Alcohol-free Bellini Cipriani

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The Alcohol-Free Bellini Cipriani is made with white peach puree and soda (instead of the usual Prosecco), and has all the refreshing qualities of the original drink, but without the alcohol. It has a pleasing pink color, reminiscent of ripe white peaches. It has soft, fresh aromas, and sweet, fruity flavors.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

The Alcohol-Free Bellini Cipriani can be served as is, over ice, for a refreshing drink; it’s especially great for get-togethers on humid afternoons. You can also mix it with Prosecco wine to make the classic Bellini cocktail, or mix it with gin, vodka, or rum for a variety of fun fruit-based cocktails. This drink is great to pair with savory foods, like smoked salmon.

THE BIRTH OF AN ICONIC DRINK

The Bellini is a cocktail invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, in 1948. Throughout June and September, peaches were abundant in Italy, and Cipriani himself loved the white ones particularly. So, he set out to make a drink for his bar using his favorite white peaches. It was a simple cocktail—he pureed some white peaches, and added Prosecco to it. Anyone who tried it out loved it.

The drink had a pretty pink color, which reminded Cipriani of a painting by Giovanni Bellini, a 15th century Venetian painter. So, he decided to name his concoction, the Bellini. It began as a seasonal specialty at his bar, but quickly grew in popularity both at the Venice location, and the one in New York. It became a year-round offering when they found a supplier of fresh white peach puree, who would ship to both locations.

Storage Instructions

Fine sparkling wine must be handled with care. For short-term storage (a few days to a month), you can keep your bottle upright—but away from bright or artificial light. For long-term storage, especially for vintage cuvées, you must store the bottles on their side in a wine rack or cellar to keep the cork from drying out. The ideal temperature for storage is between 7 to 10°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 1 to 3 days standing upright in the refrigerator.