There’s something instantly uplifting about holding a glass of bubbly. Add the delicate sweetness of ripe peaches and you have one of the world’s most charming cocktails — the Bellini. This Italian classic is light, refreshing, and elegant, making it suitable for both sunlit brunches and sophisticated evening celebrations. So, what exactly is a Bellini? Where did it come from? And why has it become such a beloved drink worldwide?

What is a Bellini?

A Bellini is a sparkling wine cocktail made with peach purée and Prosecco. For added depth, it is often topped with a splash of peach liqueur. It’s known for its soft, pastel hue and delicate flavor. It’s a celebratory drink without being overly strong. Its alcohol content is relatively light compared to that of many other cocktails, making it perfect for daytime sipping or as an aperitif before a meal.

Traditionally served in a champagne flute or coupe glass, the Bellini has a silky, fruit-forward taste lifted by the crisp effervescence of the Prosecco. The combination of bubbles and fresh fruit makes it a drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

A brief history of the Bellini

The Bellini traces its origins back to mid-20th-century Venice, Italy. Inspired by the flavor of fresh peaches and the soft pinkish-gold color of the drink, which reminded him of the robes in a Renaissance painting, its creator created the Bellini. What began as a seasonal summer drink quickly became a staple of Venetian cocktail culture.

From there, it made its way into fashionable bars and restaurants across Europe and eventually overseas. By the late 20th century, the Bellini had become a symbol of relaxed sophistication, often enjoyed at brunches, weddings, and seaside cafés.

The essential ingredients

Although there are variations, a traditional Bellini only requires three ingredients:

• Prosecco: Italy’s signature sparkling wine, chosen for its bright, fruity notes and lively bubbles.
• Peach purée is ideally made from ripe white peaches for their aromatic sweetness, though yellow peaches can also be used. Fresh purée gives the drink its velvety texture.
• Peach liqueur is optional but adds a richer aroma and slightly stronger flavor.

Quality matters when it comes to a Bellini. The sweetness and freshness of the peach purée are essential, as is using a good bottle of Prosecco to ensure the drink is vibrant rather than flat.

How a Bellini is made

Making a Bellini is as simple as it is elegant. First, add the peach purée to the glass. If peach liqueur is being used, it is stirred into the purée. Then, chilled Prosecco is slowly poured over the mixture to preserve its bubbles. The drink is gently stirred — never shaken — to blend the flavors without losing the effervescence.

While a garnish isn’t necessary, a thin peach slice or sprig of mint can make the glass more inviting.

Bellini vs. other sparkling cocktails

The Bellini is often confused with other popular sparkling cocktails, especially the Mimosa. The key difference is the fruit used: mimosas are made with orange juice, while Bellinis use peach purée. Another variation is the Rossini, which uses strawberry purée instead of peach purée, giving the drink a vibrant red hue.

While all of these cocktails have a celebratory feel, the Bellini stands out with its softer, more floral flavor.

Where to enjoy a Bellini in Miami

For those looking to experience a carefully crafted Bellini, Mercato di Mare in Miami offers a version that stays true to the drink’s Italian roots. It combines crisp Prosecco, fresh peach purée, and peach liqueur to create a perfectly balanced cocktail that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

It’s served in a stylish setting that blends Italian culinary tradition with Miami’s coastal atmosphere. It’s the kind of drink you want to enjoy slowly, perhaps alongside fresh seafood or a light pasta, or while watching the sunset over the city.

Reserve your table here at Mercato Di Mare in Miami today and enjoy a dining experience you will never forget.

When to drink a Bellini

The Bellini is wonderfully versatile in terms of timing and occasion. Its light body and fruity notes make it an ideal choice for any occasion:

• Brunch Gatherings: It pairs well with eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit.
• Poolside Afternoons: The drink’s chilled, sparkling nature makes it refreshing under the sun.
• Celebrations: Toast at weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries with something different from the usual champagne.
• Pre-dinner aperitif: Its gentle sweetness primes the palate without overwhelming it.

Food pairings for a Bellini

Due to its balance of sweetness and acidity, the Bellini pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. Some classic pairings include:

• Seafood: Oysters, shrimp, and light fish dishes highlight the drink’s freshness.
• Soft cheeses, such as burrata, fresh mozzarella, and goat cheese, complement the creamy fruit flavors.
• Salads, especially those with fruit, nuts, and light vinaigrettes, pair well with it.
• Desserts: sorbets, fruit tarts, and almond-based pastries.

Mercato Di Mare is the perfect place to enjoy a Bellini alongside a seafood platter or fresh pasta for a perfectly balanced meal.

The Bellini in modern cocktail culture

While the traditional peach-based Bellini remains the gold standard, today’s bartenders enjoy experimenting with new variations. Some swap Prosecco for other sparkling wines, add herbs such as basil or rosemary for a savory twist, or infuse the purée with spices.

Nevertheless, the charm of the Bellini lies in its simplicity. No matter how creative modern mixologists get, the original recipe remains a staple of cocktail culture.

A timeless Italian classic

From its Venetian origins to its global popularity, the Bellini has proven that it can stand the test of time. It’s an elegant cocktail without pretense that offers a refreshing burst of peach and sparkle with every sip.

If you find yourself in Miami and want to taste one at its best, head to Mercato Di Mare. Their classic preparation captures everything that has made the Bellini a favorite for decades and reminds us that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most enduring.