Bellini (cocktail)

Bellini Cipriani, Macaroni Grill, Dunwoody GA

Bellini is a popular cocktail that originated in Italy, specifically in Venice. It is a mixture of Prosecco and peach purée or nectar, which gives it a unique sweet and sparkling flavor. The drink is named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, as the color of the cocktail resembled the pink hues found in one of the artist's paintings. The Bellini was invented sometime between 1934 and 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis, and Orson Welles among other celebrities.

Ingredients and Preparation

The classic Bellini cocktail is simple, requiring only two main ingredients:

• Prosecco: An Italian white wine that is generally dry or extra dry.
• Peach purée or nectar: Ideally made from ripe peaches to achieve the sweet flavor and smooth texture.

To prepare a Bellini, pour peach purée into a chilled champagne flute up to about one-third of the glass, and then gently add Prosecco to fill. The mixture is stirred very gently to combine, ensuring the bubbles are preserved. The ratio of Prosecco to peach purée is typically about 2:1.

Variations

While the traditional Bellini uses peach purée and Prosecco, there are numerous variations of the cocktail. Some popular versions include:

• Mango Bellini: Using mango purée instead of peach.
• Strawberry Bellini: Utilizing strawberry purée for a different flavor profile.
• Raspberry Bellini: Made with raspberry purée for a tart taste.

Additionally, some variations replace Prosecco with other types of sparkling wines or even champagne, although this deviates from the original Italian recipe.

Cultural Significance

The Bellini has become synonymous with Italian luxury and the leisurely pace of life in Venice. It is often served at celebrations and is a staple of brunch menus around the world, particularly in the United States. Its popularity has also led to the creation of non-alcoholic versions, making the Bellini accessible to a wider audience.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Prosecco
• Venice
• Giovanni Bellini
• Harry's Bar (Venice)

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