Classic cocktail · Guided recipe
Bellini
Start makingVenice’s peach-and-prosecco aperitivo, born at Harry’s Bar. Soft, fruity and barely there in the best way.
In the glassPeach schnapps · Prosecco
See exact amounts
What goes in
Ingredients
Set up before you pour
Use a champagne flute.
The narrow bowl slows the loss of bubbles and keeps sparkling cocktails bright for longer.
- Standard size
- 180 ml6 oz
- Ice & serve
- Chill it first; serve without ice.
- If you don’t own one
- Use a small white-wine glass if a flute is unavailable.
- jigger or measuring spoon
- Peach schnapps20 ml
- Prosecco100 ml
From bottle to glass
Method
- 01
Measure and pour Pour 20 ml peach schnapps
Peach schnapps
- 02
Top gently Top with 100 ml prosecco
Prosecco
Know your drink
About the Bellini
Harry’s Bar, 1948
Giuseppe Cipriani of Harry’s Bar in Venice blended white peaches into prosecco and named the drink for the pink glow in paintings by Renaissance master Giovanni Bellini. Hemingway, Chaplin and Orson Welles drank them at the source; the drink still defines Venetian aperitivo hour.
Common questions
Bellini FAQ
Can I use yellow peaches or peach juice in a Bellini?
The Venetian original uses white peach purée — more floral and less acidic than yellow peach. Good-quality peach purée or nectar works at home; pour the purée first, then add prosecco slowly and lift gently from the bottom. Carton "peach drink" makes it taste like candy.
What ingredients are in a Bellini?
A classic Bellini calls for 20 ml (0.75 oz) Peach schnapps, 100 ml (3.5 oz) Prosecco. That single-serve spec scales cleanly — the recipe above converts it to oz and multiplies it for 2–4 drinks.
How strong is a Bellini?
A standard Bellini is roughly 12% ABV once mixed (before ice melt softens it further). That makes it about as strong as a glass of wine.
Is a Bellini shaken or stirred?
A Bellini is built directly in the glass over ice — no shaker required. Add the ingredients in order and give it a brief, gentle stir.
What glass do you serve a Bellini in?
Serve a Bellini in a champagne flute, well chilled — this drink is served without ice, so a cold glass keeps it cold.
How many calories are in a Bellini?
One Bellini has approximately 180 calories, estimated from the standard spec above. Bigger pours, extra syrup or sweetened mixers raise that number quickly.
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Skills used in this recipe
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