Guide Note

A bellini is a popular Italian cocktail made with sparkling wine and peaches.

Fast Facts

1. Origin: Italy
2. Invented by Giuseppe Cipriani
3. Ingredients: Sparkling wine such as champagne or prosecco and puréed peaches
4. Peaches can be substituted with peach schnapps or peach nectar
5. A popular brunch drink in the United States
6. Similar to a mimosa

Giuseppe Cipriani, a bartender and owner of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy, invented the bellini during the 1940s. Italian white peaches were one of Cipriani's favorite fruits, only in season from June to September. So Cipriani created a refreshing summer cocktail by combining the puréed peaches with cold prosecco. Orson Welles, Ernest Hemingway and Sinclair Lewis were just a few of the famous patrons who enjoyed the pink and fizzy concoction.