Now that summer is in full force, it’s time to break out the summery drinks. And one of the best summer drinks you can make is the Bellini.
Refreshing.
Cool.
“Peachy.”
The primary ingredient in a Bellini is sparkling wine. You can use any sparkling wine you like, but a classic Bellini uses Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine.
Here’s your shopping list for Bellinis:
- Sparkling wine (Prosecco preferred, but any will do)
- peach liquor
- peach nectar
- fresh peaches
For an added twist, follow in the footsteps of some modern bartenders and substitute champagne for Prosecco. Frozen Bellinis are also popular in the restaurant scene, but the majority of us don’t have access to a “slushie” machine.
Either way you mix it, the Bellini is one of Italy’s most popular cocktails. It’s bound to be a hit at your next summer party.
Bellini Drink Origins
The Bellini cocktail drink all started in Venice, Italy around 1940. Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Henry’s Bar in Venice, invented the drink by twisting the popular Italian concept of soaking peaches in wine.
The drink itself is named after a 15th century artist named Giovanni Bellini. This was a smart move for Cipriani, since most of his clientele at the time consisted of artists.
Cipriani used fresh peaches in his original recipe, which meant that the original bellini drink was a “peach season only” treat. But, now that we have peach concentrates, Bellinis can be made year-round.
The Bellini Drink Recipe
Serve Bellinis on any occasion. They’re popular at brunches, wedding showers, christenings, toasts, and hot summer days.
As for a food pairing... not really a factor. Bellinis are such a fun drink that you should just make sure you’re with friends, relaxing, enjoying the summer days.
Here is just one recipe you can try.
- 2 oz peach nectar
- 1tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz peach schnapps
- 3 oz chilled dry champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Mix the peach nectar, lemon juice and schnapps. Add ½ cup of crushed ice. Stir and add the champagne/sparkling wine or Prosecco. Serve in a chilled glass.
Serves two.
Meet you on the patio!
