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
- 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
In a small saucepan, combine peaches, sugar and water. Bring them to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the peaches are very tender, four to six minutes.
Step 2: Strain the peaches
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.
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
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.
