Bellini: The Cocktail From Venice

Bellini: The Cocktail From Venice

Nothing captures its essence of Venice better than the Bellini. This famous drink, a mix of white peach purée and Prosecco, is as light and refreshing as a Venetian summer evening. But how did it come to be, and why is it now a global sensation? Let’s dive into its history and discover the best places to sip one in Venice, let’s dive into a glass of Bellini: The Iconic Cocktail From Venice.
 

The Birth of the Bellini

The Bellini was born in the 1940s at Harry’s Bar, a legendary Venetian institution founded by Giuseppe Cipriani. Cipriani, always a master of hospitality and innovation, wanted to create a drink that captured the sweetness and vibrancy of Italy. He blended freshly pressed white peach purée with the crisp bubbles of local Prosecco, creating a delicate, slightly pink drink.
 
The cocktail’s name? It was inspired by the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, whose artwork often featured warm, sunset-like hues similar to the drink’s color. What started as a seasonal specialty at Harry’s Bar soon became a favorite among artists, writers, and Hollywood stars who passed through Venice.
 

How the Bellini Took Over the World

By the mid-20th century, Venice was already a magnet for the rich and famous. Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Truman Capote were regulars at Harry’s Bar, and soon, the Bellini became the drink of choice among the city’s cultural elite.
 
As tourism in Venice grew, so did the cocktail’s reputation. The Cipriani family eventually expanded beyond Venice, bringing the Bellini to New York, London, Dubai and beyond. Today, you’ll find it on menus worldwide, but nothing compares to sipping an authentic Bellini in the city of its birth.
 

Where to Try the Best Bellini in Venice

If you want to experience the Bellini as it was meant to be, here are the best spots to taste it in Venice:
 

1. Harry’s Bar (The Original)

San Marco 1323: The birthplace of the Bellini is still the gold standard. While it comes with a hefty price tag (you pay for the famous brand), there’s no more fitting place to taste the original recipe and soak in the historic atmosphere. The small, unassuming bar is a UNESCO-listed cultural site, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time.
 

2. Gritti Terrace – The Gritti Palace

  • Campo Santa Maria del Giglio: If you’re looking for the most luxurious setting, the Bellini at the Gritti Terrace is unbeatable. Overlooking the Grand Canal, this bar inside the Gritti Palace Hotel serves an elegant, perfectly balanced Bellini while offering one of the best views in Venice.

3. Terrazza Danieli – Hotel Danieli

  • Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196: Few places are as cinematic as Terrazza Danieli. Sip your Bellini while watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon from one of the city’s most opulent hotels. The cocktail here is crafted with the finest peaches and high-quality Prosecco, making it a must-try.

4. Skyline Rooftop Bar

  • Giudecca 810 (Hilton Molino Stucky): For a more modern take, head to the Skyline Rooftop Bar on Giudecca Island. This chic rooftop offers breathtaking panoramic views of Venice while serving a refined version of the classic Bellini. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset aperitivo.

5. Al Timon

  • Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754: If you’re looking for a Bellini in a more relaxed, local setting, Al Timon in Cannaregio is a great choice. Known for its buzzing atmosphere and delicious cicchetti, this bar offers a fantastic Bellini without the formality of the high-end hotels.

Bellini: A Taste of Venice in a Glass

Whether you enjoy it in an elegant hotel bar or a casual bacaro, the Bellini remains one of the most iconic drinks of Venice. Its simple yet exquisite blend of fresh white peaches and Prosecco perfectly captures the spirit of the city—romantic, timeless, and effortlessly sophisticated.
 
So, when you visit Venice, don’t just take a gondola ride or explore St. Mark’s Square—order a Bellini, raise your glass, and toast to La Serenissima. Salute!
 
And remember there is no better way to taste a Bellini than sipping it on our boat tours at sunset! Just click here to book your spots!