Ah, the bellini. First invented in Venice during the Second World War, this cocktail is traditionally prepared with white peach purée and Prosecco sparkling wine. In the last 70 or so years, however, the bellini has evolved and adapted into countless tasty variations. So raise your glass and celebrate the ever-lasting bellini with some of the best cocktail makers in Montreal.
XO Le Restaurant, situated in the Hotel Le St-James, make a champagne and peach nectar bellini that is quite delicious. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, you are paying for the lovely ambience and superb location, and sometimes, just sometimes, it’s worth the indulgence, n’est-ce pas ?
Taverne Gaspar is a wonderful spot in Old Montreal. Their mango bellini cocktail is quite a delectable twist on the original. Try one in the comfortable ambiance of their lounge or on the brilliant rooftop terrace, with its panoramic view of the Saint Lawrence River.
Plumb in the heart of Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, Typhoon Lounge offers a seasonal blackberry bellini – say that 10 times fast! But if you ask nicely, they’ll make one for you almost anytime.
La Champagnerie is best known for, what else, their selection of champagne. So it’s no surprise they make a pretty smashing bellini. The Bellini parfait à la pêche is made with sultana raisin aromatized sugar, white peach purée and, of course, bubbles.
Maison Boulud is housed inside the posh Ritz-Carlton Montreal and serves up a five-star bellini of the highest order – Cava, Alain Milliat’s white peach nectar and prosecco. Delish! Expect to pay a higher price for a cocktail at Maison Boulud, but it will be a drink like no other, and totally worth the extra few bucks.
It’s no surprise an Italian restaurant, complete with wood-fired oven for their authentic Neapolitan pizza, would concoct an absolutely delicious bellini. Prepared with peach schnapps, prosecco and fresh peaches, you’ll have a hard time just ordering one.