{Christmas Party Favorites} Giada's Festive and Fun Bellini Bar

It's been my experience that you need three things to throw a good party: a well thought out guest list, good music, and at least one good drink. With that in mind, I hosted a Christmas Paint Party Friday night. I invited eight ladies from the neighborhood. Some introductions had to be made, but since all the ladies had several things in common, it was a good mix. The music was a no brainer. Christmas parties need Christmas music. Now for the biggie. The drink. Christmas time is a special time so I wanted something bubbly and festive. Giada's Bellini Bar fit the bill perfectly.

A bellini is a mixture of sparkling Prosecco wine and fruit puree, peach being the most common. Giada's Bellini Bar features three flavors: homemade peach, strawberry, and blueberry puree. I wasn't sure how popular a blueberry puree would be so I elected to make peach, strawberry, and cherry purees.  Now for the Prosecco. The fella at the liquor store recommended  Riondo brand. I bought four bottles and immediately put them in the fridge to chill while I made the purees.

This is indeed a gorgeous and festive drink, but it IS NOT a drink you can put together quickly so be sure to allow enough time to make all the components. First you'll need to make a simple syrup and allow it to chill. Then you'll need to let your frozen fruit thaw before you proceed to make all three purees. Between the thawing, chilling, blending, and cleaning you will need at least an hour, if not more.  It will be worth your time! I promise.

To serve the bellini, have your guest choose which puree they'd like, spoon the desired amount in the bottom of each wine glass or champagne flute, pour the Prosecco, and stir. Garnish each glass with fruit, orange slices, etc. Drink and Be Merry! This drink is sure to be a hit at your party as it was at mine!  One bellini will likely loosen up the crowd and create a fun party atmosphere. Enjoy!

 Giada's Bellini Bar

Recipe from Food Network

by Giada DeLaurentiis

Serves 12

2 cups sugar 

1 cup water 

1 (16-ounce) bag frozen peaches, thawed 

1 teaspoon grated orange peel 

1 (16-ounce) bag frozen strawberries, thawed 

1 (16-ounce) bag frozen blueberries or blackberries, thawed 

4 to 6 (750-ml) bottles Prosecco or other sparkling wine, 

*For garnish: chilled fresh fruit, such as pomegranate arils,berries, citrus slices, etc.

Note: I replaced the blueberries with a 16 oz. bag of sweet cherries

For The Simple Syrup: Stir the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely.

For The Peach Puree:  Puree the peaches and orange peel in a blender with 1/2 cup of the sugar syrup until smooth. Strain through a fine-meshed strainer and into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. 

For the Strawberry Puree: In a clean blender puree the strawberries with 1/3 cup of the sugar syrup until smooth. Strain through a clean fine-meshed strainer and into another bowl. Discard the seeds. 

For The Blueberry Puree: Puree the blueberries in a clean blender with 1/3 cup of the sugar syrup until smooth. Strain through a clean fine-meshed strainer and into a third bowl. Discard the seeds and solids. 

To Serve: Pour each of the purees into clear glass bowls or small pitchers. For each serving, pour 2 to 4 tablespoons of the desired fruit puree into a Champagne flute. Slowly pour enough Prosecco into the flute to fill. Gently stir to blend. Garnish with the whole berries, as desired, and serve. 

 Do-Ahead Tip: The fruit purees can each be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.