The Bellini is a classic cocktail that are so easy to make and perfect for brunch, a holiday, or ladies’ night. Don’t miss my tips and tricks to make this cocktail turn out perfectly.
There is something about making you all Champagne-based cocktails that makes my heart happy. They are so bubbly and beautiful, but it is probably because they are meant for celebrating. There is nothing I love more than creating recipes that bring people together to celebrate and share their lives.
The peach Bellini drink is a classic recipe. It is made with just two ingredients, but it is perfection. Don’t miss all of my tips and tricks so that this cocktail turns out perfect every single time you make it.
How to Make a Bellini
Here is how this simple Bellini cocktail recipe comes together. Be sure to reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
- Make the peach purée. Read below on the steps to do this with either fresh or frozen peaches.
- Pour the cocktails. Add the peach purée to your champagne flute and top with chilled Prosecco. Be sure to pour slowly as it bubbles up quickly. Enjoy!
How to Make Peach Purée
To make a true Bellini, you will want to use thick rich peach purée rather than peach juice. Peach purée is blended up peaches. You can make it with fresh or frozen peaches depending on what is available to you. Peach purée can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator the day before.
How to Make Peach Purée from Fresh Peaches
If fresh peaches are in season where you live, you can use them to make peach purée. While the Bellini drink is classically made with white peach purée, yellow peaches can also be used and are more commonly available where I live.
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Ensure that it has enough water to cover two peaches.
- Make an ice bath. While the water is coming to a boil, fill a bowl with water and ice.
- Add the peaches to the water. Boil them for 45 seconds and then transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon.
- Peel off the skin. When the peaches are cool enough to handle, remove them from the ice bath and peel off the skin.
- Make the purée. Cut up the peaches and transfer to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
How to Make Peach Purée from Frozen Peaches
Making peach purée from frozen peaches is so simple and perfect for making peach Bellinis when fresh peaches aren’t in season.
- Thaw the frozen peaches. You will want to thaw about two cups to make enough peach purée to make four Bellinis.
- Blend the beaches. In a blender or food processor, blend up the peaches.
Champagne For Bellinis
Of the two Bellini cocktail ingredients, the Prosecco is where the drink gets its bubbly fizz. Prosecco is often more affordable than Champagne, making it an excellent choice for cocktails.
The key is to choose a Prosecco that suits your taste preferences and complements the sweetness of the peach purée in the Bellini. Choose a dryer variety to complement the natural sweetness of the peaches. While you don’t need to break the bank on an expensive bottle, investing in a mid-range to higher-quality Prosecco can enhance the overall taste of the drink.
If you prefer a different sparkling wine, use it in this recipe. It will still be delicious.
Adding Simple Syrup
If you like your drinks with some sweetness, add some Simple Syrup. Especially if you use frozen peaches. Fresh ripe juicy peaches will likely have enough sweetness that you won’t need the syrup. A little goes a long way, so only add it after you’ve already tasted the cocktail and start with just 1/2 ounce.
If you are serving these for a group, you can have simple syrup on the side for each guest to add to their glass if they wish based on their taste preferences.
Simple Syrup
Tips and Tricks
- Use chilled ingredients. Make sure the Prosecco and peach purée are well-chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the freshness of the Prosecco and delivers a refreshing cocktail.
- Pour the Champagne slowly. Because it bubbles up, you want to pour it slowly so it doesn’t overflow out of the glass and all over your table.
- Use fresh and chilled Prosecco. If you want to plan ahead to serve these Bellinis, be sure to open your Champagne just before serving so the bubbles are fresh.
- Choose ripe peaches. If you are buying fresh peaches, look for peaches that are ripe but not overripe. Choose peaches that are soft to the touch around the stem with smooth skin. While authentic Bellinis are made with white peaches, white or yellow peaches can be used.
- Plan ahead. Prepare the peach purée a day in advance and keep it chilled for quick and easy assembly when guests arrive.
Serving a Bellini
Peach Bellinis are best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the vibrant flavors and fizz at their peak. I like to serve them in Champagne flutes and garnish with a fresh peach slice. When fresh peaches are in season, I like to get a few extra and cut into wedges to garnish each glass.
Champagne Flutes
Make a Pitcher to Serve a Crowd
Create a batch of Peach Bellinis by increasing the amount of each ingredient. Add the peach purée to a pitcher for convenient serving and add the chilled Prosecco just before serving. Alternatively, pour the Prosecco into each glass and top it with the peach puree when serving.
The following amounts will result in 12 cocktails.
- 3 cups peach purée
- 750 ml bottle of Champagne
- 3 ounces simple syrup (optional)
Bellini Variations
- Bombay Bellini: To make this great spin, simply swap out half the peach purée for mango purée. Then add in a splash of peach brandy. I love making mango puree the same way I make peach purée, just with frozen mango instead of peaches.
- Strawberry Bellini: Use frozen strawberries, a bit of water, and a bit of sugar to replace the peach purée.
Bellini Vs Mimosa
While both Bellinis and Mimosas are popular sparkling cocktails, they are not the same.
- Bellini: Features Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, as its base and is traditionally mixed with peach purée.
- Mimosa: A combination of equal parts Champagne (or sparkling wine) and chilled orange juice.
Other Brunch Cocktails
If you make this peach Bellini recipe or any of my other cocktail recipes, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
Bellini
Ingredients
- 4 ounces peach purée (made with fresh or frozen peaches, see details in the post)
- 4 ounces Prosecco chilled
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup optional (read about this in the post above)
Instructions
- Add the peach purée to the Champagne glass.4 ounces peach purée
- Top with the Prosecco. Taste and decide if you would like to add some simple syrup (read more about this here). Serve and enjoy.4 ounces Prosecco, 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Notes
Sarah W says
Do you think this cocktail would work with a prosecco rose’? Or should I stick with your recommendation? Thanks!
I would stick with what is recommended. I hope you enjoy it!