virgin cocktail

Strawberry-Lemon Bellini

Strawberry-Lemon Bellini

Strawberry-Lemon Bellini

Every now and then a cocktail is the appropriate addition to a celebration.  A spring brunch buffet for Mother's Day, or a Bridal luncheon would be the perfect setting for this "pretty-in-pink" bubbly adult beverage.  Bellini's originated in Venice at Harry's Bar, made with white peach puree and Prosecco. This variation uses finely-diced or pureed strawberries, a bit of Limoncello, and Prosecco.  It is beautiful to behold, and lovely to sip.  Try this at your next spring fling! (There's also an alcohol-free version for the underage guests!)

For each serving:

1/4 cup finely-diced     or      1 heaping Tablespoon pureed strawberries                             

1 Tablespoon very cold Limoncello

Chilled Prosecco, best quality (do not substitute champagne as the flavor profile is not the same)

Small strawberry with leaves, split vertically half-way up the berry, for garnish

Place the strawberries or puree in the bottom of a champagne flute.  (If using diced strawberries, muddle them a bit.)  Add the Limoncello.  Tip the glass slightly to the side and gently, slowly pour the Prosecco down the side of the glass to fill.  Place the strawberry on the rim of the glass and serve.

Virgin version:

Place 1 Tablespoon strawberry puree in glass. Fill glass 1/3 full with cold lemonade.  Top off with cold lemon-lime soda.