Christmas morning is one of the most magical times of the year — the soft glow of the tree lights, the rustle of wrapping paper, the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked pastries drifting from the kitchen. It’s a moment that begs for a drink just as special as the occasion itself.
Enter the Christmas Morning Bellini: a vibrant, bubbly, and refreshing cocktail that transforms an ordinary morning into a sparkling celebration. With the sweetness of ripe peaches, the effervescence of Prosecco, and the festive flair of cranberries and mint, this drink is more than a cocktail — it’s a holiday tradition in a glass.
Whether you’re hosting a lavish brunch, enjoying a slow morning with loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this Bellini recipe will bring joy to your table. It’s elegant yet easy, colorful yet classy, and guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is designed to be foolproof yet restaurant-worthy. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Festive Presentation – The ruby red cranberries, green mint leaves, and frosted sugar rim look like Christmas decorations in liquid form.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal preparation.
- Customizable – Works equally well with or without alcohol.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Light, fruity, and bubbly — a drink that appeals to most palates.
- Perfect for Batch-Making – Easy to scale for larger gatherings.
The Flavor Profile
The Christmas Morning Bellini delivers a delightful balance of flavors:
- Sweetness from the peach purée
- Crispness from chilled Prosecco
- Freshness from mint leaves
- Tart pops from whole cranberries
- A playful sugary sparkle from the frosted glass rim
Each sip is light yet flavorful, festive yet refreshing — the kind of drink that makes you pause to savor the moment.
A Brief History of the Bellini
The Bellini was born in Venice, Italy, in the 1940s at the legendary Harry’s Bar. The drink’s peachy-pink hue reminded its creator, Giuseppe Cipriani, of the colors used in a painting by Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini — hence the name. Traditionally made with white peach purée and Prosecco, the Bellini quickly became a brunch staple worldwide.
Our Christmas Morning version is a seasonal twist on the original, adding festive garnishes and holiday flair while keeping the spirit of the classic alive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Christmas Morning Bellini, gather these fresh, simple ingredients:
Core Ingredients
- Prosecco – A sparkling Italian wine, light and crisp, perfect for brunch.
- Peach Purée – The sweet, velvety base of the drink; can be fresh or store-bought.
- Cranberries – Festive garnish for visual and flavor contrast.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – Adds fragrance and a pop of green.
- Granulated Sugar – For rimming the glasses.
Optional Additions
- Cranberry Juice – For a deeper red color and tartness.
- Simple Syrup – If you prefer extra sweetness.
- Flavored Sparkling Water – For a lighter mocktail version.
Tools You’ll Need
- Champagne flutes or stemmed glasses
- A shallow dish for the sugar rim
- Spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Blender (if making fresh purée)
How to Make Christmas Morning Bellinis
Follow these easy steps for the perfect holiday cocktail:
Step 1 – Prepare the Glasses
- Pour sugar onto a shallow plate.
- Moisten the rim of each flute with water or peach purée.
- Dip into sugar for a frosted, sparkling finish.
Step 2 – Add the Peach Purée
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons into each glass.
- Adjust based on your preferred sweetness.
Step 3 – Add the Prosecco
- Slowly pour chilled Prosecco into the glass to preserve bubbles.
- Fill just below the rim.
Step 4 – Garnish
- Drop in a few fresh cranberries.
- Add a mint sprig for a pop of green.
Step 5 – Serve Immediately
- Bellinis are best enjoyed fresh and cold.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Chill everything — including your glasses.
- Blend fresh peaches when in season for unbeatable flavor.
- Pour Prosecco slowly to keep the drink from foaming over.
- Use clear, tall glasses for the most elegant presentation.
Pairing Ideas for Your Bellini
This drink pairs beautifully with:
- Smoked Salmon Crostini
- Mini Quiches
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Fruit Tarts
Variations to Try
- Berry Bellini – Swap peaches for strawberries or raspberries.
- Tropical Twist – Use mango purée for a sunny, exotic flavor.
- Winter Spice Bellini – Add a cinnamon-sugar rim.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Peach Purée – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prosecco – Keep sealed and chilled until serving.
FAQ
Can I make it non-alcoholic? Yes! Use sparkling apple cider or soda water.
Can I use frozen fruit? Absolutely — thaw before blending.
Can I batch it? Yes, but add Prosecco just before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values:
Calories: 120 | Sugar: 10g | Alcohol: 9% ABV
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Morning Bellini is more than a drink — it’s a celebration in a glass. Its golden hue, festive garnishes, and bright flavor make it the perfect way to toast the season.
