresh, ripe peaches (preferably white peaches for authentic flavor) in a blender or with a hand blender. Strain the puree to remove any bits or skin.
- Spoon the peach puree into a chilled champagne flute to about a third of the glass.
- Slowly top up with chilled Champagne, stirring gently to mix the peach puree and Champagne.
Serving tips
Serve your Bellini immediately after preparation while still cold. It is an ideal drink for brunch, a garden party or a summer afternoon on the patio.
For presentation, consider hanging a thin slice of peach on the rim of the glass, or adding a small leaf of mint. This adds a colorful accent to your cocktail and enhances the peach flavors.
The Bellini, with its simple elegance and refreshing taste, is a wonderful way to celebrate Italian cocktail culture. It is a summer drink that is sure to impress your guests.
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