Crafting The Perfect Peach Bourbon Smash

Peach Bourbon Smash: A Southern-Inspired Sip of Summer

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the blog below, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

A Venetian Fairytale: The Story Behind the Bellini

The Bellini cocktail was created in the 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in Venice. Inspired by the rosy hues in a Renaissance painting, he combined white peach purée with crisp Prosecco, giving birth to a drink as elegant as the city itself.

It didn’t take long for the Bellini to become a favourite among celebrities, writers, and travellers. Today, it remains a timeless symbol of Italian luxury and summer indulgence, still sipped along the canals of Venice and at brunch tables worldwide.

Bellini Cocktail Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients

60 ml white peach purée (fresh is best; see tips below)
90–120 ml chilled Prosecco (or Australian Brut sparkling for a crisp finish)
Garnish: peach slice, peach fan, or mint sprig

Method

Chill your glass — freeze or refrigerate a flute or coupe.
Build: Add peach purée to the bottom of the glass.
Top: Slowly pour chilled Prosecco to fill.
Optional stir: Give a gentle stir for a marbled effect.
Garnish: Finish with a peach slice or mint sprig.

Flavour profile: Sweet peach, crisp bubbles, and a delicate blush-pink presentation.

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Tips for Bellini Perfection

Fresh is best: Make purée from ripe white peaches. To peel easily, score an X at the base, blanch for 30 seconds, then slip skins off.
Pick the right bubbles: Dry Brut Prosecco balances sweetness; use demi-sec or Asti if you prefer it sweeter.
Keep it cold: Pre-chilled glasses help preserve bubbles and refreshment.
Garnish with flair: Try edible flowers, raspberries, or even a sliver of white chocolate for presentation.

Food Pairing Ideas

The Bellini isn’t just for brunch — its light, fruity style pairs beautifully with:

Starters: Burrata with tomatoes, olives, or oysters with lemon vinaigrette.
Mains: Scallops with lemon risotto, grilled fish with salsa verde, or chicken salad with cranberries.
Desserts: Panna cotta with berry coulis, fruit tartlets, or biscotti with dessert wine.

Variations to Try

Strawberry Bellini: Substitute strawberry purée.
Mango Bellini: Swap in mango purée for tropical sweetness.
Rosé Bellini: Use sparkling rosé instead of Prosecco.
Frozen Bellini: Blend peach purée with ice before topping with bubbles.

Responsible Enjoyment

The Bellini may be light and bubbly, but it still contains alcohol. Under Australian RSA guidelines:

One Bellini (100 ml sparkling + peach purée) = ~1 standard drink.
Alternate with water to stay hydrated.
Sip slowly to savour both bubbles and flavour.

For more: Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The Final Sparkle

The Bellini cocktail proves that sometimes the simplest drinks are the most timeless. With just two ingredients — fresh peach and sparkling wine — you can bring a slice of Venetian glamour to your home bar.

So next time you’re craving something light, fruity, and elegant, mix up a Bellini and let it transport you to summer on the canals of Venice.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW