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A Bellini Cocktail is a classic Italian cocktail made with peach puree and Prosecco. It is a sweet, yet crisp cocktail that with a jaw-dropping presentation, yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for a holiday brunch, a summer dinner, or a cocktail party.
A Bellini is one of my all-time favorite cocktails. The contrast between the creamy, sweet peach puree and the crisp prosecco makes a cocktail that is perfectly balanced and a bit more sophisticated than an albeit delicious mimosa.
This classic Bellini Drink is often reserved for holiday celebrations, but as this recipe comes together so effortlessly, I believe it is worthy to be enjoyed year-round!
Key Ingredients
A Bellini is made with prosecco and peach puree. I have seen recipes using peach nectar, but for the BEST version of this cocktail, the homemade peach puree is the way to go! Not only will it add the ultimate peach flavor and rich texture to your Bellini, but it also is pretty easy to make.
- Peach Puree: For the peach puree technically you will need peaches, lemon juice, and sugar. In the summer months, when peaches are in season, I recommend using fresh ripe, Eastern peaches. Otherwise, frozen peach slices work beautifully.
- Prosecco: Because bellinis are an Italian cocktail, they are classically made with prosecco instead of champagne. The difference between the two sparkling wines is subtle, and therefore feel free to interchange if desired.
How to Make Homemade Peach Puree
The peach puree comes together super quickly and can be made up to 5 days in advance, which is perfect for entertaining purposes.
- If using fresh peaches, peel the peaches, remove the pit, and slice them into thick slices.
- Place the fresh peach slices, or defrosted frozen peach slices into a blender or food processor fitted with an s-blade.
- In a small bowl, combine hot water with sugar and whisk until dissolved, to form a simple syrup. You want your sugar to be fully dissolved so that your peach puree will not be gritty. If needed, heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to help the sugar dissolve.
- Add the sugar mixture and fresh lemon juice to the blender and blend until smooth.
- It is CRUCIAL to strain the puree. That way any solids will be discarded and the bellini will be smooth and creamy. No one wants lumps in a cocktail!
- Once prepared, refrigerate the puree until chilled.
How to Make a Bellini Cocktail
Once your peach puree is made, this cocktail couldn't be any easier to prepare!
- Place 2 tablespoons of the peach puree into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled prosecco.
- Gently stir to combine and serve immediately.
What Pairs Well With Bellinis?
Peach Bellinis pair well with a variety of foods. From a sweet and savory brunch to finger foods to light entrees, there are endless options. I like to pair this cocktail with dishes that pair naturally well with peaches or in place of a mimosa. Below are a few of my favorite pairings.
- Breakfast: Pair sheet pan pancakes or whole wheat waffles and candied maple bacon with a peach bellini for the ultimate weekend breakfast.
- Brunch: A Bellini is the perfect cocktail to add to any brunch menu. From Christmas Brunch, alongside hashbrown breakfast casserole and overnight cinnamon rolls, to Easter brunch, alongside ham and cheese quiche or an asparagus frittata, no matter what is on the menu you can't go wrong serving Bellini cocktails at brunch.
- Dinner: Serve alongside grilled pork chops, baked salmon, or honey lemon chicken.
- Cocktail Party: Any antipasti platter, crositini, antipasto skewers, bacon-wrapped dates, and bruschetta.
More Easy Cocktails
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Bellini Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 cups sliced peaches, about 3-4 medium peaches
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (750ml) bottle prosecco sparkling wine, chilled
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon hot water and 1 teaspoon sugar until the sugar is dissolved. If needed, microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds to help the sugar fully dissolve.
- Wash and peel peaches, remove the pit, and slice or dice into large chunks to equal 3 cups sliced peaches.
- Combine the peaches, sugar water, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain this mixture over a large bowl, using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Refrigerate the puree until fully chilled, or up to 5 days.
- To assemble the cocktails, stir the peach puree and then add 2 tablespoons of the peach puree into a champagne glass. Top with chilled prosecco. Gently stir and then serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022.
Can this be made non alcoholic?
Hi Kim! You can replace the prosecco with your favorite sparkling wine.