Cipriani Bellini is a renowned and timeless cocktail, famous for its simple yet exquisite combination of ingredients. This iconic drink is synonymous with Harry's Bar, a legendary establishment in Venice, Italy.
The history of Cipriani Bellini
The Cipriani Bellini history begins in the early 20th century. Harry's Bar, founded by Giuseppe Cipriani, opened its doors in 1931 and this iconic bar quickly became a haven for the rich and famous, frequented by luminaries including Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Charlie Chaplin. It was in this celebrated setting that the Bellini was born.
The cocktail's creation is credited to Giuseppe Cipriani himself, who was inspired by the delicate peach orchards of Italy. The year was 1948, and Giuseppe concocted this delightful drink by blending fresh white peaches with Prosecco, a sparkling wine native to the Veneto region. The result was a luscious, pink-hued drink, which he named after the renowned Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini, known for his use of soft, pastel colours in his artwork. The bottle itself is as iconic as the cocktail, a beautiful eye-catching teal glass that graces the very best tables.
Ingredients for the original Bellini cocktail
Cipriani Bellini is celebrated for its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients. The two main components are fresh white peaches and Prosecco, blended together into a cocktail with lower than average alcohol content, just 5% abv.
Fresh White Peaches
The heart of the Bellini is the use of ripe, fragrant white peaches. These peaches are meticulously selected for their sweetness and juiciness. The peaches are peeled and pureed to create a smooth, peach nectar.
Prosecco
Prosecco, a light and bubbly Italian sparkling wine, provides the perfect base for the Bellini. Its effervescence adds a touch of elegance to the cocktail and complements the peach nectar's natural sweetness.
Ingredients for the Virgin Bellini
Maintaining its iconic simplicity and elegance, Cipriani Bellini is now available as a mocktail, a light blend of white peach nectar and sparkling mineral water.Harry’s Bar
Harry's Bar is an essential part of the Cipriani Bellini story. This historic establishment, located in Venice's St. Mark's Square, is renowned for its role in Italian culture and its contribution to the world of mixology. It is at Harry's Bar that Cipriani Bellini became an instant classic, captivating both locals and international visitors.
The bar itself is a study in timeless elegance, with its mahogany interiors, crisp white linens, and an intimate ambiance that has remained virtually unchanged for decades. The unique allure of Harry's Bar lies in its commitment to maintaining the authenticity and tradition that have made it a global icon.
Cipriani Bellini is not just a cocktail; it is a symbol of Harry's Bar's dedication to culinary and mixological excellence. The drink represents the legacy of Giuseppe Cipriani and the enduring charm of a bar that has preserved the essence of a bygone era.
Cipriani Hampers, Pasta and Panettone
Cipriani hampers offer a taste of Italian luxury. Their pasta selection includes exquisite varieties like tagliolini and pappardelle, crafted from the finest ingredients to ensure an authentic Italian dining experience. Complementing the savoury offerings is their renowned panettone, a sweet Christmas delicacy. Cipriani's panettone is a testament to their commitment to quality, featuring a moist, fluffy texture and rich fruit flavours. These carefully curated hampers embody the essence of Italian food excellence, making them a perfect gift or indulgence for those who appreciate the art of fine dining and the festive spirit of Italy.
Where can you buy Cipriani Bellini and the Cipriani range of food and hampers?
Cipriani Bellini is available in mini bottles, typically sipped through a straw but there is also a 750ml bottle for sharing and mini bottles of Virgin Bellini. You will also find a wide range of pasta and luxurious hampers through Sacla’ UK at sacla.co.uk.