Peach Bellini Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time
Prep Time: 15 min. + chilling
This peach Bellini recipe makes hosting your next brunch a breeze. The gorgeous simplicity of homemade peach syrup and your favorite prosecco create a classic cocktail that starts the party right.

Updated: Aug. 07, 2024

Named after the Renaissance painter who famously painted his subjects in a golden natural light, the peach Bellini is known for its beautiful pale orange hue, sweet peach flavor and fruity bubbles that dance on your tongue. With only a few ingredients, this champagne cocktail recipe can simplify the beverage requirements of your next brunch extravaganza. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better accompaniment to eggs Benedict, feta and asparagus frittata or your favorite quiche recipes.

What is a peach Bellini?

When Giuseppe Cipriani developed the first official peach Bellini recipe at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1940s, did he know it would eventually become one of the most popular brunch drinks ever? Probably not, as brunch never really caught on in Italy until recently. But he definitely knew that sweet peaches and Prosecco were a winning combination.

A classic Bellini requires fresh white peach puree, a little sugar and Prosecco. Yellow peaches are perfectly acceptable, of course! We go a step further by cooking the peaches with sugar and water for a more concentrated flavor. And since you remove the solids, it’s less chunky in the glass but still full of fresh peach flavor. (If you like a little pulp, you can always add some of it back into your Bellini!)

While the Bellini and the mimosa are similar, Bellinis are made with fruit puree (usually peach) while mimosas use fruit juice (usually orange). You can make either one with any fruit or juice, from mango to strawberries, pears and more.

Peach Bellini Ingredients

A flat lay of ingredients on a blue surface. There are three peaches on a cutting board, a bowl of raspberries, a clear bowl of sugar, a small glass jug of water, a bottle of champagne, and a sprig of fresh mint.TMB Studio

  • Peaches: Fresh is best, so summer is the season for Bellinis. It can be difficult to choose between all of the types of peaches: White peaches were part of the original recipe because they are so sweet, but yellow peaches and even nectarines can fit the bill. A good rule of thumb is to buy the most fragrant peaches. You’ll also want to peel your peaches for a Bellini.
  • Sugar: For this cocktail, we make a peach-flavored simple syrup by heating the sugar and water while the peaches infuse the mixture with a fruity flavor. Don’t worry about it being too sweet; sugar actually brings out more of the peach’s flavor.
  • Champagne, Prosecco or sparkling grape juice: Bubbles are essential, and the best champagne for mimosas can also work for Bellinis. I recommend Prosecco because of its light, bright flavors and because it’s budget-friendly. For a zero-proof option, non-alcoholic bubbles can taste just as good as the real thing.
  • Optional garnishes: Save some peach slices to use as garnishes, along with fresh raspberries or mint.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the peach syrup

A white stovetop with a saucepan containing chopped peaches. A white spatula rests beside the stovetop on a blue, marbled countertop.TMB Studio

In a small saucepan, combine peaches, sugar and water. Bring them to a boil over medium heat.

A white stovetop with a saucepan containing chopped peaches simmering in liquid. A white spatula rests beside the stovetop on a blue, marbled countertop.TMB Studio

Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the peaches are very tender, four to six minutes.

Step 2: Strain the peaches

Hands using a white spatula to strain diced peaches through a metal sieve into a glass bowl. A towel and a bowl with remaining diced fruits are visible in the background on a light blue surface.TMB Studio

Press the peaches through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, then discard the pulp. Cover and refrigerate the peach syrup until it’s chilled.

Editor’s Tip: If you like your Bellinis to have some texture, save the pulp and add a bit to each glass.

Step 3: Make your Bellini

Fill a champagne flute almost to the top with Prosecco. Add 2 ounces of peach syrup. Garnish it with peach slices, mint or raspberries.

Three tall champagne flutes filled with a yellow-orange layered cocktail, garnished with raspberries and mint leaves, are arranged in a row against a blue background. A bowl of fresh raspberries is placed nearby.TMB Studio

Peach Bellini Variations

  • Try different fruits: Use this Bellini cocktail recipe as a jumping-off point to explore other sweetened fruit syrups. For some exotic flair, try pear, guava or mango.
  • Make a peach puree: While boiling your peaches gives you stellar sweetness and flavor, there is no rule against pureeing fresh fruit by throwing it in the food processor with sugar and water and blending until they’re smooth (it will be thicker in texture since we aren’t removing the pulp, so you may need more water). This is also a grand idea for frozen fruit. You can create fruit and berry combinations (think peach and strawberries or blueberries) for even more fun.
  • Spike it: Peach schnapps has earned its bad reputation, but several fabulous peach liqueurs are out there (I love Giffard’s Creme de Peche de Vigne). Don’t sleep on elderflower liqueur, either! Pour a splash at the bottom of your flute, then add the rest of your ingredients for a little extra kick.

How to Store Peach Bellinis

To keep your bubbles bubbly, store the Prosecco and peach syrup separately. If you have leftover Prosecco, use an airtight champagne stopper for the bottle and store it in the fridge. Store the peach syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can you make peach Bellinis ahead of time?

Peach Bellinis should be poured fresh, but you can make the peach syrup beforehand. Once the syrup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to two weeks.

Peach Bellini Tips

Two tall glasses filled with an orange beverage are garnished with mint leaves and raspberries. The glasses are set against a light blue background, with a bowl of raspberries partially visible in the corner.TMB Studio

What’s the best glass for a peach Bellini?

Champagne flutes are the traditional glassware for any drink that involves champagne, and they make a pretty picture when filled with Bellinis. Still, stemless wine glasses, white wine glasses or even vintage glasses all make interesting outside-the-box options.

How do you make sure the Prosecco won’t foam over the glass?

The main reason sparkling wine gets foamy when poured is the temperature difference between the liquid and the glass. To avoid an overflow of bubbles, chill your glasses or pour a small amount of sparkling wine into the bottom of the flute, let it settle, and then slowly but consistently pour down the side of the glass at a 45-degree angle.

Can you use frozen peaches in a peach Bellini?

You can use fresh or frozen peaches for a peach Bellini. If using frozen peaches, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the most flavor. Or skip the thawing and boiling and head straight to the blender to make a frozen peach puree. Adding some slushy peaches to Prosecco is a solid way to make a warm-weather sipper!

What else can you serve with peach Bellinis?

Sweet peaches with champagne offer an excellent contrast to savory brunch items like hash brown egg bake, sausage, and egg casserole. If your sweet tooth drives your brunch cravings, how about Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes and French toast? No matter what brunch recipes you plan to cook up, peach Bellinis can match your vibe.

Peach Bellini

Prep Time 15 min
Yield 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped peeled fresh peaches
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 ounces Prosecco
  • Peach slices, mint or raspberries

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine peaches, sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until peaches are very tender, 4-6 minutes. Press through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard pulp. Cover and refrigerate peach syrup until chilled.
  2. Fill champagne flute with Prosecco; top with 2 ounces peach syrup. Garnish with peach slices, mint or raspberries. Cover and refrigerate remaining syrup for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 318 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (60g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

The bellni was born at Harry’s Bar in Venice, and is now a universally loved brunch cocktail and summertime sipper. A homemade peach syrup makes these bright and luscious. Just add Prosecco for a fizzy finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Recipe Creator
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