Brighten up your brunch table with this easy strawberry bellini. It takes no time to make and is fresh, colorful and the perfect springtime sip.
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These days, I don't tend to have a drink other than coffee if we go out for brunch, but that certainly wasn't the case pre-kids. While far from always, a brunch cocktail could certainly tempt me now and then.
Drinks like mimosas and bellinis are also great when you want something with less alcohol but still a little fancy-feeling later in the day. This strawberry bellini, also called a "Rossini", is a tasty variation that's perfect for spring and summer. So much so, I might have to try them more often.
What's the difference between a mimosa and a bellini?
You might be looking at the ingredients and thinking this looks kind of like a mimosa. Well, that's not surprising as they are very similar. Traditionally a mimosa is orange juice + champagne and a bellini is peach puree + prosecco.
Now once you get in to changing up the fruit (like my persimmon apple cider mimosa, too), you could argue that the specific sparkling wine is irrelevant.
Technically, champagne and prosecco aren't just sparkling wines from different countries, they are made from different grape varieties. So true connoisseurs may be able to tell the difference.
I tend to call it a mimosa when I'm mainly using juice, and bellini when using a fruit puree (like my lemon raspberry bellini as well).
As for the sparkling wine element, I'd say go with what you prefer, as well as considering your budget, with cava, prosecco and champagne all being good options. I would just recommend 'brut', the driest form whichever you choose.
Tips for a perfect strawberry bellini
When a drink has only two ingredients, there's not much to it, of course, but here are a couple tips:
- Make sure your strawberries are ripe, but not overripe. This way you get the best flavor.
- Strain the strawberries after you puree them to remove seeds. Any seeds that get through become kind of gritty in the bottom of your glass.
- Add the sparkling wine slowly. I found that the puree seems to make it extra bubbly.
- Stir gently - the fruit puree and sparkling wine won't naturally mix, but rather the puree will hold in suspension after mixing. But take care, as you just don't want to mix out the bubbles.
You'll find this strawberry bellini is a beautifully colored, as well as flavored, drink that's perfect for brunch, or any time. I can see why they put the Rossini's name to it. Easy to make, elegant, and definitely easy to enjoy.
Like easy cocktails, perfect for brunch? Try these!
- Mexican carajillo (an easy coffee cocktail)
- St Germain gin and tonic
- Blueberry French 75
- Pineapple mimosa
- Pimm's mojito
- Plus check out all the cocktail recipes for more inspiration.
Strawberry bellini
Ingredients
- 8 oz strawberries (8oz gives approx ⅔ cup/160ml puree)
- 2 teaspoon sugar approx, to taste (can exclude if strawberries are sweeter)
- 6 fl oz prosecco approx
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries until smooth then strain through a very fine sieve or cheesecloth to get as many of the seeds out as possible. Add the sugar, half at a time, tasting to see if it's roughly the sweetness you'd want then add more as needed.
- Divide the strawberry puree between two glasses, filling up to a little under halfway. Top the glasses with prosecco, a little at a time as it will bubble up a lot. Gently stir to mix and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. In many locations, you can have wine, spirits and more delivered to your door with Drizly.
Try these other brunch ideas:
BrunchWeek Beverages:
Blackberry Ginger Mint Julep from The Crumby Kitchen
Peppermint Mocha Coffee Syrup from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:
Muffin Tin Frittatas from Sweet Beginnings
Red Pepper, Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche from Family Around the Table
Shaksuka from Karen's Kitchen Stories
BrunchWeek Breads, Grains, and Pastries:
Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes from For the Love of Food
Strawberry Streusel Crescent Muffins from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Tiramisu Pancakes from Tara's Multicultural Table
BrunchWeek Main Dishes:
Everything Bagel Breakfast Pockets from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Frutti di Mare Marinati from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:
Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad from Eat Move Make
Asparagus Tart from Mildly Meandering
Roast Carrots with Pine Nuts & Feta from Books n' Cooks
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast from Forking Up
Barley and Apple Salad with Kale Pesto from A Day in the Life on the Farm
BrunchWeek Desserts:
Chocolate Caramel Muffins from The PinterTest Kitchen
Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut and Blueberry Frosting from Love and Confections
Chocolate Rum Beet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Beet Frosting from Daily Dish Recipes
Espresso Coffee Cake from Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
Peach Brown Butter Coffee Cake from The Redhead Baker
Remember to pin for later!
This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BrunchWeek. This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly. Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, LorAnn Oils and Flavors, Cento Fine Foods, Michigan Asparagus, Cal-Organic and Eggland’s Best for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own.
Drew says
Good recipe. Don’t need your life story
Caroline's Cooking says
Glad you at least agree it's a good recipe. As for the life story, there's all of about one or two sentences that are more personal and the rest is background and tips on the drink itself which many readers may find helpful. If you don't need it, I'm sure you found the "jump to recipe" button at the top which takes you straight to the recipe itself.
Bobbie says
Could one use unsweetened frozen strawberries in this recipe? Bobbie
Caroline's Cooking says
Yes you could - if you blend frozen, then the drink will be more of a slushie texture. If you want to have it less thick then defrost the strawberries first.
Ellen says
Love your strawberry version of a bellini.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it's both easy and delicious!
Christie says
I have never had a belini. These look delicious.
Caroline's Cooking says
It's definitely one to try!
Mike @ ASaucyKitchen says
My wife is gonna love this - strawberries and prosecco make for a very happy Sarah. Thanks for posting!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, hope she enjoys!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Perfect cocktail for a hot day like today in UK. I can have them on any occasion 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree they would work on many occasions.
Emily says
I love a strawberry bellini, so refreshing and delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks I agree!
Dannii says
That looks super refreshing. Perfect for a summer garden party.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, and absolutely!
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas says
Is it a bad thing to admit I have never had a bellini? And now I want to try one 😀
Caroline's Cooking says
Not at all! But I agree you should resolve that 🙂
Sarah says
What a beautiful drink for the summer!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Sarah, it is indeed very summery! Although really any excuse 😉
Wendy says
This is the perfect brunch cocktail.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Wendy, I'd tend to agree!
Karen says
This bellini is so gorgeous. I've never tried it with strawberries. Thanks for the great tips!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Karen, the strawberries go so well, such a lovely flavor!