- Gourmet
The Bellini: the signature cocktail of the Venetian summer
Elegant, refreshing, and unmistakable: the Bellini is more than just a drink; it is the true symbol of the Venetian summer. Created in the lagoon, this cocktail has conquered the world with its perfect harmony between the sweetness of white peach and the liveliness of sparkling wine.
At Caffè Florian, preparing a Bellini follows strict rules: using our prestigious Florian Prosecco, traditionally served in a classic flute to enhance its bubbles. In this article, we will discover the perfect recipe, seasonal variations with with Champagne or alcohol-free alternatives, and the best pairings with traditional Venetian bites.
The history of the Bellini: a Venetian summer masterpiece
How can a cocktail become the symbol of an entire city?
The Bellini was created in Venice in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar, who named the cocktail after the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. Its delicate pink hue reminded Cipriani of the robe worn by an angel in one of Bellini’s paintings, inspiring the name of what would become one of the world’s most celebrated cocktails.
Over the years, this sparkling cocktail has evolved into a true icon of the warmer months. Its enduring popularity lies in the extraordinary simplicity of its recipe, where just a few carefully selected ingredients create a drink of timeless elegance.
Florian Bellini, symbol of Venetian summer.
Its soft pink colour recalls the delicate shades found in Renaissance paintings, while its fresh, light flavour continues to make it one of the undisputed stars of the Venetian summer aperitivo.
It is no surprise, then, that visitors to Venice often consider tasting a Bellini an essential part of their journey, transforming a simple toast into a lasting memory.
The perfect recipe: white peach and Florian Prosecco in a traditional glass
The Bellini cocktail recipe is celebrated for its simplicity. All it takes is smooth white peach purée and an excellent-quality Prosecco to create a perfectly balanced drink, where the sweetness of the fruit blends harmoniously with the freshness of the sparkling wine.
At Caffè Florian, this balance is enhanced by Florian Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco D.O.C.G., selected for its elegance and delicate character with floral notes, that beautifully complement the aromatic freshness of the white peach.
Florian Prosecco D.O.C.G., made from grapes from the best vineyards.
The cocktail is prepared directly in the traditional Florian glass to preserve the perlage and ensure every sip fully expresses the aromas of both the wine and the fruit.
Would you like to prepare it at home? Here’s the original recipe!
Perfect with coffee, tea or a glass of sweet wine, the Esse biscuits—also reinterpreted by Caffè Florian in elegant 200 grams and 100 grams editions—remain one of the most recognisable symbols of Venice’s confectionery tradition.
BELLINI
Ingredients
- 10 cl Florian Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco D.O.C.G.
- 5 cl white peach purée
METHOD
The authentic recipe calls for white peach pulp and juice, gently crushed rather than blended. The peach is slowly stirred into the Prosecco sparkling wine to preserve as much carbonation as possible before being served in a traditional glass.
Summer variations: the Champagne Bellini and Alcohol-Free cocktails
The original Bellini remains the benchmark for lovers of timeless classics, but over the years several elegant variations have emerged while preserving its unmistakable character.
The best-known is the Bellini Royal, where Prosecco is replaced with Champagne. The result is an even more refined cocktail, offering greater aromatic complexity and a particularly fine perlage, ideal for celebrating special occasions.
For those who prefer an alcohol-free option, there is the Virgin Bellini, in which ginger ale replaces the sparkling wine. Refreshing, light and pleasantly effervescent, it highlights the natural sweetness of white peach while retaining all the elegance that defines this Venetian classic.
At Caffè Florian, the Bellini also inspired a small collection of seasonal sparkling cocktails that celebrate the changing flavours of the year. Spring is welcomed with the Tiepolo, where the sweetness of strawberries meets lively bubbles in a fragrant, refreshing drink. Autumn brings the Tintoretto, featuring the rich, slightly tart flavour of pomegranate, while winter is celebrated with the Puccini, whose distinctive mandarin notes capture the essence of the citrus season.
Together, these cocktails express the same philosophy that made the Bellini famous: transforming simple, high-quality ingredients into refined experiences that combine flavour, elegance and Venetian tradition.
The ideal pairing: Bellini and traditional Venetian Tramezzini
The perfect pairing makes a Venetian aperitivo unforgettable!
The delicate character of the Bellini finds its ideal companion in the famous Venetian tramezzini — soft, generously filled sandwiches prepared with ingredients that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the lagoon.
Whether filled with seafood, cured ham, eggs or seasonal vegetables, these classic Venetian specialities complement the freshness of the cocktail without overpowering its aromas, turning a simple break into a complete gastronomic experience.
The ritual of service: The elegance of the traditional glass
Have you ever noticed how much the enjoyment of a cocktail depends on the way it is served? With the Bellini, the glass is much more than a beautiful detail and plays an essential role in enhancing every nuance of the drink.
At Caffè Florian, the Bellini is served in the elegant Florian Prosecco glass, specifically designed to highlight both the freshness of the wine and the delicate aromas of white peach purée. Its slender silhouette encourages the continuous rise of the bubbles, allowing the perlage to develop beautifully while releasing the cocktail’s full bouquet. Carefully proportioned, the glass achieves the perfect balance between elegance and tasting pleasure.
Crafted from high-quality clear glass and embellished with Florian’s iconic winged lion logo, this signature glass reflects the same commitment to design, hospitality and craftsmanship that has distinguished the historic Coffeehouse in St. Mark’s Square for more than three centuries.
Aperitivo at Florian: Where mixology meets history
Imagine to sipping a Bellini in St. Mark’s Square while the orchestra plays as the sun begins to set…
At Caffè Florian, aperitivo is far more than a social ritual. For over three centuries, this historic Caffè has welcomed travellers, artists and lovers of culture, offering an experience where history, hospitality and mixology come together in perfect harmony.
Whether you choose the Bellini — one of the undisputed icons of Venice’s summer cocktail scene — or one of Florian’s signature creations, every toast becomes an invitation to experience the city from a different perspective, immersed in the timeless atmosphere of the historic Coffeehouse overlooking Piazza San Marco.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bellini Cocktail
What is in a traditional Bellini?
The Bellini, created by Giuseppe Cipriani, is a sparkling cocktail made with Prosecco sparkling wine and peach puree.
What is the difference between a Rossini and a Bellini?
The main difference between the Bellini and Rossini cocktails is the type of fruit used: the Bellini uses white peach puree, while the Rossini uses strawberry puree.
Can you use Champagne in a Bellini?
Yes, you can use Champagne in a Bellini Royal.
What goes well with a Bellini?
The Bellini cocktail pairs well with typical Venetian tramezzini.
