Seeking a cocktail that effortlessly combines romance with simplicity? Look no further than this delightful Strawberry Bellini Cocktail! With just three core ingredients, it boasts a stunning appearance and an absolutely irresistible taste. The harmonious blend of sweet, vibrant strawberries and crisp, bubbly Prosecco creates a drink that is light, exquisitely fruity, and wonderfully refreshing.

This elegant cocktail is the perfect choice for a myriad of occasions, from intimate Valentine’s Day celebrations and cozy date nights to festive brunches and grand celebrations. The best part? No advanced bartending skills are required. Simply whip up a quick strawberry puree, add perfectly chilled Prosecco, and you’re all set to impress. Throughout this guide, I’ve also included my top tips to ensure your homemade Strawberry Bellini turns out flawlessly every single time, making you a confident cocktail creator!

Why This Strawberry Bellini Will Become Your Go-To Cocktail

Prosecco cocktails are a perennial favorite for special occasions, and this Strawberry Bellini is no exception. Its appeal lies in its perfect balance – the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries beautifully complements the crisp, dry effervescence of Prosecco, resulting in a drink that is neither overly sweet nor too tart. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable choice for any gathering.

This particular recipe draws inspiration from the timeless classic Bellini, originating from Harry’s Bar in Venice, known for its iconic peach puree and Prosecco, as well as the Kir Royale, a French cocktail typically made with crème de cassis and Champagne. By using strawberries, we capture a similar fruity essence with a delightful seasonal twist.

Effortlessly Elegant and Impressive

One of the greatest advantages of the Strawberry Bellini is its ability to look incredibly chic and sophisticated with minimal effort. The vibrant ruby-red hue of the strawberry puree swirling with golden Prosecco creates a visual masterpiece that will undoubtedly impress your guests. It’s the kind of drink that makes a statement without requiring hours of preparation or complex techniques. You can easily elevate any occasion, from a casual brunch to a formal dinner party, with this stunning cocktail.

Fresh and Flavorful

At the heart of this Bellini is the taste of fresh, ripe strawberries. Unlike artificial syrups, a homemade strawberry puree delivers an authentic, bright, and sweet flavor that truly shines through. It’s a celebration of natural ingredients, offering a more wholesome and satisfying drinking experience. The refreshing bubbles from the Prosecco lift the fruit flavor, making each sip a delightful burst of summer.

Unbelievably Easy: Just 3 Ingredients!

Forget complicated cocktail recipes with obscure ingredients. This Strawberry Bellini keeps things simple with just three essential components: fresh strawberries, a little water to help with the puree, and a bottle of your favorite Prosecco. The straightforward preparation means you can focus more on enjoying your company and less on intricate mixology. It’s perfect for both seasoned hosts and those new to cocktail making.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this exquisite Strawberry Bellini requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The key is to select high-quality components to ensure the best possible flavor profile for your cocktail.

Fresh Strawberries

The star of the show! Look for ripe, red, and fragrant strawberries. Their natural sweetness is crucial for the puree. If your strawberries aren’t perfectly sweet, you might consider adding a touch of sugar or simple syrup to your puree later. While fresh is always best for vibrancy and flavor, frozen strawberries can also be used, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Just ensure they are thawed before proceeding with the puree.

Prosecco (or Your Favorite Sparkling Wine)

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is traditionally used for Bellinis due to its fruity notes and slightly drier profile compared to many Champagnes. Opt for a Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco – these terms refer to the sweetness level, with Brut being drier and Extra Dry having a hint more sweetness. Alternatively, you can use:

• Champagne: For a more celebratory feel and a drier, more sophisticated taste.
• Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine, often a more budget-friendly yet excellent alternative with similar dry, crisp characteristics.
• Sparkling Rosé: For an even more intense berry flavor and a beautiful pink hue.

Ensure your chosen sparkling wine is well-chilled before mixing for the best effervescent experience.

Water

A small amount of water is used when cooking the strawberries to help them soften and release their juices more easily, contributing to a smoother puree. It also prevents scorching. No fancy water needed, just regular tap water will do.

Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Puree

The secret to an exceptional Strawberry Bellini lies in a perfectly smooth, flavorful strawberry puree. This step is surprisingly simple and can be done well in advance, making your cocktail preparation a breeze.

Step-by-Step Puree Creation

1. Cook the Strawberries: Begin by placing your fresh, hulled strawberries and the specified amount of water into a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over low heat for approximately 10 minutes. The goal is to gently simmer the strawberries until they become very soft and easily mashable. This low, slow cooking process helps to break down the fruit, intensifying its natural sweetness and creating a more concentrated flavor.
2. Mash and Simmer: Once the strawberries are tender, use a fork or a potato masher to thoroughly mash them. You want to extract as much juice and pulp as possible. Continue to cook for another minute after mashing, allowing the flavors to meld further, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Strain for Smoothness: This is a crucial step for achieving that silky-smooth Bellini texture. Pour the cooked and mashed strawberries through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Using the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula, press firmly on the solids to extract all the flavorful juice and as much fine pulp as possible. Discard any remaining fibrous solids. The resulting liquid will be your concentrated strawberry puree.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the strained strawberry juice to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents the warm puree from heating up your chilled Prosecco, which would reduce its fizziness. Once cooled, cover the bowl and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until completely cold. The colder the puree, the better your final Bellini will be.

Tips for an Even Smoother Puree:

• Blender Boost: For an ultra-smooth puree, blend the cooked strawberries in a blender or food processor before straining. This will help break down the fruit even further.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cooled puree. If your strawberries weren’t very sweet, you can stir in a teaspoon or two of granulated sugar or simple syrup until it reaches your desired sweetness.

Andréa

Pro Tips for Bellini Perfection

Achieving a truly outstanding Strawberry Bellini is easy with a few expert tips:

• Chill Everything Thoroughly: For the most refreshing drink, ensure both your strawberry puree and Prosecco are well-chilled before mixing. Even your cocktail glasses can benefit from a few minutes in the freezer!
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness of strawberries can vary. Taste your puree after straining. If it’s not sweet enough for your preference, stir in a little simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves, then cooled) or a touch of granulated sugar until you reach your desired sweetness.
• Gentle Stirring is Key: When combining the puree and Prosecco, stir very gently. This helps to preserve the delicate bubbles, ensuring your Bellini remains wonderfully effervescent.
• Garnish with Flair: Elevate the presentation with a simple garnish. A fresh strawberry slice on the rim, a few small whole strawberries dropped into the glass, or a sprig of fresh mint can add both visual appeal and an aromatic touch.
• Make Puree Ahead: The strawberry puree can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to quickly assemble cocktails when guests arrive.
• Serve Immediately: While the puree can be prepped, the assembled Bellini should be enjoyed immediately to fully appreciate its fizz and fresh flavor. It’s not a cocktail that holds up well for extended storage once mixed.
• Batch for a Crowd: For larger gatherings, you can pre-measure the strawberry puree into glasses, then top with chilled Prosecco just before serving. Or, combine the puree in a large pitcher and, just before serving, slowly pour in the Prosecco, stirring gently.

Creative Variations and Customizations

While the classic Strawberry Bellini is divine, don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to suit your taste or the season:

Fruit Swaps

The beauty of the Bellini is its adaptability. Feel free to swap strawberries for other fruits:

• Raspberry Bellini: Use fresh raspberries for a slightly tarter, intensely flavored puree.
• Peach Bellini: The original classic! Use fresh or frozen (thawed) peaches for a timeless Italian treat.
• Mango Bellini: For a tropical twist, use ripe mango puree.
• Mixed Berry Bellini: A combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries creates a complex and delicious flavor.

Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Version

For a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative, simply swap the Prosecco for sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, or even non-alcoholic sparkling cider. You’ll still enjoy the delightful fruity flavor and fizz!

Add a Flavorful Twist

• Elderflower Liqueur: Add a splash (about a teaspoon per glass) of elderflower liqueur to the strawberry puree for a lovely floral aroma and taste.
• Citrus Zest: A tiny hint of orange or lemon zest in the puree can brighten the flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Blend a few mint leaves or a tiny bit of basil into the strawberry puree for an herbaceous undertone.
• Liqueur Boost: For a slightly stronger drink, add a small splash of vodka or a berry-flavored liqueur to the puree before topping with Prosecco.

Perfect Pairings for Your Strawberry Bellini

The versatile Strawberry Bellini pairs beautifully with a range of foods, making it a fantastic addition to various menus:

Brunch Favorites

The Bellini is a quintessential brunch cocktail. Its light and fruity profile complements:

• Pancakes, waffles, or French toast with fresh berries.
• Eggs Benedict or quiche.
• Light fruit salads and yogurt parfaits.

Appetizers and Small Bites

Serve your Bellinis with elegant appetizers for a delightful start to any gathering:

• Cheese and charcuterie platters, especially with soft, creamy cheeses.
• Bruschetta with tomato and basil.
• Light seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

The inherent sweetness of the Bellini makes it a lovely partner for desserts:

• Dark chocolate or chocolate-dipped strawberries.
• Fruit tarts or pavlova.
• Cheesecake or panna cotta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully, especially when fresh ones are not in season or are too expensive. Thaw them completely before cooking them with water to make the puree. The cooking time might be slightly less as they are already softer.

How long does the strawberry puree last in the fridge?

The homemade strawberry puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent component for make-ahead entertaining, allowing for quick assembly of cocktails.

What is the difference between a Bellini and a Mimosa?

Both are popular sparkling wine cocktails, but they differ in their fruit component. A Bellini traditionally uses peach puree (or in this case, strawberry puree) and Prosecco, originating from Italy. A Mimosa uses orange juice and Champagne (or other sparkling wine), typically served for brunch, originating from France.

What type of Prosecco is best for a Strawberry Bellini?

A Brut or Extra Dry Prosecco is generally recommended. Brut is drier, allowing the strawberry flavor to shine, while Extra Dry has a touch more sweetness that can complement the fruit. Avoid very sweet “Demi-Sec” or “Dolce” sparkling wines, as they can make the cocktail overly sugary.

Can I make a large batch of Strawberry Bellinis for a party?

You can prepare the strawberry puree in a large batch and keep it chilled. However, it’s best to assemble the individual cocktails just before serving to maintain the Prosecco’s effervescence. You can set up a “Bellini bar” where guests can add their preferred amount of puree to their glass and top it with Prosecco.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Explore More Cocktail Creations

If you loved this Easy Strawberry Bellini, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful cocktail recipes perfect for any occasion: