Name: Bellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ripe peaches* (about 4, peeled, pitted, and sliced); 2 ounces peach puree; 4 ounces chilled prosecco; Peach slices; Fresh mint

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If you’re looking for a sparkling cocktail that perfectly captures the golden warmth of summer, the Bellini is a classic you simply can’t miss. With luscious peach purée and a lively pour of chilled prosecco, this drink is more than just a festive option; it’s an experience of bright flavors and fizzy joy in every sip. Whether you’re hosting brunch or celebrating a special occasion, the Bellini is effortlessly elegant and always delivers a refreshing lift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients, the Bellini truly shines by letting each element play its part. Every item here is key to creating the drink’s velvety body, vibrant color, and signature celebratory sparkle.

Ripe peaches: Use about four peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced; their juicy sweetness forms the heart and soul of your Bellini.
Peach puree: A bit of extra puree (about 2 ounces) ensures every glass is bursting with that iconic fruit-forward zing.
Chilled prosecco: This bubbly Italian wine brings vivacious bubbles and a crisp finish that balances the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
Peach slices (for garnish): Not just pretty—these remind everyone of the fresh, real fruit flavors inside the glass.
Fresh mint (for garnish): A fragrant touch of green lifts the aroma and adds a splash of color to every Bellini you serve.

How to Make Bellini

Step 1: Make the Peach Puree

Start by creating the silky-smooth peach puree that’s the star of every true Bellini. Add your peeled, pitted, and sliced peaches to a blender and blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Take a moment to admire that sun-kissed color—this luscious base is what makes the cocktail feel homemade and special every time.

Step 2: Assemble the Cocktail

Pour 2 ounces (that’s about a quarter cup) of your fresh peach puree into each champagne flute. Then, gently top with 4 ounces of chilled prosecco. The key is to pour slowly to maintain those beautiful bubbles. Give the drink a gentle stir—just enough to combine the flavors without disrupting the effervescence. Instantly, your Bellini takes on a dreamy, pastel shade that’s as tempting to see as it is to sip.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, garnish each glass with a juicy peach slice and a sprig of fresh mint. This elevates your Bellini from homemade to utterly professional, with extra flair that invites everyone to dive in. Serve immediately while it’s icy cold and sparkling at its brightest.

How to Serve Bellini

Garnishes

Don’t hold back when it comes to the final flourish! A fresh peach slice sits perfectly on the rim, infusing even more aroma as you sip. The addition of a mint sprig looks beautiful and offers a refreshing scent that balances the sweetness. If you want to make your Bellini extra special, consider using edible flowers or a twist of lemon peel for a gentle contrast in color and fragrance.

Side Dishes

Bellinis are ultra-versatile at the table. They pair well with light appetizers like crostini topped with ricotta and honey, savory tarts, smoked salmon, or even a bright seasonal fruit salad. For a luxe brunch, set out pastries or a cheese board—the subtle flavors in a Bellini uplift rather than overpower your food choices, making every bite and sip feel celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve Bellinis in chilled flutes lined up on a tray garnished with peaches and mint. You can even set up a DIY Bellini bar with pitchers of puree and bottles of prosecco, letting guests customize their glasses. Mini Bellini shooters are a fun twist for parties, or try freezing peach puree in ice cube trays to drop into glasses for an extra cold, slow-melting splash of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover peach puree, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The fresh flavors do fade quickly, so plan to use it soon for another round or a different dessert! As for fully mixed Bellini cocktails, it’s best to enjoy them right away before the bubbles disappear, but you can refrigerate them for a short while if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze extra peach puree for future cocktails. Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then pop out the cubes and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. While you wouldn’t want to freeze a mixed Bellini, having peach cubes on hand means you’re always ready for impromptu celebrations!

Reheating

No heating required for Bellinis, but if you’re pulling frozen peach puree cubes out for a new batch, just let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before blending into your drink. On a hot day, you can even toss a cube or two directly into your glass for a perfectly chilled Bellini with a little extra fruit flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches for my Bellini?

Absolutely! While ripe, fresh peaches are classic and offer unmatched aroma, canned or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) work nicely when fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to choose peaches packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid making your Bellini overly sweet.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Bellini?

Yes, you can whip up a delicious alcohol-free Bellini by swapping the prosecco for sparkling water, club soda, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. You’ll keep all that peachy goodness while making it family-friendly and just as festive.

How can I make my Bellini less sweet?

If you find the drink too sweet, try using a dry prosecco or even a splash of sparkling brut. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the peach puree for a subtle, tangy balance to the natural sugars.

Can I prepare the Bellini ahead of time for a party?

You can definitely prepare the peach puree in advance and keep it chilled until guests arrive. For the best bubbles, though, wait until the moment you serve to top each flute with prosecco. Set up a Bellini bar and let guests have fun with their own creations!

What’s the best glassware for serving Bellinis?

Traditional Bellinis are served in champagne flutes, which showcase the cocktail’s color while keeping those lively bubbles afloat as long as possible. If you’re feeling playful, coupe glasses can also add vintage charm to your presentation.

Final Thoughts

The Bellini is so much more than just a cocktail—it’s the taste of summer in a glass, with a bubbly Italian twist that feels special at any gathering. Gather your peaches and prosecco and treat yourself and your loved ones to this effortless classic. I can’t wait for you to get creative and bring a splash of fruity joy to your next celebration with the Bellini!

Bellini Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and elegant cocktail, the Bellini is a classic Italian drink that combines ripe peaches, peach puree, and prosecco, garnished with fresh mint. Perfect for a summer gathering or a special celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Ripe Peaches:

1½ pounds ripe peaches* (about 4, peeled, pitted, and sliced)

Peach Puree:

2 ounces peach puree

Prosecco:

4 ounces chilled prosecco

Garnish:

Peach slices
Fresh mint

Instructions

Make the Peach Puree: Puree peaches in a blender until smooth.
Prepare the Cocktail: Pour 2 ounces (¼ cup) peach puree into a champagne flute and top with prosecco. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish: Garnish with a peach slice and a sprig of fresh mint.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian