🍷 Bellini

The Bellini is an Italian cocktail made of Prosecco and white peach purée. It was invented in Venice, at Harry's Bar, in the 1940s. It was named after the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini: the colour of the drink recalled shades in his paintings.

It is easy to make. Purée of ripe white peaches goes at the bottom of a glass, then chilled Prosecco is poured in gently. The result is a pale pink drink with a soft fruity taste and bubbles. Strength is low, because Prosecco itself is light and the purée dilutes it.

The Bellini belongs to wine cocktails, like many other mixes based on sparkling wine. Prosecco is tied to it: the quality of the drink depends on it. It is better to take dry or brut so the cocktail is not too sweet. It is served chilled, most often in summer and as an aperitif. The Bellini shows how Italian wine is used not only in the glass but also in bar culture.