A fresh take on the classic Bellini
.jpg "This passion fruit Bellini uses Italian maraschino liqueur, which is a little less sweet than other cherry liqueurs and sets off the tartness of the passion fruit juice perfectly.")
I’m a firm believer that almost any party can be improved by serving sparkling wine.
That’s why when I started planning this year’s party, I didn’t start with the food; I started with a signature drink.
I started thinking about iconic cocktails and settled on the Bellini. It’s a simple drink created in Italy using white peaches, prosecco and (sometimes) a little cherry juice. But I decided to remake this classic summer cocktail with a winter fruit.
These days, most fruits and fruit juices are available all year, but I wanted a fruit that was harvested in sunny Florida in December. I settled on passion fruit because, like white peaches, it is both delicate and intensely aromatic.
While you could make this drink in January with peach nectar or frozen peaches, passion fruit pulp is an unexpected and delightful change. And in keeping with the Italian tradition of a little cherry juice, I decided to try the Italian (Luxardo) maraschino liqueur. I loved it. It was a little less sweet than other cherry liqueurs and set off the tartness of the passion fruit perfectly. Here’s to 2015! Cheers!
Elizabeth Karmel is a barbecue and Southern foods expert. She is the chef and pitmaster at online retailer CarolinaCueToGo.com and author of three books, including “Taming the Flame.”
Passion Fruit Bellini
Passion fruit pulp can be found in the frozen foods section, often with the Goya brand products.
Makes 4 servings
1 cup unsweetened passion fruit pulp, thawed
2 tablespoons maraschino liqueur
Ice
750-milliliter bottle prosecco, chilled
Maraschino cherries or fresh raspberries, to garnish
In a large cocktail shaker, combine the passion fruit pulp and maraschino liqueur. Stir to combine. Add a handful of ice, then shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into the wine glasses, dividing it evenly. Stir each glass gently, then top each with prosecco. Add a cherry or raspberry to each glass. Serve immediately.
This story was originally published December 29, 2014 at 6:00 AM with the headline "A fresh take on the classic Bellini."