Bellini
A Bellini is an Italian sparkling wine cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée or nectar.
A Bellini is an Italian sparkling wine cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée or nectar. It was created in Venice in 1948 and is named after the Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini.
What it is
The Bellini is a light, sparkling aperitif traditionally served in a chilled flute glass. Its classic recipe combines Prosecco with white peach purée, though some modern versions use peach nectar or other sparkling wines.
History and naming
The drink was first served at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1948 by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani. Its soft pink colour reportedly reminded Cipriani of a painting by Giovanni Bellini, a 15th-century Venetian painter, leading to the cocktail’s name.
Variations and Canadian context
Variations may include peach nectar, other sparkling wines, or additions like fruit juice or peach liqueur. In Canada, Bellinis are commonly served as brunch or aperitif drinks, though the cocktail itself remains Venetian in origin.
In short
- Made with Prosecco and white peach purée
- Created in Venice in 1948 at Harry’s Bar
- Named after painter Giovanni Bellini
- Served chilled in a flute glass
Bellini cocktails are served in Canadian bars and restaurants, especially as brunch and aperitif drinks, but the cocktail itself originated in Venice, Italy.
Quick questions
What is a Bellini?
Who created the Bellini?
Why is it called a Bellini?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellini_(cocktail)Supports: Defines the Bellini as a cocktail of Prosecco and peach purée or nectar; identifies Venice, Italy as the origin.
- Eataly — https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture-and-tradition/history-bellini-cocktailSupports: States that Giuseppe Cipriani poured the first Bellini in 1948 at Harry’s Bar and explains the naming after Giovanni Bellini.
- Cipriani — https://www.cipriani.com/belliniSupports: Cipriani family account describing the 1948 creation, the use of white peaches and Prosecco, and the naming after Giovanni Bellini.
- Chowhound — https://www.chowhound.com/1726109/bellini-cocktail-history/Supports: Summarises the 1948 Venice origin, Giuseppe Cipriani, and the classic Prosecco-plus-peach-purée recipe.
- The Kitchn — https://www.thekitchn.com/bellini-recipe-23723525Supports: Describes the late-1940s Venice origin, the white peach and Prosecco combination, and the Giovanni Bellini naming tradition.