A Bellini is a simple cocktail that originated in Italy. It is an equal mixture of Champagne and peach juice, often served at celebrations. Champagne is often consumed as part of a celebration Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to effect carbonation. ...

"A true Bellini is made with the nectar of white peaches and Italian sparkling wine. Over time the recipe has seen more than a few variations but let’s look at the Bellini by starting with the original created at the famous Venetian establishment." - Harry's Bar.

History

Harry’s Bar in Venice is famous for far more than just its Bellini recipe. This well-known reported haunt of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles was opened in 1931. In 1948 Giuseppi Cipriani created the Bellini which was reportedly inspired by the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. Giuseppi’s recipe took a long time tradition of marinating fresh peaches in wine to a new level. By mixing fresh white peach puree and champagne, Giuseppi had created a new sensation.

"I had no idea at the time that the pink glow my father had so admired in one of Bellini's paintings would be the inspiration for his famous cocktail.

"Peaches are in abundance throughout Italy from June through September, and my father had a predilection for the white ones. So much so, in fact, that he kept wondering whether there was a way to transform this magic fragrance into a drink he could offer at Harry's Bar.

"He experimented by puréeing small white peaches and adding some prosecco [Italian champagne]. Those who tested this new concoction gave it rave reviews, and my father was encouraged to pursue his alchemy."

—Arrigo Cipriani "Harry's Bar: The Life and Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark."

Due to the drinks' popularity, Harry’s Bar soon offered the drink year round. An entrepreneurial fellow Frenchman made his fortune by setting up a business that ship fresh white peach purée to both Harry's Bars in Venice and New York.

Prosecco; the ingredient listed and referred to in the original Bellini is in fact an Italian Sparkling wine. The original Harry's in Venice still makes Bellinis with Prosecco.

The original Bellini recipe

From Claudio Ponzio, Head barman at Harry's Bar for over 30 years.

One third fresh peach juice and two thirds chilled Prosecco sparkling wine. Make sure to pour the peach juice into the glass first.

Note: The Bellini from The Harry's Bar Cookbook calls for one part peach juice to 3 parts sparkling wine." [1]