The Bellini cocktail is one of those drinks that keeps things simple yet feels elegant. With peach purée and sparkling wine as its base, it’s fruity, refreshing, and lightly fizzy. Whether planning a brunch menu, enjoying a summer afternoon, or looking for a crowd-pleaser behind the bar, the Peach Bellini always delivers.
What Is a Bellini Drink?
At its core, the Bellini drink is a mix of peach purée and Prosecco. That’s it—no syrups, shaking, or complicated steps. It’s crisp, easy to make, and a reliable favorite at home or serving guests at a busy bar. Because it’s so versatile, it has become one of the most popular sparkling wine cocktails worldwide.
Bellini Cocktail Origin and History
The Bellini cocktail dates back to the 1940s in Venice, Italy, at the famous Harry’s Bar. Bartender Giuseppe Cipriani created the drink with white peach purée and Italian sparkling wine. The soft pink color reminded him of Renaissance paintings by Giovanni Bellini, inspiring the name. Since then, the Bellini cocktail history has made it a staple of brunch culture and an enduring classic.
Bellini Cocktail Ingredients
The traditional Bellini recipe calls for just two ingredients:
- 2 oz ripe peach purée (white peaches if available)
- 4 oz chilled Prosecco
That’s the authentic combination. If you can’t find fresh peaches, use yellow peaches, peach nectar, or canned purée. Some variations include adding peach schnapps for a stronger flavor—known as a Bellini with peach schnapps—but that’s optional.
Classic Bellini Recipe (Easy Bellini Recipe)
Here’s how to make a classic peach Bellini at home or behind the bar:
- Blend one or two ripe peaches until smooth (strain for extra silkiness).
- Pour 2 ounces of purée into a chilled flute or wine glass.
- Slowly add 4 ounces of Prosecco (or Champagne for a Champagne Bellini).
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Pro tip: If batching for events, keep the peach purée chilled and add sparkling wine to each glass individually so the fizz doesn’t fade.
This is both the easy Bellini recipe and the traditional Bellini recipe you’ll see on cocktail menus.
Variations on the Bellini Cocktail
One of the best parts of the Bellini cocktail recipe is its easy adaptation. While the classic peach Bellini is the standard, there are several named variations and modern riffs worth knowing:
Famous Bellini Variations
Rossini or Strawberry Bellini Cocktail
A strawberry-based twist made with fresh strawberry purée and Prosecco. Sweeter and berry-forward, the Rossini vs Bellini comparison is a favorite on brunch menus.
Tintoretto Cocktail
Made with pomegranate juice and Prosecco, this jewel-toned variation is slightly tart and named after Venetian painter Tintoretto.
Puccini Cocktail
Created with mandarin or tangerine juice and Prosecco, the Puccini offers a bright, citrusy alternative to the Bellini and Mimosa.
Popular Modern Riffs
Beyond these classics, bartenders and home mixologists often experiment with seasonal fruits and textures:
- Raspberry Bellini – A tangy, jewel-colored option.
- Mango Bellini – Tropical and smooth, especially refreshing in warm weather.
- Frozen Bellini – Blended with ice for a slushy-style drink, perfect poolside.
Whether you’re keeping it traditional or branching out, these twists prove that the Bellini cocktail is endlessly versatile.
Bellini vs Mimosa
People often compare the Bellini vs Mimosa, since both are sparkling brunch drinks. The difference comes down to fruit choice and base wine:
- Bellini: Peach purée + Prosecco (or Champagne)
- Mimosa: Orange juice + Champagne
The Mimosa is slightly more citrus-forward and tart, while the Bellini is softer, fruitier, and less acidic. Both are brunch classics, but the Bellini cocktail feels more indulgent.
Why the Bellini Is Worth Knowing
The Bellini cocktail recipe is perfect for something light, fast, and refreshing. It’s a staple for brunch menus, poolside gatherings, or any shift where sparkling cocktails move quickly. Its simplicity makes it one of the best Bellini recipes for professional bartenders and home mixologists.
Whether serving the classic Bellini, experimenting with a strawberry Bellini or frozen Bellini, or offering a Champagne Bellini upgrade, this cocktail proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Final Word
So the next time someone asks, “What is a Bellini?” you’ve got the answer—and probably a better recipe than the one on the menu. With its rich history, versatile variations, and status as a brunch icon, the Bellini cocktail remains one of the world’s most beloved sparkling wine drinks.
Looking for more drink recipe ideas? Check out our Breaking Down series!
