The Original Bellini: From Venice’s Harry’s Bar to Melbourne’s Saros Bar & Dining
“The Bellini is adored across the world for its succulent fruity flavour and soft-pink radiance,” says Stefano Pepe, Saros Bar & Dining’s Restaurant Manager, and he couldn’t be more right. This iconic cocktail, now gracing our bar with its presence, carries a story as rich as its taste.
A Legacy Born in Venice
When Giuseppe Cipriani first combined Mediterranean white peach purée with sparkling Italian wine at Harry’s Bar in Venice, he wasn’t just making a cocktail – he was creating a symbol of Venetian culture itself. Named after pioneering Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, this creation perfectly embodied its birthplace, using ingredients native to the Veneto region.
The Art of the Original
The summer of 1948 marked a pivotal moment in cocktail history. During Italy’s abundant peach season (May to September), Cipriani Senior embarked on a mission to create something extraordinary. His vision? To marry the delicate white peaches he adored with Veneto’s crown jewel – Prosecco of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.
While the recipe might sound deceptively simple – two parts Prosecco, one part white peach purée, with a subtle dash of raspberry or cherry juice – the magic lies in the details. Originally, Cipriani was so dedicated to perfection that he employed staff solely to hand-squeeze and pit a specific variety of white peaches grown near Verona.
The Perfect Bellini Pour
At Saros, we’re honored to continue this legacy of excellence. Each sip delivers the same harmony between peach sweetness and fragrant bubbles that guests have enjoyed at Harry’s Bar since its creation. The signature orange-pink hue catches the light just so, while the elegant bouquet captures the essence of sun-ripened Mediterranean peaches.
The Saros Bellini Experience
Our newly arrived Bellini Cart brings theatrical flair to this celebrated cocktail. Watch as our skilled bartenders serve The Original Bellini with the same precision and care that made it famous on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal. At just $12, it’s a summer treat to share with your favourite people.
As Stefan notes, “Bellini is perfect during the summer months because it’s fresh, sweet and fizzy.” Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an elevated afternoon experience, our Bellini Cart offers the perfect excuse to gather friends and embrace the art of Italian aperitivo.
Step into Saros Bar and discover why The Original Bellini has captivated cocktail enthusiasts for generations. Our Bellini Cart awaits, ready to serve you a taste of Venetian elegance in the heart of Moonee Ponds.
